Most tenancy agreements prohibit the use of Low Pressure Gas (LPG) heating appliances in rented property but why is this and what are the safety considerations?
Safety Checks
Does a mobile space heater e.g. LPG heater need a gas safety check? Yes it does.
Who is responsible for checking tenant-owned appliances and flues? Tenants are responsible for the gas safety checks of their own appliances and the flue if the flue only services their appliance. It is recommended that all flues connected to gas appliances are included within the gas safety check, even where they do not serve appliances that you provide.
Condensation
Portable LPG (Calor Gas) heaters can produce three pints of moisture in five hours and are so unless accompanied by adequate ventilation will be introducing a lot of extra water into the property and with it the potential for condensation and damp.
Location
You should always consider the positioning of the heater in your home, ensuring that it is located away from any potential fire hazards. For safety reasons it is advisable against locating your portable gas heater in any of the following locations:
Your garage or shed
For some, the thought of using a portable gas heater in their garage or garden shed can be appealing, particularly if they are spending time working in these chilly locations. However, with various flammable materials being commonly stored here, it is vital to never use a portable gas heater in these areas.
Bathrooms or showers
Warming your bathroom or shower room during the colder months can be an attractive thought, but we recommend against the use of a portable gas heater in these rooms. This is due to their size, which is often too small to offer sufficient ventilation for a gas appliance.
Your bedroom
Although tempting, never position your portable gas heater in any bedrooms in your home, as there is often an abundance of readily-combustible material in these rooms. This includes bedclothes and coverings, curtains, and soft toys; all of which could be at risk of becoming a fire hazard when placed near a portable gas heater.
High rise flats
LPG cylinders should not be used under any circumstances in high rise unstrengthened large panel system built flats. Mobile heaters may only be used in flats of traditional construction with up to four storeys including any basement storey. If you live in a high rise flat of traditional construction above four storeys tall, you must not use portable gas heaters. Many tenancy agreements for these types of property will forbid their use for this reason.
Basements of cellars
As LPG vapour is heavier than air any leakage would accumulate in the basement or cellar and would have no means of dispersing. As a result, the storage of LPG cylinders or the usage of LPG appliances in a basement or cellar is not allowed.
Health and Safety Executive – Gas Safety Checks – Health and Safety Executive – LPG cabinet space heaters and the requirements for gas safety legislation
Calor – Is your portable heater in the right place?