How Long Does a Landlord Have to Repair a Boiler?
As a tenant, one of the most inconvenient issues you can face is a boiler breakdown. Whether it’s…
Why you can trust our content
We understand that the boiler industry can be confusing, with plenty of outdated or misleading information. That’s why we rely only on trusted, proven sources to guide our advice and installations:
At a glance
As a tenant, one of the most inconvenient issues you can face is a boiler breakdown. Whether it’s during the winter months or the height of summer, a malfunctioning boiler can disrupt daily life, leaving you without heating or hot water. So, what happens when this occurs? How long does a landlord have to repair a boiler and what are your rights as a tenant or responsibilities as a landlord?
Legal Responsibilities of Landlords for Boiler Repairs
In the UK, landlords are required by law to ensure that their properties are safe and habitable. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 places a duty on landlords to maintain and repair essential services, including the heating system and hot water supply, which are integral to tenants’ well-being. This includes the boiler.
When a boiler breaks down, landlords must act swiftly to restore the service, especially in situations where heating or hot water is essential for daily living. However, the law does not specify an exact time frame for repairing a boiler, leaving the term “reasonable time” somewhat open to interpretation. But in general, a boiler breakdown, especially during colder weather, should be considered an emergency repair.
If a boiler stops working in the winter, the repair should ideally be completed within 24-48 hours. For non-urgent issues, landlords typically have more time, but they must still repair the boiler in a reasonable period to prevent it from becoming a health and safety risk.
Which fuel powers your boiler?
Mains Gas
LPG
It just takes 60 Seconds
And then you can book a free consultation
What is Considered a Reasonable Time for Repair?
The timeframe for repairs depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the Issue: If a boiler breaks down and leaves the tenant without heating or hot water, this is considered an emergency. Landlords must arrange for a repair as quickly as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. If the issue is less urgent, like a minor issue affecting the boiler’s efficiency, the timeline for repair may be longer, but should not be unreasonably delayed.
- Weather Conditions: During the colder months, the expectation for a quicker repair is higher, as living without heating in the winter can have significant consequences. This is particularly important for tenants with children, elderly members, or anyone with health conditions.
- Availability of a Gas Safe Engineer: Sometimes, repair timelines can be influenced by the availability of an appropriate tradesperson, especially if the boiler needs a specialist. However, landlords should make every reasonable effort to find a suitable engineer quickly.
In all cases, reasonable typically means acting without undue delay and within the shortest possible timeframe.
Tenant Rights When a Boiler Breaks
If you are a tenant and your boiler breaks down, it is crucial to notify your landlord as soon as possible. You should do this in writing (email is sufficient) to ensure there is a formal record of your request for repair. Under the law, tenants have the right to a safe and comfortable living environment and a malfunctioning boiler falls under the responsibility of the landlord to repair.
Once the landlord is notified of the boiler breakdown, they must arrange for a repair to be carried out. If a landlord fails to act promptly, tenants have several options:
- Contacting the Local Council: If the boiler breakdown leaves the property unsafe, or if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, tenants can report the issue to the local council. The council can intervene to ensure that the property meets the required health and safety standards.
- Requesting a Rent Reduction: If a tenant is left without heating or hot water for a significant period, they may have the right to request a rent reduction or even withhold rent until repairs are completed, especially if the issue makes the property uninhabitable.
- Seeking Legal Advice: If tenants are unable to resolve the issue with their landlord or the local council, they may want to seek legal advice. Tenants can also pursue a claim through the Rent Repayment Tribunal for issues that severely affect their quality of living.
What Should Tenants Do if the Boiler Is Not Repaired?
If your boiler breaks down and your landlord is not taking action to resolve the issue, here are steps to follow:
- Notify the landlord immediately – Ensure they are aware of the issue and request a repair.
- Keep a record of communication – Document all correspondence with your landlord regarding the repair request.
- Contact the local council – If there is a delay, or if the boiler is not repaired in a timely manner, the local council can assist tenants.
- Consider legal action – In extreme cases, tenants can take legal action to recover rent or demand compensation for losses caused by the lack of heating or hot water.
Landlord Responsibilities Beyond Boiler Repairs
Landlords are responsible for maintaining all gas appliances, including the boiler, to ensure they are safe for tenants. This involves having an annual gas safety check conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The results of the gas safety check must be documented and a copy of the certificate must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the check being carried out.
This is an essential step for landlords to ensure that they meet the legal requirements and keep tenants safe.
How Kentish Plumbers Can Assist Landlords and Tenants
At Kentish Plumbers, we understand how crucial it is to keep a boiler in good working order, especially in a rental property. Whether you’re a landlord needing regular maintenance or a tenant whose boiler has broken down, our team is here to assist. We offer boiler repair, installation and maintenance services, ensuring your property remains compliant with legal standards.
We offer comprehensive services, including:
- Boiler installation– If your boiler is beyond repair, we can install a new energy-efficient model.
- Emergency boiler repairs – Available 24/7 for those urgent repairs.
