Energy Safety could not determine whether it was a decontamination company or the refurbishment contractor, both of which had done work on the property, who removed the heater and left a gas pipe open. But it does raise the question of why having an open pipe end sticking out into the living room of a house was not questioned by other parties, including, but not limited to the property management firm.
As an agent for the landlord, there is a duty under regulation 75A for the property management firm to ensure a gas installation is safe prior to letting the property out. It was recommended that the landlord and his agent be reminded of their responsibilities under the gas and electricity regulations.