Landlord boiler and plumbing services: keep the heat and water on
Landlord boiler and plumbing services protect tenants' heat, hot water and safety. This page explains your gas safety duties, when to repair or replace a boiler, how to deal with leaks and hot water cylinders, and what paperwork you should hold.
Last checked: 22 October 2026.
Landlord gas safety record: what the law requires
A landlord must arrange a gas safety check by a Gas Safe registered engineer every 12 months. The engineer records the result on a gas safety record.
You must give the tenant a copy within 28 days of the check, or before a new tenant moves in. Keep your copy for at least two years. Our electrical and gas safety page covers the full list of landlord checks.
Landlord boiler replacement: repair or replace
Replace when repairs recur, parts are hard to find or the boiler is old and inefficient. Many boilers last around 10 to 15 years, but servicing and water quality change that.
Signs it is time
Frequent breakdowns, pressure loss, noise, yellow flames or soot marks all point to a problem. Do not ignore carbon monoxide warnings. Switch off, ventilate and call the Gas Safe emergency line.
What to ask for
Ask for a quote that names the boiler model, flue position, controls, power flush or filter, pipework changes and the warranty terms.
Boiler choices for rented homes
Condensing boilers are the standard for new installs in England. The right size depends on the home's heat loss and hot water demand, not on how large the old boiler was.
Better controls reduce running costs and tenant complaints. Our heating controls and hot water page describes thermostats, zoning and cylinders. Heat pumps are an alternative; see our heat pumps page.
Rental plumbing repairs: leaks, pressure and blocked drains
Most plumbing calls are small. A dripping tap, running cistern or slow drain can be fixed in a visit. A leak behind a wall or under a floor needs finding quickly, because it rots timber and stains ceilings below.
Make it easy for tenants to report problems. Give an email address and ask for photos. Respond quickly to leaks, no heating and no hot water, because those are the issues that become formal complaints.
Hot water cylinder: when to replace
Cylinders corrode and lose insulation. A cylinder with weeping joints or a rusty tank needs replacing. An unvented cylinder needs regular safety checks and must be installed by a competent, qualified engineer.
Insulate hot pipes and the cylinder jacket. It is a low-cost measure that saves heat.
Servicing and water quality
Annual servicing is separate from the gas safety check. A service cleans and tests the boiler, while the check looks at safety. Many landlords book both on one visit to save time.
Dirty system water is a leading cause of early boiler failure. A magnetic filter catches sludge, and a system clean before a new boiler goes in protects the warranty. Ask for both in the quote.
Bleed radiators and check the pressure gauge during every visit. These small checks catch problems before a tenant is left without heat.
Paperwork to keep
- The annual gas safety record.
- Commissioning certificate and warranty for each new boiler.
- Service records.
- Water system risk assessment for legionella.
- Details of the installer and their Gas Safe number.
Adviser tip from a Level 7 Senior Construction Manager (MCIOB): always check the engineer's Gas Safe card, including the back, which lists the work they can legally do. Then check the register online.
Void checks for plumbing
Between tenants, run every tap, flush every toilet and check under sinks and baths for slow leaks. Flush rarely used outlets so water does not stand in the pipes. A ten-minute walk-round catches faults that otherwise show up on day two of a tenancy.
Heating changes and the EPC
A new boiler can lift an EPC. Insulation usually lifts it further. The EPC C by 2030 rule is confirmed government policy, not yet law, as at 22 October 2026. See our EPC C 2030 guide.
Who delivers the work
Compliant Lets is a trading name of LAMTANS Holdings Ltd. LAMTANS Engineering Ltd holds Gas Safe registration and delivers boiler and plumbing work. Certificates are issued at handover.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Your landlord's safety responsibilities, checked 22 October 2026
- Gas Safe Register, checked 22 October 2026
- HSE: Landlords' gas safety responsibilities, checked 22 October 2026
Designed & developed by LAMTANS Technologies LLC, USA — part of the LAMTANS Group
Frequently asked questions
How often must a landlord check the boiler?
Gas appliances must be safety checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
How long do I keep the gas safety record?
For at least two years, and give the tenant a copy within 28 days of each check.
Should I repair or replace an old boiler?
Replace when repairs recur, parts are scarce or the boiler is inefficient. A survey helps compare the costs.
Do I need a carbon monoxide alarm?
A working alarm is required in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, excluding gas cookers.
Can you fix a leak quickly?
We aim to attend urgent leaks promptly. Tell us the access arrangements and shut-off location.
Does a new boiler improve the EPC?
It can, depending on the old model and the controls. Insulation often has a bigger effect.
Who can install a gas boiler?
Only a Gas Safe registered engineer. Check their card and the register.
Can I pay by finance?
Finance may be available through Ideal4Finance, subject to status. We can send the approved wording.