Boiler and gas safety is one of the most critical areas of compliance for landlords, with serious consequences for negligence. From annual checks to keeping the right records, here’s what you need to know about landlord boiler regulations and responsibilities to protect your tenants, your property, and your peace of mind.

The Importance of Compliance

Some important landlord boiler regulations surrounding boiler and gas safety compliance you need to know:

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

  • Declared by law that a landlord must “keep in good repair and working order” any installations in their rental property that supply the home with heating, hot water, and electricity (including boilers, central heating, radiators and gas fires, water and gas pipes)

Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations 1998

  • Made it mandatory for landlords to ensure the safety of their tenants by having any gas appliances serviced as per the requirements of the manufacturer

Building Safety Act 2022

  • Amended the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to enhance protections for tenants in buildings which require safety remediation
  • This meant that landlords were now required to take any reasonable steps to explore alternative methods for recovering remediation costs – i.e. contributions from government schemes or insurers – before passing these onto the tenants
  • These changes aim to ensure tenants are not unfairly burdened with the costs of fixing historical safety defects within their rental home

Reminder: Gas Safety Checks must be conducted annually by a Gas Safety registered engineers, and tenants must receive a copy of the certificate within 28 days of the inspection (or before move in for new tenants)

 

At Eclipse, we help landlords stay compliant through detailed reporting and pro-active mid-term inspections – flagging any early signs of wear or risk before they escalate.

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The Risks of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with landlord boiler responsibilities and gas safety requirements pose serious legal, financial and safety risks, such as:

❌ Fines, Bans and Blacklisting

  • Failure to carry out annual Gas Safety Checks or provide tenants with a valid Gas Safety Certificate (CP12) is a criminal offence
  • Penalties can include fines of up to £6,000 per breach and potential imprisonment
  • Persistent non-compliance or negligence can result in banning orders and inclusion on the Rogue Landlord Database
  • This will damage your reputation and ability to let property in the future

❌ Invalidated Insurance

  • Non-compliance can void landlord insurance policies, leaving you unprotected in the event of a claim

❌ Civil Claims and Compensation

  • Tenants may bring claims for personal injury or property damaged caused by faulty gas appliances, leading to costly battles or compensation payments

❌ Severe Property Damage

  • Faulty or unmaintained gas appliances can lead to explosions, fires or gas leaks which cause significant damage to the property structure
  • This results in expensive repairs and long void periods, and also insurance claims being denied if compliance requirements were not met

❌ Endangering Tenant Safety

  • The most critical risk is putting your tenants’ lives at risk
  • Faulty gas appliances can cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, explosions and fires

Maintaining Boiler Safety

Annual boiler services by a Gas Safety registered engineer ensures the appliance is operating efficiently and safely.

  • The check typically involves inspecting the boiler and controls, testing for leaks or corrosion, checking pressure levels, and ensuring flue emissions are safe
  • On average, a standard boiler service costs between £80-£120
  • Once completed, you’ll receive a boiler service certificate (a vital record of compliance)

Landlord Boiler Responsibilities

Landlords have a legal duty to make checks to ensure boiler systems and safe and well maintained. This includes:

  • Routinely checking associated pipework for signs of damage or wear
  • Ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are installed and in working order
  • Providing tenants with an up-to-date Gas Safety Certificate
  • If any issues are reported, landlords must act swiftly (ideally within 24 hours) to arrange repairs and protect their tenants’ wellbeing

Staying on top of these responsibilities not only ensures compliance but also helps prevent costly emergencies.

Tenant Boiler Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for the day-to-day use and care of the boiler, such as:

  • Turning the hot water and heating on or off as needed
  • Reporting any issues promptly
  • Following the correct operating instructions

Tenants are not responsible for boiler repairs unless there is clear evidence that damage was caused by misuse or negligence. Good communication with the landlord is key to ensuring any problems are addressed quickly and safely.

Maintaining Gas Safety

Maintaining gas safety is essential in any rental property. Both landlords and tenants share responsibility when it comes to gas safety. If either party smells gas, it must be reported and acted upon immediately to prevent serious risk.

  • Landlords are legally required to carry out annual Gas Safety Checks by a registered Gas Safe engineer
  • These checks involve inspecting gas appliances, pipework, and flues to ensure everything is functioning safely and efficiently
  • Once complete, the landlord receives a Gas Safety Certificate (CP12), which must be provided to the tenant
  • The average cost of a gas safety check typically ranges from £60 to £100, depending on the size of the property and number of appliances

Gas and Boiler Safety FAQs

1️⃣ How long does a landlord have to fix a boiler?

If there’s no heating or hot water, it’s classed as an urgent repair and landlords should aim to fix it within 24 hours.

 

2️⃣ Do tenants have to pay for boiler services or repairs?

No, boiler servicing and repairs are the landlord’s responsibility – unless there is evidence that the tenant has caused damage.

 

3️⃣ Should landlords pay for boiler cover?

It’s not a legal requirement, but boiler cover can help avoid unexpected costs and reduce downtime if something goes wrong.

 

4️⃣ What if a landlord or tenant smells gas?

Open the windows, avoid using electrical switches, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of publication, landlords and tenants should carry out their own research or seek professional legal guidance where appropriate.

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