As a landlord, choosing the right maintenance contract for your boiler could mean all the difference between great value or having to fork out for unexpected extras when you can least afford it.
Below, I’m going to share eight questions you should be asking when it comes to choosing the right maintenance contract for your boiler.
1. Can you get a bulk discount?
In most cases, yes! If you have numerous properties or even multiple appliances in one property, you can generally expect a discount of between 10 – 20%.
Rightly so, as a customer who purchasing 3 -10 boilers or 3 – 8 service contracts is a very valuable asset to any company
2. Does the company offer annual or monthly payments?
Not all companies offer monthly payments, but it can be an easier way to manage the cost of your maintenance plan, rather than having to pay it all in one lump sum.
Definitely check this before making your final decision, as it could greatly ease the strain on your bank account.
3. Will they provide you with a Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)?
As a landlord, it is your responsibility to arrange an annual inspection on your gas appliances, and be issued with a Landlord’s Gas Safety certificate. Ideally, this should be included as part of your maintenance contract.
4. Will they attend a call-out even if your boiler is still under manufacturer’s warranty?
It’s important to check this, otherwise what are you paying for?
Preferably, your chosen company should still respond to a call-out even if your boiler is still under it’s current guarantee, and liaise with the manufacturer if necessary.
5. Will they carry out a home visit?
Make sure your chosen company will visit your property to inspect your gas appliances before taking out a contract.
This is because the last thing you want is to pay for a contract only to be told they can’t source parts, the boiler has been incorrectly installed or is beyond economical repair.
6. Will they cover extras?
What you are looking for is a company to help you fulfill your obligations as a landlord and also make sure there is cover if necessary for your boiler, radiators and pipework.
You may require further extras for your property like electrical checks and fire safety checks – these may not be included.
7. Are you only getting the cover you need?
Beware of some of the larger national companies who want to cover you for electrics, locks, drains, sewers, boilers, and plumbing – as the cost can soon mount up.
I came across a client recently who was paying nearly £180 per month for all the cover provided just for one property – way over the odds for the service they actually needed.
8. Is it really worth it?
My advice here is to be honest with yourself. If your boiler is particularly old and unreliable, it may require a replacement rather than a maintenance contract.
Remember, all companies provide a service and are there to make a profit, so you could end up paying over the odds for a much older boiler.
Conclusion
If you’re a landlord, choosing the right maintenance contract for your boiler is essential. So, if you’re looking for a maintenance contract that will serve you will should any problems arise, it’s important to ask the above questions.
In summary:
- Can you get a bulk discount?
- Does the company offer annual or monthly payments?
- Will they provide you with a Landlords’ Gas Safety Certificate (CP12)?
- Will they attend a call-out even if your boiler is still under manufacturer’s warranty?
- Will they carry out a home visit?
- Will they cover extras?
- Are you only getting the cover you need?
- Is it really worth it?
Remember – try not to pay more than you need to. And if costs for your maintenance plan become too high, it might be time to bite the bullet and pay for a replacement.
