Gas safety

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, take the following actions straight away:

• call the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999
• turn off your gas appliances (if it is safe to do so)
• do NOT switch lights or electrical appliances on or off
• do NOT smoke or use naked flames
• open windows and doors to ventilate the property
• leave the property immediately and wait outside
• if there is fire, explosion or immediate danger, call 999
• do not return to your home until you are told it is safe to do so

• call the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999 immediately
• turn off all gas appliances (if it is safe to do so)
• ventilate the property by opening windows and doors
• leave your home immediately
• if anyone is feeling unwell, call 999 for medical assistance
• do not re-enter the property until advised it is safe to do so

If the issue relates to any Watford Community Housing appliance, we will arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to visit.

Watford Community Housing has legal duties to keep you safe. We will:

• carry out an annual Gas Safety Check (LGSR) on all landlord-owned gas appliances
• ensure all engineers entering your home are Gas Safe registered
• repair or address issues or unsafe defects with landlord-owned boilers, chimneys and heating systems in a timely manner
• keep detailed records of all inspections and certificates
• act in accordance with The Gas Industry Unsafe Situations Procedure where an unsafe situation is identified and make safe any ‘At Risk’ or ‘Immediately Dangerous' appliances 
• provide and replace carbon monoxide (CO) alarms in line with legal requirements

These safety checks are a legal requirement and must be carried out every year.

You also play an important role in keeping your home safe. You must:

• maintain and service any gas appliances that you own, such as cookers or gas fires - make sure any manufacturer-specific tests are carried out as part of the servicing process
• ensure all gas work you arrange is carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• after any safety check or service, ask for a Gas Safety Record. Keep it for your reference and send a copy to us for our records
• follow any safety advice given during a gas safety visit
• take action to repair, disconnect or replace resident-owned appliances marked as 'At Risk'
• provide access to your home so our engineers can carry out the annual mandatory gas safety check
• never tamper with boilers, gas meters, flues, vents or pipework
• if your appliance is over ten years old, consider replacing it with a modern model featuring safety devices, like flame failure protection

Failure to repair or replace any of your appliances marked 'At Risk' or 'Immediately Dangerous' could result in the appliance being disconnected at your next annual gas safety check. 

Please note that portable flueless appliances are not permitted under your tenancy terms and conditions.

They state that you must not use or store any petrol, paraffin, liquid petroleum, calor gas heaters or other highly flammable materials. 

The only exceptions include usual household goods (e.g. for lawnmowers, barbecues etc.) or items required for medical reasons, which you must notify us about in writing.

If you want to change your existing gas supply, or install a new gas appliance (including flueless appliances), you must request this through our formal application for alterations process. 

You can find our form here. 

This is essential in order to ensure compliance with safety regulations and maintain the integrity of the gas system. Unauthorised alterations or connections pose serious safety risks and may result in removal if not approved first.

To reduce winter breakdowns and stay warm:

• keep your boiler pressure topped up
• insulate outdoor pipes to prevent freezing
• check your outside condensate pipes during cold spells
• understand how to use your thermostat and heating controls efficiently
• report issues early rather than waiting for extreme weather