This Gas Safety Week we have partnered with Sureserve, who carry out gas safety checks on behalf of Magenta Living, to explain what happens during a visit and answer some of the most common questions customers ask.
Magenta Living is responsible for arranging these checks in homes where they are required. Sureserve engineers are authorised to complete them on Magenta Living’s behalf, so if you receive an appointment from Sureserve, it is a genuine part of our gas safety programme.
These checks keep you, your household and your neighbours safe. They are also a legal requirement for landlords and must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
What happens during a gas safety check?
A Sureserve engineer will visit your home at the arranged time and show their ID on arrival. They will check the gas appliances, flues and any visible gas pipework that Magenta Living is responsible for, such as your boiler or gas fire where applicable.
During the visit, the engineer may test that appliances are burning safely, make sure gases are leaving your home correctly through the flue, check ventilation, and look for any signs of damage or faults. If any issue is found, the engineer will explain what needs to happen next and will make the appliance safe.
The appointment is usually straightforward. You do not need to prepare anything complicated, but it helps if the engineer can safely access your boiler, meter and any gas appliances.
Gas safety myth busting with Sureserve
Craig Macfetters, Contract Manager for Magenta Living at Sureserve Compliance, answers some of the most common myths about gas safety checks.
Myth 1: “A gas safety check is a home inspection.”
Craig: No, it is not a home inspection. We're there to check gas safety. Our focus is on gas appliances, flues, ventilation and pipework, and making sure everything we're responsible for is safe to use.
Myth 2: “The visit is linked to rent arrears or tenancy action.”
Craig: No. A gas safety check is about keeping people safe and meeting legal responsibilities. It isn't arranged because of overdue rent, and it's not part of any tenancy enforcement action.
Myth 3: “If my boiler seems fine, I do not need the check.”
Craig: Even if everything appears to be working normally, a check is still needed every year. Some gas safety issues are not obvious day to day, and the annual check help spot any problems early.
Myth 4: “I can choose not to have it done.”
Craig: The annual gas safety check is a legal requirement for customers living in homes where it applies. Allowing access when your appointment is arranged helps Magenta Living keep your home safe and make sure the check is completed on time.
Myth 5: “Sureserve are not part of Magenta Living, so I should not let them in.”
Craig: Sureserve are authorised to carry out gas safety checks on behalf of Magenta Living. Our engineers will carry relevant identification, and you should always feel comfortable checking who is at your door before allowing access.
How you can help
Please keep your appointment where possible, or let us know as soon as you can if you need to rearrange.
Make sure the engineer can safely access your boiler, meter and gas appliances.
Ask to see identification if you are unsure who is at your door. If you’re still unsure, check by calling 0151 728 5700
Tell the engineer if you have noticed any concerns, such as unusual smells, warning lights, or appliances not working properly.
Keeping your home safe together
Gas appliances that are not working properly can create serious risks, including carbon monoxide leaks, fires and explosions. An annual check helps make sure appliances, flues and pipework are safe and working as they should.
If you receive an appointment for your annual gas safety check, please make sure you’re available to provide access. If the appointment isn’t convenient, contact Magenta as soon as possible to rearrange. Together, we can take no chances with gas safety.
Your annual Gas Safety check is an important part of keeping your home safe, but if you spot any problems they should be reported immediately. If you smell gas, or suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning please contact the National Gas Emergency number 0800 111 999. For any other concerns about your gas supply, appliances or heating, contact us on 0808 100 9596.
Learn more about Gas and Heating Safety: Gas and heating safety | Magenta Living
Report a problem: Housing Association Contact Details | Magenta Living