The Community Housing Group and Oakleaf Commercial Services have joined in to support the Gas Access Campaign.

Annual Gas Safety Checks are a legal requirement and protect residents and their neighbours from threats of gas explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning. However, some tenants do not recognise the importance of having the Free Gas Check and this can delay access for up to four months whilst the legal process is followed. Only Local Authorities have the right to access their homes within 24 hours, using a warrant which they can obtain from a Magistrates Court, on the day they apply for access.

The Government is aware of this problem but to date, no change has taken place. The sooner the law is changed, the sooner Social Landlords can make sure that everyone with gas appliances within affordable housing can sleep safely.

The Gas Access Campaign, which is being led by the AGSM, CORGI Technical Services and Home Group, has been campaigning for a change in legislation to allow social housing landlords the same right of entry to properties as Local Authorities.

Ian Hancock, Managing Director for Oakleaf Commercial Services, said: “We are totally behind this campaign, as it’s people’s lives at risk. It can be hard gaining access to a property and tenants don’t necessarily understand the importance – it’s all about trying to educate and raise awareness. We have signed-up for the campaign and joined many others in the sector and further afield, to get together and change the law, and in turn, save lives.”

For more information about the Gas Access Campaign, please visit www.gasaccesscampaign.org or on Twitter @gasaccess.