Landlord concernsI write with reference to Deanna Levine's article on gas safety (see [2001] Gazette, 22 March, 47).

No practitioner could doubt the importance of abiding by the regulations.

However, it is somewhat blighted by the fact that we do not have an effective system for enforcing them.My previous post was tenancy relations officer (TRO) with Newcastle City Council, advising, assisting, and preparing cases for prosecution in the private rented sector.

The city council was involved in a number of landlord projects within the area, including one scheme run in conjunction with the local student accommodation offices.In order for private tenancies at Newcastle universities and colleges to be advertised, the properties had to comply with strict criteria, including the issue and display of a gas safety certificate.

The self regulation in this particular area worked well, at least at the time of my posting as TRO.Unfortunately, outside this, it dismayed me to see often persistent ignorance of a law that was passed to save lives.

It was usually in visiting properties for other reasons that I would question the gas appliances - and all too often my concerns were well founded.The defective appliance would be disconnected by a colleague and the relevant statutory notices given to the landlord.However, many landlords would either refuse to repair or to replace the appliance, leaving the tenant without one.

Most occupiers were assured short-hold tenants, with little security of tenure, and were reluctant to take any further action.

A tenant's bargaining position was usually worsened if he or she had rent arrears, was anex-council tenant who had been evicted for arrears, or had other problems.Perhaps this is something which can be policed, if, and when, a national registration scheme is introduced for landlords.

Until it is, then we will continue to risk the persistent flouting of the law by unscrupulous landlords, or by those who have not taken advice on the repairing and safety obligations of a landlord.Shn Mauritzon, trainee solicitor, Row & Scott Solicitors, Newcastle upon Tyne