Gas servicing & Electrical testing

gas hobGas and electrical safety inspections save lives!

As a responsible landlord, we are obliged to take all reasonable steps to carry out annual gas safety checks and electrical testing. Not doing so could put lives at risk from gas explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning, or fire in your home.

We will write to you up to three times to gain access; if it is not provided we may initiate legal action in line with your tenancy agreement. This is our last resort and we want to avoid this, so allowing us access to keep you and your family safe within your home is important.

We would encourage you to speak to us should you have any concerns.

Gas Safety

Your Responsibilities

By law, we need to conduct a yearly gas safety check on your home before your current certificate expires. Please keep an eye out for your appointment letter. Should you need to re-arrange, please contact us as soon as possible.

Please be aware that shared owners and leaseholders are responsible for arranging their gas safety checks. Two Fairhive engineers working on a boiler unit.

Our engineer will service all gas appliances owned by Fairhive, including gas boilers, and check the gas supply pipes. You are responsible for making sure that the appliances you have fitted yourself, are installed and checked by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. We recommend you arrange for a Gas Safe Registered engineer to check your appliances every year for safety.

Take a look at the Gas Safe Register to find suitably qualified engineers in your area to carry out these checks.

Gas Leaks

If you detect the smell of gas, suspect a leak or your carbon monoxide alarm sounds continuously, call the National Gas Emergency number immediately on 0800 111 999. 

It’s then important to: 

  • Open all doors and windows and get yourself into fresh air immediately.
  • If possible, turn off the gas at the meter
  • Do not smoke
  • Do not operate any electrical switches as this could ignite any escaped gas and cause an explosion or fire

Afterwards, please inform us by calling 01296 732600.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an extremely dangerous gas, it has no smell, taste, or colour and can be fatal. It’s important to look out for the warning signs, some of which we’ve listed below. 

  • Carbon Monoxide alarm sounding
  • Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, or having headaches

All of our properties are equipped with carbon monoxide detectors wherever there is a gas-burning appliance such as a boiler or fire (gas cookers are exempt) to alert you in case of a leak.

The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning can be similar to those of common illnesses like colds or flu. If your symptoms get better away from home, this may be a sign of a CO leak in the property.

Visit the NHS website to see some of the common symptoms. If you experience any symptoms while using an appliance, stop using it immediately and contact us on 01296 732600.

Testing your alarms

A Carbon Monoxide Alarm being tested.

To test your carbon monoxide detectors, press and hold the 'test' button on the alarm. The device should emit a beep. For instructions specific to your model, please refer to the user manual. If the alarm does not test properly, contact us for assistance, as most of our alarms are hard-wired and cannot be replaced by yourself. Remember to test your CO detectors and smoke alarms monthly to ensure they are functioning correctly.

If you have a smoke alarm linked to a fire panel with a block, we perform weekly tests at the panel and annual tests within the flats. This procedure applies to all Independent Living Schemes and a select number of General Needs blocks.

Electrical Safety

At Fairhive, we’re committed to keeping your home safe, and that includes making sure your electrics are in good condition.

We aim to complete an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICRs) at least every five years in line with current legislation, or when there’s a change of tenancy, to make sure your home meets current safety standards and to minimise any risk of electrical fires.

Electrical checks help us:

  • Identify any faults or hazards early
  • Make sure your electrics meet legal safety standards
  • Protect your home from fire risks caused by faulty wiring or equipment

 

What to Expect During the Inspection

  • Appointments are offered in the morning or afternoon
  • The inspection typically takes 2–4 hours to complete
  • We recommend you are at home during the visit, so you can raise any concerns
  • Power will be temporarily switched off, which may affect broadband and other electrical services. However, we will aim to keep disruption to a minimum. 


Our team will need access to:

  • Your consumer unit (fuse box)
  • Every room in your home
  • Any outbuildings that have electricity (like garages or sheds)
  • We’ll test and inspect light fittings, sockets, switches and other electrical points. If we find anything in an unsafe condition we’ll disconnect it right away to keep you safe. This includes outdoor or shed wiring that doesn’t meet current regulations.
  • Where possible, any repairs will be completed during the same visit. If we can’t complete them right away, we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment before leaving your home.

 

Smoke Alarms

Smoke alarms are essential for your safety. Here’s what you need to know:

  • You should test your smoke alarms monthly by pressing the test button on the centre of the device. The device will sound the alarm for a short period including any other alarms that are interconnected. For instructions specific to your model, please refer to the user manual.
  • Fairhive will maintain or replace smoke alarms before they reach their expiry date.
  • Smoke alarms are also checked every year during your annual gas safety check.
  • They will also be inspected as part of your 5-yearly electrical safety check.

Regular testing and maintenance help ensure your smoke alarms work when you need them most.

After Your Inspection

Once your inspection is complete, we will send you a copy within the specified 28 days. Certificates are also available on request.

Need support or have questions?

Please contact us if you’re unsure about anything or would like to speak to someone about your upcoming inspection.
 

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