As your landlord, Lancaster City Council has a legal responsibility to make sure that gas heating systems and pipes in our properties are kept safe:

• We carry out a gas safety check on all gas boilers at least once every 12 months, including those used for shared heating and hot water supply. We also check all gas fires we have provided and do a visual inspection of any gas fires or cookers fitted by customers. 
• When a property becomes vacant, the gas supply is turned off and tested before being turned back on. We also have legal powers to enter properties if needed to complete a gas safety check, to keep all residents and neighbouring properties safe. 
• Only qualified gas engineers carry out safety checks and repairs on gas heating systems. For safety reasons, customers cannot install their own gas fires or use propane or Calor gas within their homes. 
• We keep electronic copies of all gas safety certificates as proof of compliance, and we provide a 24/7 repairs service to quickly handle any urgent gas repairs or safety concerns.

• Allow Lancaster City Council access to your property for the annual gas safety check. 
• Call the Lancaster City Council Customer Services Team if you think your gas safety check is due or if you're unsure when it was last done on 01524 582929.
• Use a Gas Safe registered engineer to install a gas cooker. 
• Report any faults with your gas boiler to Lancaster City Council at 01524 582929.
• DO NOT install a gas fire in your property or use propane or Calor gas. 
• If you smell gas and/or think there might be a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.

If you have gas appliances in your home, we need to access your property at least once every 12 months to do a Gas Safety Check. This is to keep you and your household safe. The safety check helps find any faults that, if left unfixed, could cause gas leaks, fires, or carbon monoxide poisoning. 

Around 6 weeks before your gas safety check is due, Lancaster City Council will send you a letter with the date and time our gas contractor EMCOR, will visit. If the appointment doesn’t work for you, you can contact us to reschedule. 

It’s very important to let us know if you won’t be available, as failing to provide access could lead to legal action. 

The engineer will need access to every room with a gas appliance and/or smoke, heat, or CO alarm.

If you expect any issues with the safety check or have specific needs, please call 01524 582929 for Lancaster City Council Customer Services Team   

For your safety, all engineers carry photographic ID cards.

To help make the gas safety check quick and easy, please make sure:

• You have credit on your gas and electric meter*.
• Someone over the age of 18 will be at home. 
• There is clear access to the gas meter, gas meter control tap, all gas appliances (like the boiler, fire, and/or cooker), and all smoke, heat, and CO alarms.
• Gas appliances haven’t been used for at least an hour before the appointment so they’re not too hot to work on, if possible. 
• If you have a dog, it is secured in a separate room or outside. 
• You allow enough time for the test, which should take about 45 minutes.

*If there isn’t gas or electric credit, the engineer will still need access but won’t be able to carry out the safety check and may need to turn off the gas supply.

During the safety check, the engineer will: 

• Ask to see the gas meter and any gas appliances, like the boiler, fire, or cooker. 
• Test all smoke, heat, and CO detectors to make sure they’re working. The engineer will check the battery expiry date and replace it if needed. Depending on the age/type, some detectors may be noted for replacement. 
• Do a gas tightness test at the gas meter to ensure there are no leaks or faults in the gas pipework. 
• Inspect the boiler and run tests to make sure no harmful fumes are being released. The engineer will also check the boiler settings to ensure it’s working efficiently. 
• If you have a gas fire installed by Lancaster City Council, the engineer will remove it from the wall to perform a flue test, clean it, and refit it. If the fire was installed by you, they will do the safety tests but won’t clean it. 
• Do a visual check of your gas cooker to confirm it’s installed and working correctly. 

The results of the safety check are recorded on an electronic certificate, which can be provided on request. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the Gas Safety Check, please contact the Lancaster City Council Customer Services Team - 01524 582929 or councilhousing@lancaster.gov.uk.