Boiler maintenance should be a priority for landlords – one slip-up and you’ll either fall on the wrong side of the law, or the boiler will break down.
But where do landlord responsibilities start and end? And what are the consequences for not properly following regulations?
Boiler servicing responsibilities for landlords
Landlords are legally responsible for repairs to heating, hot water, gas appliances, pipes, flues, ventilation, wiring, and sanitary fittings. This means boiler repairs and servicing is up to you.
It’s also the landlord’s legal obligation to service any gas appliances with the frequency required by the manufacturer – you’ll find this detailed in the product manual.
Under the Gas Safety (installation and use) Regulations 1998, landlords are legally required to:
- complete an annual gas safety check – you must arrange for a gas safe registered engineer to carry out a gas safety check on the boiler and any other gas appliances every 12 months
- gas safety certificate – after the inspection, you must provide your tenants with a copy of the Gas Safety Record (CP12 certificate) within 28 days, or before they move in
- ongoing maintenance – you must make sure the boiler is kept in safe working order through regular servicing and repair as required.
Not following the regulation can result in hefty fines, invalid insurance, and even criminal prosecution.
Who’s responsible for servicing the boiler – landlords or tenants?
The landlord is responsible for servicing the boiler. But tenants generally assume responsibility for daily maintenance (but not repairs) like keeping the heating running when necessary and reporting problems.
Some tenancy agreements can state the tenant is responsible for maintaining chimneys and flues.
While the only law requires an annual gas safety check, it’s also best practice to arrange a full boiler service once a year. A service goes beyond basic safety checks and helps:
- improve efficiency and reduce energy bills for tenants
- prolong the life of the boiler
- prevent costly breakdowns and emergency call-outs
How long does a landlord have to fix a boiler?
Landlords are required to take action to repair any problems quickly. Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 states that repairs should be carried out in a ‘reasonable time’.
Emergency repairs should be addressed within 24 hours as having no hot water or heating constitutes a hazard under the law.
Access rights to the property for boiler checks
You must give tenants at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the property to carry out a boiler service or repair (unless it’s an emergency). Even though boiler checks are a legal requirement, regular access rights still apply.
Energy efficiency responsibilities for landlords
Landlords must make sure their rental properties meet a minimum Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E, according to an update to regulations in April 2020. An old or inefficient boiler can drag down your EPC score, so upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model can help you stay compliant, reduce tenant complaints, and make your property more attractive.
Best practice for landlords managing boilers
Outside of your legal responsibilities, there are a few things you can do to make things simpler for both you and your tenant, such as:
- keeping a log of the boiler’s service and repair history
- building a relationship with a reliable Gas Safe engineer
- responding quickly when tenants report boiler issues
- offering tenants guidance on how to operate the boiler efficiently and safely
Landlord boiler cover
The cost of replacing a faulty boiler can be really high. Luckily, it’s generally possible to get boiler breakdown cover as part of a landlord home emergency insurance policy.
Simply Business offers boiler breakdown cover. When you’re covered, you’ll have a phone number for an approved engineer who can be ready to help. Compare landlord boiler insurance quotes.
More guides for landlords
- What does landlord insurance cover?
- Landlord responsibilities – a guide to property maintenance and repair
- A guide to landlord electrical safety certificates
- How to remove mould in your rental property
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