As a landlord, are you up-to-speed with what the new boiler legislation means for you?
I’ve already covered six important facts about new and existing regulations on gas appliances for landlords ( 6 important facts), but how do those specifically apply to boilers?
Perhaps you have an old back boiler you’re concerned about having to replace, or want to know what to look for in your next upgrade.
I’ve put together the following advice to make it even clearer.
Energy Performance Certificate
The new regulations state that as of April 2016, tenants will be entitled to ask their landlords to carry out measures recommended on their Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and the landlord will have a legal obligation to do so.
From April 2018, it will be illegal to let a property which has an EPC rating below E. This means that if you have an old, inefficient boiler, it will be your obligation to upgrade this for your tenant, or before you let out the property to new tenants.
Replace old back boilers
The worst offenders are old, inefficient back boilers. Fire and back boilers are now obsolete and no longer manufactured, which means you will most likely need to find another boiler solution in the near future.
One option is to have the old back boiler and fire decommissioned and left in place and fitting a new boiler in a different location – although this isn’t always the most attractive option, it is the cheapest. It avoids the cost of ripping out the old boiler and having to redecorate afterwards.
It’s possible to fit a regular or system boiler and connect to the existing hot water cylinder, but I’d personally recommend fitting a combi boiler and removing the hot tank this will be a lot more efficient.
Upgrade sooner rather than later
In my mind, it’s always better to be prepared than to have the situation sprung on you by tenants.
As gas boilers are one of the main sources of heat and hot water in any property these are the appliance that use the most gas. This means upgrading the gas boiler from an old non-condensing boiler will improve the energy rating significantly, more so than other measures like insulation and double glazing.
As tenants are now very aware of this, you will find your property easier to let if you upgrade your old boiler now.
Installing a new combi boiler also means there is just one appliance to take care of all the heating and water, meaning there’s less to possibly go wrong. Previously, you may have had a boiler, gas fire, hot water tank and cold water tank to think about.
It’s attractive to tenants and letting agents to know there is just one boiler and one shut down tap to isolate all the water in the property.
Conclusion
As a landlord, it’s important to know what the new boiler legislation means for you, as it is set to kick into place from April 2016 – that’s less than a year away! And by April 2018, it will be illegal to let a property which has an EPC rating below E.
I’d recommend upgrade the worst offenders such as old fire or back boilers now, rather than waiting until the new legislation forces this change upon you – but at the very least, be prepared for having to replace these in the very near future.
A new condensing combi boiler is one of the most attractive options for letting agents and tenants, as there is less to go wrong – it also means you can get rid of your old tanks and greatly increase your property’s energy efficiency.
Are you all set for the new April 2016 boiler legislation?
Would any one no if a tenant replaced gas fire only and landlord replaces boiler who’s liable for gas safety check
I live in an old seventies house. My landlord gave me a carbon monoxide alarm. I lived here a year and this winter it went off. My daughter and I were sick and headache we were told not to use it. I reported it to my landlodd but he’s done nothing except to say I need my chimney swept. The fire brigade told me not to use it at all. He brought me round three heaters and it’s an old back boiler. What should I do