Boiler Safety and Maintenance Tips Landlords need to know
One of the pitfalls of being a landlord is the hidden costs that can spring up at any given time.
Some, you simply cannot plan for. For instance, a broken-down boiler can occur without warning, and that is a major strain on finances. Simple repairs might not cover the extent of the problem and if you need to replace an appliance, then it is going to be a four-figure sum as a bare minimum. Property Reporter claims that the average cost of repairing a boiler is 60% more than an average month’s rent in the UK. As a landlord, that is a big hit to take.
Aside from the financial obligation, you also have a responsibility to your tenant to ensure their well-being, and the heating system is your responsibility. A poorly maintained boiler can cause untold problems for a tenant, which includes gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, as we explained in our article Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation. Luckily, there are some basic maintenance tips you can take that will help prevent major catastrophe at an intrusive time for both you, and your tenant.
Annual Service
Just like your car, a boiler runs much better if it is maintained and looked after. Also, just like your car, it is best look at by a professional. Make sure you have your boiler serviced each year, and maybe even between tenants too. A boiler service can be part of a more comprehensive care package on your behalf, with insurance also a good idea. It is certainly worth investigating insurance cover for repairs and maybe getting ahead of any potential problem, and as HomeServe highlights some boiler cover also includes a service for your appliance. That not only promotes your system’s longevity but also ensures if something does go wrong, then you will not be bearing all of the cost yourself.
Bleed Radiators
Bleeding the radiators is another way to help ensure your boiler runs smoothly. It is advisable not only in the autumn, when the system comes back into use but also between tenants, perhaps as part of the obligatory Gas Safety Check for those running a gas boiler. Whenever the pressure has dropped in the system, it is a good idea to let out the trapped air, otherwise boilers have to work harder to heat the room, which places more strain on them and accentuates the scope for faults.
Ventilation
This is a check best carried out during a routine inspection of the property. To function correctly and efficiently, boilers need adequate ventilation, which means ensuring the area is free from clutter. Often, boilers are tucked away in cupboards which also attract boxes, outdoor clothing and the like. If a boiler becomes too cluttered, it can be starved of oxygen. Plus, if a repair is needed, the boiler needs to be instantly accessible to an engineer.
Information
The final important tip is to ensure your tenants are aware of how the boiler works and issues such as the ventilation as we have mentioned. There are also some basic things they can do to help keep the boiler in shape, such as having it on a timer during the winter to ensure the pipes do not freeze whilst they are out. In the summer months, it is prudent to put it on for an hour or so a week, even if it is not needed, to keep things running smoothly. Ensure they know how to spot low pressure too, so any early warning signs are detected before they turn serious.
Guest Writer - Jane Gaite for guildofletting.com