Gas safety is one of the most important responsibilities for landlords in Ireland. Ensuring your rental property is compliant with current safety standards protects both your tenants and your investment. One critical aspect of compliance is understanding what an Annex E inspection is, when it applies, and how it connects with the process of obtaining a landlord gas safety certificate.
What is an Annex E Inspection?
An Annex E inspection refers to a specific gas safety check outlined in Annex E of Irish Standard I.S. 813, the national code of practice for domestic gas installations in Ireland. It’s a targeted safety inspection carried out in situations such as:
- When a new tenant is moving into a property
- When a property is being let after a period of vacancy
- When re-commissioning a gas installation
The purpose of the Annex E inspection is to ensure that the gas installation and appliances are operating safely and pose no risk to occupants.
An Annex E inspection typically includes:
- A gas tightness test to ensure there are no leaks in the system
- A visual inspection of all accessible gas pipework and appliances
- Checks to confirm there is adequate ventilation and that all vents and flues are in working order
- Confirmation that gas appliances operate correctly and safely
It is important to understand that this is not a full appliance service. The purpose of the inspection is to make sure that the gas system is working safely and compliantly and does not look at the appliance’s performance. If you are interested in a gas boiler service in addition to an Annex E inspection, get in contact with our team today.
While it is not an official part of the inspection, it is a good idea to test the property’s carbon monoxide alarms as they are another legal requirement for landlords to install and maintain their properties as part of the Minimum Standards and Fire Safety regulations.
Why It Matters for Landlords in Ireland
As a landlord, you have a legal obligation to ensure that any gas appliances such as gas boilers, pipework, and associated systems in your rental property are safe for use. Failing to do so could expose tenants to serious risk, including fire, explosion, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
An Annex E inspection provides clear evidence that a certified professional has checked the gas installation in your property and deemed it safe. It helps you:
- Fulfil your legal responsibilities as a landlord
- Provide reassurance to tenants
- Demonstrate compliance to letting agents or insurers
- Maintain accurate records in case of audits or inspections
In short, it’s a crucial step in managing your property safely and professionally.
Understanding the Gas Safety Certificate Process
Although there is no legal requirement in Ireland for landlords to obtain a formal gas safety certificate annually (as in the UK), many letting agents, insurance providers, and local authorities will request some form of documentation to confirm the property’s gas system has been recently inspected.
This is where an Annex E inspection becomes especially relevant. Following a successful inspection, a certified gas installer can issue a landlord gas safety certificate to verify that the property complies with safety standards.
It is good practice to keep these certificates on file as they serve as documented proof of your commitment to safety and can be essential when:
- A tenancy begins or ends
- Your property is audited or inspected
- You need to make an insurance claim
- You sell the property or hand it over to a new agent
Who Can Carry Out an Annex E Inspection?
To be valid, a certified professional must carry out an Annex E inspection. In Ireland, this means a gas installer who is registered with the Register of Gas Installers of Ireland (RGII).
Only RGII-registered gas installers are legally authorised to work on domestic gas systems and issue safety certificates. Using an unregistered installer can put your tenants at risk and invalidate your insurance or any certificates issued.
You can verify a professional’s registration by visiting the official RGII website. Always request proof of RGII registration before any work begins, and make sure you receive a written report or certificate once the inspection is complete.
At Complete Plumbing, our team is RGII registered and available to carry out your Annex E inspection as well as service your gas appliances. We offer gas boiler services as well as gas boiler installations in Cork if you are looking to upgrade.
Preparing for an Inspection
There are a few simple steps you can take to ensure your landlord gas inspection goes as smoothly as possible. Make sure all gas appliances, including the boiler, hob, and any gas fires, are accessible. Notify your tenants well in advance and arrange for someone to be present if necessary.
It’s also important to clear the area around appliances and pipework to allow your registered gas installer to work efficiently. Have any previous gas safety certificates or service records ready, in case they are requested. Being prepared helps the installer carry out the inspection without delays and ensures that all necessary documentation can be issued promptly.
Consider scheduling a boiler service at the same time as your Annex E Inspection to save time and make sure that your boiler is working efficiently.
Final Thoughts: Keeping Your Property and Tenants Safe
Landlords who take gas safety seriously not only protect their tenants but protect their property, reputation, and long-term investment. Regular inspections, proper documentation, and hiring qualified professionals are essential steps in fulfilling your responsibilities.
At a minimum, you should:
- Schedule an Annex E inspection when a tenancy changes or the property has been vacant
- Use only RGII-registered installers for all gas work
- Keep clear records of all landlord certificates, inspections, and services carried out
- Respond promptly to any concerns raised by tenants about gas appliances
At Complete Plumbing, we provide certified Annex E inspections, gas safety checks, and issue fully compliant landlord gas safety certificates. Our team of plumbers in Cork are RGII-registered and experienced in working with landlords and property managers across the county.
If you’re preparing for a new tenancy, need to update your compliance documentation, or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at (021) 203 1283 to schedule your inspection and keep your property safe, compliant, and ready for tenants.