Boiler Breakdowns, Servicing and Replacement: A Guide for Landlords

A reliable boiler is essential in any rental property. From day-to-day comfort to safety and legal compliance, boilers play a key role in keeping a tenancy running smoothly. For landlords, staying on top of maintenance can help avoid disruption, unexpected costs and tenant dissatisfaction.
 

Is Your Boiler Due for a Service?

As a landlord, you’ll be aware that gas appliances, including boilers, must undergo an annual gas safety check by law.

However, a gas safety check does not necessarily include a full service. A boiler that is serviced annually is more likely to remain reliable, efficient and safe.

It is worth checking whether your boiler is due for a service and arranging this before problems arise.

Do You Need a New Boiler?

The average lifespan of a gas boiler is around 10 to 15 years.

Installing a new boiler could help your tenant keep their home warmer and potentially reduce their energy bills.

It may also save you the inconvenience and cost associated with frequent breakdowns, while helping to protect the long-term value of your property.

Replacing an ageing boiler before it fails completely is often more convenient and, in some cases, more cost-effective.

Are Gas Boilers Being Banned? Should You Fit a Heat Pump?

In recent years, there has been discussion about banning gas boilers in new homes.

That policy was later dropped, and there are currently no plans to ban gas boilers.

Heat pumps are increasingly promoted as a low-carbon alternative, and some landlords may qualify for government grants or loans to help with installation costs.

However, heat pumps are not suitable for every property, so it is important to carefully weigh up the advantages and disadvantages before making a decision.

Dealing With Boiler Breakdowns

It is sensible to have a clear boiler breakdown plan in place.

Make sure your tenant knows who to contact if their boiler stops working, whether that is you, your letting agent or a specialist breakdown service.

Keeping the contact details of reliable local heating engineers to hand can save valuable time in an emergency.

Boiler Service Plans

Boiler service plans can help spread costs and remove the pressure of finding an engineer at short notice.

That said, it may be more cost-effective to set aside money in a monthly maintenance fund and use it to cover repairs as and when they are needed.

The right option will depend on your property, budget and appetite for risk.

We hope you’ve found these boiler tips helpful. If you would like to find out how our letting and property management services can make landlord life easier in Runcorn, contact HomeSmart Estates on 01928 246 888.

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