Q&A - Complying with Gas Boiler Regulations 

QUESTION
Dear Sir
Do you think that block directors (and their managing agents) are responsible for ensuring that all owners in a block know about and comply with these gas boiler regulations?  There is a risk that block directors will be deemed to be at fault if owners who do not have annual gas safety inspections do not know about these regulations and there is then a death from carbon monoxide poisoning.  Our managing agent did not tell us about the regulations.  My lettings agent did. 
Reader name withheld

ANSWER
Installation of inspection hatches is the responsibility of the homeowner, who should contact the original developer, home warranty provider or registered gas safety engineer - depending on the age of the property.  Remember that most hatches will need to be installed in apartment ceilings, which may require Landlord’s consent to alterations. Further guidance for leaseholders in your position is available from the Gassaferegister.co.uk or the FPRA.
Bob Smytherman, Chairman, Federation of Private Residents’ Associations