Is your new home 'Gas Safe'?

There are so many things to do when buying a new house. Finding it to begin with, making an offer, dealing with estate agents and solicitors, transferring money, packing, moving...

… and finally you're in! Now it's just a case of unpacking and enjoying your home!

But wait. Are you sure it's 'Gas Safe'?

You know exactly when your boiler and appliances were last checked and serviced in your former home, but what about your new house? Are you sure that everything is in full working order?

When buying a property, the vendor may be able to provide you with a Gas Safety Record that will show up-to-date checks a Gas Safe registered engineers has carried out in the property. A Gas Safety Record is commonplace in rented accommodation as landlords are legally required by law to have annual safety checks carried out on any gas appliances in their rental properties. Homeowners do not have the same legal requirements but it is always good practice to request documentation any time any gas work is done in the house. This can be something as simple as a job sheet or invoice, but it provides the new homeowner with a record of what gas works were done and when.

If the vendor is not able to provide this documentation, you should get in touch with a qualified gas engineer before you move in to assess all gas appliances and equipment in the house. Once they have completed these checks, they will issue it to the vendor, who will then give it to you upon moving.

So what will a Gas Safe register check before you move into your new home? Not all properties have all of these installed but here are the most common appliances that produce heat and require routine checks and servicing:

• Gas fired boilers
• Gas fired water heaters
• Gas fires
• Flued cooking ranges
• Warm air heaters

We have said this many times and will continue to do so – it is imperative that gas appliances are assessed, serviced and maintained on a regular basis by a fully qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. If they fall into disrepair, you are running the risk of gas leaks, potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, fires and explosions.

And just because it wasn't your home until now is no excuse – no matter how stressful and tiring the move has been, putting off calling a Gas Safe engineer until the dust has proverbially – and in some cases, literally – settled could mean the difference between life and death.

Ensure your new home is 'Gas Safe' – call your solicitor to request a Gas Safety Record from the vendor and if there isn't one, contact a registered engineer in your area to carry out the necessary checks.

You can find Gas Safe registered engineers by clicking here .