Boiler cover: do landlords need it?
When it comes to looking after boilers, landlords have a legal responsibility to keep servicing and maintenance up to date. There are strict rules around the use of boilers and gas appliances in rental properties that help to keep tenants safe. This is one of the reasons tenancy agreements are so important, as they help to detail who is responsible for what.
Landlord boiler responsibilities
Anything that relates to gas must be managed correctly, as overlooking something could be fatal. It’s important for landlords to understand their responsibilities, making it clear both in the tenancy agreement and with the tenant. In addition to this, any installations that supply water, gas, and electricity must be maintained and in good repair.
Boiler maintenance
Gas Safety Regulations state that landlords must only use a Gas Safe registered engineer for maintenance. Landlords also need an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) for every gas appliance in any rental property. During a check the engineer will:
- Check for leaks and signs of wear
- Test the gas pressure
- Ensure there are no carbon monoxide leaks
- Complete your Landlord Gas Safety Certificate
Checks need to be kept and supplied to tenants at the beginning of each tenancy and kept for at least two years. The law states that electrical safety inspections must be carried out before a tenancy starts and during a tenancy.
Five Yearly Electrical Checks
Electrical installations must be inspected and tested prior to the start of any new tenancy from 1st July 2020. These checks must be carried out on any existing tenancies by 1st April 2021.
These checks must then be carried out every 5 years as a minimum. If a landlord doesn’t comply with the rules, they could face fines of up to £30,000.
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