A Wirral landlord has been fined £2,400 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs after failing to carry out essential gas safety checks at a rented property for eight years. Adam Evans, of New Ferry, neglected his legal duty, placing a mother and her five children at significant risk of serious harm, including carbon monoxide poisoning. The prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) underscores the critical importance of annual gas safety inspections for all landlords.
Tenant and Five Children Exposed to Serious Carbon Monoxide Risk
The investigation by the HSE began in October 2024 following a concern raised by Wirral Borough Council. It was revealed that the tenant, who had resided at the Salisbury Drive property in New Ferry since 2016, had never had an annual gas safety check conducted on the boiler during her entire tenancy. This meant the gas appliance had gone unchecked for a period of eight years, a clear breach of statutory safety regulations designed to protect tenants.
Upon request from the HSE, Mr Evans provided a gas safety certificate dated November 2024, which was obtained only after the concern had been raised. However, he was unable to produce any records for the preceding eight years, confirming the prolonged period of non-compliance. Gas safety checks are a fundamental legal requirement for landlords, ensuring that all gas appliances and flues are operating safely and efficiently. The absence of these crucial inspections leaves tenants vulnerable to potentially fatal dangers such as gas leaks, fires, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Adam Evans pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 36(3) of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 at Wirral Magistrates’ Court on 8 October 2025. The court imposed the fine and costs, highlighting the severity of his negligence. This case serves as a stark reminder to all property owners of their responsibilities under the law.
HSE Inspector Ian Betley commented on the case, stating that Adam Evans demonstrated a complete disregard for established safety regulations, thereby endangering the lives of a family. He emphasised that annual gas safety checks are a legal obligation, specifically put in place to shield tenants from very real and potentially deadly hazards. Inspector Betley reiterated that landlords must ensure gas appliances and flues are properly maintained and inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer, warning that failures to comply will lead to enforcement action.
The HSE consistently reminds the public that landlords are legally required to ensure all gas appliances and flues within their rented properties are checked every 12 months by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Comprehensive records of these inspections must be meticulously retained. Furthermore, the installation of carbon monoxide alarms is strongly advised to provide an early warning system against this silent killer. This prosecution follows recent warnings from the HSE regarding a surge in prosecutions against individuals carrying out illegal gas work, further underscoring the dangers associated with unregulated gas practices.
The Health and Safety Executive is Britain’s national regulator for workplace health and safety, dedicated to protecting people and places, and helping everyone lead safer and healthier lives. Further information on domestic gas health and safety is available on their website.
This story was originally published by HSE Media Centre.
