Looking After Your Home, Friends, and Family

Gas Safety Week 2025: Looking After Your Home, Friends, and Family

At Donald Ross Residential, we are proud to support Gas Safety Week 2025, taking place from 8th–14th September.

Coordinated by the Gas Safe Register—the official list of qualified gas engineers legally allowed to work on gas—this annual campaign raises awareness of the importance of gas safety. It reminds us all to get appliances checked every year by a registered engineer to protect our homes and loved ones.

Unsafe appliances, whether poorly fitted or badly serviced, can put lives at risk. Gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning are all dangers that come from unsafe gas work. Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because it is invisible, odourless, and tasteless—yet it can be fatal in minutes.

This year’s theme, “Looking after your home, friends, and family”, highlights that we all have a part to play. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, tenant, or simply helping out friends or relatives, you can make a difference in keeping people safe.

Your Role as a Homeowner

If you own your home—whether you’re raising a family, living with a partner, or on your own—you are responsible for ensuring your gas appliances are checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. As a second line of defence, install a carbon monoxide alarm marked EN 50291 and test it regularly. This simple step can save lives.

Your Role as a Landlord

Landlords have a legal duty to protect their tenants. This means maintaining gas pipework, appliances, chimneys, and flues in safe working order. You must also arrange for an annual safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer and provide tenants with a record of this check within 28 days.

CO alarms are also required in rental properties, but the rules vary depending on where in the UK your property is located. For up-to-date guidance, visit the Gas Safe Register’s carbon monoxide advice page.

Your Role as a Tenant

If you rent, your landlord is responsible for arranging annual gas checks, but you still play an important part in staying safe. Always report any gas concerns immediately and allow access for safety inspections and repairs.

If you smell gas or suspect a leak:

• Turn off the appliance immediately

• Get fresh air

• Call the Gas Emergency Services straight away

Always ask to see your engineer’s Gas Safe ID card before allowing work to go ahead.

Your Role as a Caretaker

If you care for friends or relatives, looking out for signs of unsafe gas appliances could save their lives. Warning signs include dark sooty marks around a boiler, lazy yellow flames on gas hobs, or blocked vents. Encouraging your loved ones to book regular safety checks is one of the simplest but most effective ways to protect them.

Your Role as a Parent or Guardian

When children leave home—perhaps to go to university or on holiday with friends—it’s easy to forget about gas safety. Remind them to take an audible CO alarm with them, test it regularly, and always check gas appliances are serviced wherever they’re staying. Equipping them with this knowledge helps keep them safe even when they’re away from home.

Where to Find Help

For more advice, or to find and check a qualified engineer, visit GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call the free helpline on 0800 408 5500.