Tenant refusing access for gas safety check?
Hi, my tenant finally agreed a day and time access for an annual gas safety check. However, because the tenant took so long to respond the engineer could no longer accommodate on the said day and time.
The agent is making contact with other engineers for their availability but the tenant is no longer responding. Agent fed back he was angry the appointment was no longer available. The booking was not short notice – a week in advance and lots of emails prior to this saying they would be booking this in as it was due.
The agent is emailing and calling the tenant. I have suggested sending a letter advising its for the tenant’s safety. Is there anything else I can do? The certificate expires Friday 18th October 2024. Should I contact HSE?
Thank you,
Alison
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
Previous Article
Labour slammed for treating all landlords as 'exploiters'
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 21
10:51 AM, 11th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 11/02/2025 – 07:44
I certainly will.
I am told the injunction will take weeks-you first have to serve a letter to the tenant setting out the issues and consequences.
I have contacted the council again and HSE stressing there are wider public safety considerations.
I’m here doing everything possible to ensure compliance whilst the tenenat appears not to have a care in the world, and believes it acceptable to not engage with such matters
Member Since May 2019 - Comments: 123
11:29 AM, 11th February 2025, About 1 year ago
All the more reason we need a rogue tenant register.
Bollx to GDPR & Human rights Act when these are in our properties.
Carchester
Member Since December 2022 - Comments: 82
11:35 AM, 11th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by RonaldRoo at 11/02/2025 – 10:51
Would you be willing to share the clause in the tenancy agreement which reserves a landlord right of entry?
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 21
5:38 PM, 11th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Michael Crofts at 11/02/2025 – 11:35
From my tenancy agreement?
I’ll dig it out but it’s along the lines of 24 hours notice, unless emergency in which case access is immediate.
I am told immediate access means less than 24hr but permission still required.
Given the behaviour of the tenant I suspect he is wanting me to test it by entering without his permission.
Member Since April 2024 - Comments: 284
6:04 PM, 11th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by RonaldRoo at 11/02/2025 – 17:38
Yes probably. Don’t do it RonaldRoo. Even if the tenant agrees, get this in writing, text! I would always take a witness too! Agent/friend.
Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 95
6:11 AM, 13th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 10/10/2024 – 11:59
I pay £55 for boiler and gas cooker.
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 21
8:39 PM, 13th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Alison Clark at 11/02/2025 – 18:04
So, tenant has posted on SM they are no longer living at the house.
Haven’t returned keys
Where does this leave me!
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 21
8:40 PM, 13th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Carlacarla at 13/02/2025 – 20:39
So, tenant has posted on SM they are no longer living at the house.
Haven’t returned keys
Where does this leave me!
Apols-it changed my user name
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 157
8:57 PM, 13th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Carlacarla at 13/02/2025 – 20:40
If they haven’t given notice, the tenancy is still in force. The only difference would be if not living in the property is it would no longer be an AST as it’s no longer their main residence, instead it’s a contractual tenancy or common law tenancy.
An exception would be if it was a fixed term tenancy, with no clause to form a contractual tenancy. And they left on or before the end of the fixed term. However the tenant would still need to return possession to you, to avoid a statuatory periodic tenancy from forming.
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 21
9:11 PM, 13th February 2025, About 1 year ago
Reply to the comment left by Jonathan Willis at 13/02/2025 – 20:57
Thank you.
Does a common law tenancy give me any other options?
Neighbour told me tonight they nip back every few days for mail and during that time windows are left open.
I cannot believe I’m facing all this.
I dread to think what the property will be like when I finally (hopefully) get it back