Has your tenants’ boiler broken down and you need to arrange a replacement fast?
As an estate agent, you usually get to handle all the fun stuff such as managing breakdowns and finding someone to install a new boiler ASAP.
In fact, there’s nothing worse than being stuck to deal with a condemned boiler, worried clients and (very rightly) angry tenants who have no hot water or heating. Maybe already know from experience that it can be a nightmare situation.
However, don’t panic! I’m going to tell you what you should do when you need to get a boiler replaced, fast – and some other considerations you should think about in future.
Find a local boiler installer
To the internet! You need to find a reputable Gas Safe registered installer in your area, and the best place to find one is online – even via the Gas Safe register, or by typing what you need into Google. However, always check they ARE Gas Safe registered (the official website should have them listed).
Next, check your chosen boiler installer’s website; it should give you a better idea of the company you’re dealing with, their professionalism, background and customer values. Do they work with estate agents, or are they more geared towards homeowners? Do they seem to understand and care about their customers?
Their website should also display a full company address and landline telephone number – so you can figure out exactly where they’re based and if you can get hold of them easily should you need to. I always recommend scoping a company this way before you take things any further.
Give them a call
Next, pick up the phone and dial their number. Note how fast you get through to speak to an actual person, as the last thing you want is to have to wait on hold in an emergency. Also, talking to someone directly should help you get a better idea of the services they provide (such as CP12 certification or maintenance contract).
I’d recommend taking this option if at all possible, as you’ll be able to ask as many questions as you like and get more of a feel for the company and the level of communication and professionalism you can expect from them.
Ask about CP12 certificates
As an estate agent, it’s absolutely vital that you check your chosen boiler installer can provide the property with a CP12 certificate which covers ALL the gas appliances in your tenants’ property.
Don’t forget to check it will include things like the fire and cooker, as well as (obviously) the boiler itself. Ensure the certificate you and your client will receive at the end of the day is clearly documented, and will detail any other advisory work or defects as per gas safety regulations.
Get a fixed price quote
If your tenants need a new boiler installed immediately, it may be tempting to take the first offer you receive, however I’d always recommend getting a few fixed price quotes before settling for a company you’re comfortable with.
It’s true that for boiler installations, you only technically need to provide your client (the landlord) with one quote before checking the work can go ahead, however when a new boiler’s concerned, you might find it better for everyone if you get two or three.
Doing it this way will ensure you don’t get overcharged, and you can also check if a company are recommending any unnecessary work that the other heating engineers haven’t mentioned.
Build a relationship
Over the years, I’ve learned that one of the most important things estate agents need is a reliable, trustworthy boiler installer they can rely on – or even two or three, as it’s always good to have a back-up plan!
Building up a trusting relationship with a couple of good boiler installers means you’ll always have someone who will be there to help you out with a speedy response – regardless of the problem!
So, find an engineer you’re happy with – who can get the job done fast and for a reasonable price – and put in the effort to build up a relationship, as dependable heating engineers like this can be worth their weight in gold!
Of course, building up this sort of relationship can also be equally beneficial to both parties – the engineer will probably appreciate the extra work, so it’s a win-win.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has been of some use, and I’d recommend following the tips above to ensure your tenants (and client) have a hassle free boiler installation. Remember, always get a few fixed price quotes before going ahead with the work, and find at least one or two reputable companies you can rely on in future.
I wish you all the best with arranging your boiler installation – but if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment below.
