As someone who has worked hands on in plumbing and heating services for over 15 years, I have seen first hand how many landlords believe an annual gas safety check is all they need to protect their tenants and their property. While the Gas Safety Certificate is a legal requirement in the UK, relying on it alone can leave serious gaps in safety, efficiency and long term cost control.
At Plumbing Network, we regularly support landlords across South Yorkshire who are surprised to learn that gas checks are only one piece of a much bigger picture. Whether you manage a single rental or a growing portfolio, understanding what sits beyond the annual check is essential.
This guide explains why annual gas checks alone are not enough, what landlords should be doing instead and how working with experienced plumbers in Sheffield can help you stay compliant, safe and stress free.
What an annual gas safety check actually covers
A legal minimum not a full health check: An annual gas safety check ensures that gas appliances are safe to use on the day of inspection. A Gas Safe registered engineer checks items such as gas boilers, cookers and flues for obvious faults.
The check usually includes
• Confirming appliances are burning gas correctly
• Checking flues for safe removal of fumes
• Testing for gas leaks
• Ensuring safety devices are working
While this is vital, it does not assess overall system efficiency, future breakdown risks or wider plumbing and heating issues.
Why annual gas checks alone are not enough
Problems can develop between inspections: Gas appliances can deteriorate quickly, especially in rental properties with high usage. A boiler may pass a safety check in January but develop faults by March.
Common issues we see at Plumbing Network include
• Worn components that fail months after inspection
• Pressure loss due to hidden leaks
• Early signs of corrosion not classed as dangerous yet
Annual checks do not monitor changes throughout the year.
They do not assess boiler performance or efficiency
A boiler can be safe but inefficient. Poor efficiency leads to higher energy bills, unhappy tenants and increased wear on components. For landlords considering boiler installation in Sheffield, efficiency checks and system upgrades are just as important as safety certification.
Plumbing issues are often overlooked: Gas checks do not include
• Water pressure problems
• Leaking pipework
• Radiators not heating evenly
• Faulty thermostats or controls
These issues affect tenant comfort and often lead to emergency callouts if ignored.
Carbon monoxide risks extend beyond the boiler: While gas checks test appliances, carbon monoxide risks can also come from blocked vents, building alterations or poor room ventilation.
Ongoing inspections and tenant education are key to reducing this risk.
The wider responsibilities landlords need to consider
Ongoing boiler servicing: An annual boiler service goes deeper than a gas safety check. It includes cleaning components, checking seals and identifying wear before it becomes dangerous. At Plumbing Network, we recommend servicing at the same time each year to maintain performance and manufacturer warranties.
Regular plumbing and heating inspections: Professional plumbers in Sheffield can spot early warning signs such as
• Sludge build up in heating systems
• Declining water pressure
• Failing valves or pumps
These inspections prevent costly breakdowns and tenant complaints.
Legal duty of care: Landlords have a responsibility to keep properties safe and habitable. Relying on the bare minimum can put you at risk of disputes, fines or insurance issues if something goes wrong.
How landlords can protect tenants and their investment
Take a proactive approach: Instead of waiting for faults to appear, proactive maintenance reduces risk and cost over time.
This includes
• Annual gas safety checks
• Annual boiler servicing
• Periodic plumbing inspections
• Prompt response to tenant reports
Work with a trusted local provider: Using a local company like Plumbing Network means you benefit from engineers who understand local property types and common issues. Our experience with boiler installation in Sheffield and ongoing landlord maintenance helps ensure systems are safe, efficient and compliant.
Final thoughts and next steps
Annual gas safety checks are essential but they are not enough on their own. Landlords who rely solely on this legal minimum often face higher costs, unhappy tenants and avoidable risks. By combining gas checks with regular boiler servicing, plumbing inspections and expert advice, you protect both your tenants and your investment.
If you are a landlord looking for trusted plumbers in Sheffield or considering boiler installation in Sheffield, Plumbing Network is here to help.
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