A gas safety certificate is a legal requirement proving gas appliances were checked by a registered gas engineer. It’s needed for rental properties and new installations. Our guide explains gas compliance certificates.
A gas safety certificate is an important document that shows your gas appliances have been checked by a licenced gas fitter and confirmed to be safe. It provides proof that your gas system complies with safety regulations.
Gas safety checks need to be conducted annually on all gas appliances, flues and pipework in rental properties. This includes things like heaters, stoves, hot water systems and gas outlets. The gas fitter will inspect each appliance, checking for leaks, making sure there is proper ventilation and that the flame is burning correctly.
Once the gas fitter has inspected everything, they will issue a gas safety record. This has details of the appliances checked, whether any defects were found, confirmation that repairs were carried out if needed, and verifies that your gas system now meets the required safety standards.
Having an up-to-date gas safety certificate is a legal requirement for landlords in Australia. It provides peace of mind that your rental property is safe for tenants. As a tenant, you can request to see a copy of the gas safety certificate from your landlord or real estate agent.
There are several situations where a gas safety certificate is required by law in Australia:
Landlords are legally responsible for making sure all gas appliances in their rental properties are safe. This includes having an annual gas safety check done by a licenced gas fitter, who will then issue a compliance certificate.
The certificate needs to be provided to new tenants before they move in. Existing tenants can also request to see a copy of the current gas safety certificate from the landlord or agent.
While not mandated by law, it is highly recommended that homeowners also get their gas appliances inspected and certified annually. This provides peace of mind that your gas system is operating safely.
Some reasons a homeowner may need a compliance certificate include:
Workplaces in Australia must comply with gas safety laws. If your business premises has any gas installations, you need to arrange annual gas safety checks by an authorised technician.
A current gas compliance certificate must be kept on file as proof that the business has met its gas safety obligations.
There are a few key times when you need to ensure you have a current gas safety certificate:
Gas safety checks and certificates should be conducted every year on rental properties. This annual inspection is a legal requirement for landlords in Australia.
Homeowners and businesses should also aim to get their gas appliances certified annually as best practise, even though it is not mandated by law.
Tenants have the right to request to see a current gas safety certificate from their landlord or agent before moving into a rental property. The certificate should be less than 12 months old.
If any work has been done on your 'Gas appliances’, such as a repair or installing new appliances, an updated gas safety check is required once the work is complete.
If there has been a gas leak, explosion, or carbon monoxide exposure, a new gas safety inspection and certification should be arranged as soon as possible for insurance and safety purposes.
The certificate provides proof that any issues have been fixed and 'your gas’ system is now compliant again after the incident.
Getting your annual gas safety inspection is an important process that requires coordination and planning. Here are the key steps involved in arranging the gas safety check:
You need to use a licenced and accredited gas fitter to perform the safety inspection. Search online for local gas fitters or ask your landlord/agent for a recommendation. Make sure they are licenced and registered with Gas Safe.
Contact your chosen gas fitter to book in the safety check at a suitable time. Allow 1-2 hours for the inspection. Rental properties require checks every 12 months so schedule it ahead of the due date.
On the day, ensure all gas appliances are accessible and any pets are kept out of the way. The gas fitter will need clear access to heaters, stoves, pipes etc.
Try to be home during the gas safety check. This allows you to be informed of any issues found. Make sure the fitter tests all gas appliances.
Once satisfied that your gas system is safe, the gas fitter will issue a gas safety certificate. This is your proof of compliance. Keep the certificate on file and provide copies to your agent/tenants as required.
The gas safety check is a thorough inspection process carried out by the gas fitter. It involves:
The inspection aims to identify any faults or safety hazards that could put occupants at risk from carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, leaks or explosions. It ensures your gas system is operating safely and efficiently.
Once the gas safety inspection is complete, the gas fitter will issue you an official gas safety certificate.
The 'gas safety certificate’ contains details such as:
Make sure you are given the original copy of the 'gas safety certificate’ to keep on file as your proof of compliance.
For rental properties, copies of the current 'gas safety certificate’ must also be provided to new tenants prior to moving in. Existing tenants can request a copy from the landlord or agent as well.
Homeowners should retain the 'gas safety certificate’ as evidence that annual checks have been completed, which may be required for insurance purposes.
If any immediate and dangerous defects are found during the inspection, the gas fitter may disable the appliance until it can be fixed and properly certified as safe.
Failing to meet gas safety requirements and not obtaining an annual gas safety certificate can have serious consequences:
Without proper safety checks, faults in your gas system may go undetected. This puts occupants at risk of gas leaks, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning, which can be fatal.
There are heavy penalties for non-compliance with gas safety laws. Landlords can face fines up to $15,000 as well as further legal action for not meeting their obligations.
Insurance claims may be refused if a current gas safety certificate cannot be provided as evidence that annual checks were completed.
Tenants can refuse to pay rent and may consider compensation claims if the landlord has not met requirements for gas safety checks.
Having an up-to-date gas safety certificate shows you have met your legal duties. It also provides peace of mind that your gas system is operating safely for all occupants.
Having safe and well-maintained gas appliances in your home or business should be a top priority. Failing to get annual gas safety checks puts you and others at risk.
As a responsible homeowner or landlord, make sure you arrange inspections by accredited gas fitters each year. They will check all your gas systems thoroughly and provide a gas safety certificate as proof of compliance.
Don’t wait until there is an incident to get your gas appliances inspected. Be proactive about safety! Contact a professional like Pennant Hills Plumbing today to book your annual gas safety check.
Our fully licenced technicians will conduct a comprehensive inspection of your entire gas system. We’ll check for leaks, test the flue, assess ventilation, and ensure all appliances are operating safely. You’ll be issued with a detailed gas safety certificate for peace of mind.
Don’t put it off - get in touch with us to schedule your gas safety inspection. We service all areas across Sydney. Your safety is our top concern, so call Pennant Hills Plumbing on 1300 349 338 or use our online booking form.
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