Flues concealed in ceilings and voids and spaces not accessible for a gas safety inspection.

If you have a central heating boiler where the flue cannot be inspected throughout its entire length, you, or your landlord, will need to arrange for inspection hatches to be fitted. This does not mean that your flue system is suddenly unsafe.

As long as the boiler is regularly serviced, gas safety checks carried out and there is an audible carbon monoxide alarm fitted − it can be used normally for the time being.

You have until 31 December 2012 for these inspection hatches to be fitted work although it is recommended that inspection hatches are fitted as soon as you are able to do so.

From 1 January 2013, any Gas Safe registered engineer will be required to turn the boiler off and formally advise you not to use it until inspection hatches have been fitted.

Note: Carbon monoxide alarms are not an alternative to being able to see the flue and you will still need to have inspection hatches fitted.