- Annual gas safety checks – To help landlords meet their legal obligations.
Related articles
Which fuel powers your boiler?
Mains Gas
LPG
At a glance
As a tenant, one of the most inconvenient issues you can face is a boiler breakdown. Whether it’s during the winter months or the height of summer, a malfunctioning boiler can disrupt daily life, leaving you without heating or hot water. So, what happens when this occurs? How long does a landlord have to repair a boiler and what are your rights as a tenant or responsibilities as a landlord?
Legal Responsibilities of Landlords for Boiler Repairs
In the UK, landlords are required by law to ensure that their properties are safe and habitable. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 places a duty on landlords to maintain and repair essential services, including the heating system and hot water supply, which are integral to tenants’ well-being. This includes the boiler.
When a boiler breaks down, landlords must act swiftly to restore the service, especially in situations where heating or hot water is essential for daily living. However, the law does not specify an exact time frame for repairing a boiler, leaving the term “reasonable time” somewhat open to interpretation. But in general, a boiler breakdown, especially during colder weather, should be considered an emergency repair.
If a boiler stops working in the winter, the repair should ideally be completed within 24-48 hours. For non-urgent issues, landlords typically have more time, but they must still repair the boiler in a reasonable period to prevent it from becoming a health and safety risk.
Which fuel powers your boiler?
Mains Gas
LPG
It just takes 60 Seconds
And then you can book a free consultation
What is Considered a Reasonable Time for Repair?
The timeframe for repairs depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the Issue: If a boiler breaks down and leaves the tenant without heating or hot water, this is considered an emergency. Landlords must arrange for a repair as quickly as possible, ideally within 24-48 hours. If the issue is less urgent, like a minor issue affecting the boiler’s efficiency, the timeline for repair may be longer, but should not be unreasonably delayed.
- Weather Conditions: During the colder months, the expectation for a quicker repair is higher, as living without heating in the winter can have significant consequences. This is particularly important for tenants with children, elderly members, or anyone with health conditions.
- Availability of a Gas Safe Engineer: Sometimes, repair timelines can be influenced by the availability of an appropriate tradesperson, especially if the boiler needs a specialist. However, landlords should make every reasonable effort to find a suitable engineer quickly.
In all cases, reasonable typically means acting without undue delay and within the shortest possible timeframe.
Tenant Rights When a Boiler Breaks
If you are a tenant and your boiler breaks down, it is crucial to notify your landlord as soon as possible. You should do this in writing (email is sufficient) to ensure there is a formal record of your request for repair. Under the law, tenants have the right to a safe and comfortable living environment and a malfunctioning boiler falls under the responsibility of the landlord to repair.
Once the landlord is notified of the boiler breakdown, they must arrange for a repair to be carried out. If a landlord fails to act promptly, tenants have several options:
- Contacting the Local Council: If the boiler breakdown leaves the property unsafe, or if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time, tenants can report the issue to the local council. The council can intervene to ensure that the property meets the required health and safety standards.
- Requesting a Rent Reduction: If a tenant is left without heating or hot water for a significant period, they may have the right to request a rent reduction or even withhold rent until repairs are completed, especially if the issue makes the property uninhabitable.
- Seeking Legal Advice: If tenants are unable to resolve the issue with their landlord or the local council, they may want to seek legal advice. Tenants can also pursue a claim through the Rent Repayment Tribunal for issues that severely affect their quality of living.
What Should Tenants Do if the Boiler Is Not Repaired?
If your boiler breaks down and your landlord is not taking action to resolve the issue, here are steps to follow:
- Notify the landlord immediately – Ensure they are aware of the issue and request a repair.
- Keep a record of communication – Document all correspondence with your landlord regarding the repair request.
- Contact the local council – If there is a delay, or if the boiler is not repaired in a timely manner, the local council can assist tenants.
- Consider legal action – In extreme cases, tenants can take legal action to recover rent or demand compensation for losses caused by the lack of heating or hot water.
Landlord Responsibilities Beyond Boiler Repairs
Landlords are responsible for maintaining all gas appliances, including the boiler, to ensure they are safe for tenants. This involves having an annual gas safety check conducted by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The results of the gas safety check must be documented and a copy of the certificate must be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the check being carried out.
This is an essential step for landlords to ensure that they meet the legal requirements and keep tenants safe.
How Kentish Plumbers Can Assist Landlords and Tenants
At Kentish Plumbers, we understand how crucial it is to keep a boiler in good working order, especially in a rental property. Whether you’re a landlord needing regular maintenance or a tenant whose boiler has broken down, our team is here to assist. We offer boiler repair, installation and maintenance services, ensuring your property remains compliant with legal standards.
We offer comprehensive services, including:
- Boiler installation– If your boiler is beyond repair, we can install a new energy-efficient model.
- Emergency boiler repairs – Available 24/7 for those urgent repairs.
- Annual gas safety checks – To help landlords meet their legal obligations.
Related articles
Which fuel powers your boiler?
Mains Gas
LPG
