Regular boiler inspection reminder for landlords

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by Lin Freestone

All owners, landlords, tenants or occupiers should be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning and regularly monitor their installation.

This stark reminder results from the death of a six-year-old girl who died from carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of two missed annual boiler inspections at the house rented by her parents.

The negligent landlord has just been fined £20,000 by Blackfriars Crown Court, together with £35,000 in prosecution costs.

The child died after inhaling the gas in her sleep at the rented house in Wimbledon, south-west London. Carbon monoxide gas is known as the ’silent killer’ because it is invisible and has no smell. It is also very poisonous and can kill quickly.

Carbon monoxide detectors can be fitted which make an audible sound when they detect dangerous levels of the gas. The old-style indicator strips can often go unnoticed or fade with age.

Landlords should carry out a gas safety check at least once a year, and it’s the landlord’s responsibility to arrange this check. Gas safety checks must be carried out by CORGI gas installers.