Boilers play a key role in keeping homes warm and providing hot water. When a boiler breaks down, it can cause serious problems for tenants. In many cases, landlords are responsible for arranging timely repairs or replacements. Tenants, however, may benefit from initiatives like the Boiler Upgrade Scheme, which helps eligible households upgrade to a more efficient system at little to no cost. But when it comes to day-to-day breakdowns, the key question remains—who is responsible for fixing it: the landlord or the tenant?
This is a common question for renters across the UK. In most cases, the landlord is responsible. But there are a few important exceptions. In this blog, we’ll explain everything you need to know about landlord responsibilities, tenant rights, and what to do if your boiler is not working.
What Does a Boiler Do?
A boiler is a heating system. It heats water and sends it to your radiators and taps. It is used for:
- Central heating
- Hot water in kitchens and bathrooms
If your boiler stops working, you may not have heating or hot water. This can be especially hard in the winter.
What the Law Says About Boiler Repairs
In the UK, landlords have legal duties when it comes to keeping the property safe and livable. These duties are set out in several laws, including:
- The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
These laws say that landlords must:
- Keep heating and hot water systems in good working condition
- Make repairs in a reasonable time
- Provide a safe and healthy place to live
That means landlords are usually responsible for fixing a broken boiler.
When the Landlord Is Responsible
Let’s break it down. A landlord is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the following:
- Gas boilers
- Central heating systems
- Water heaters
- Pipes, radiators, and water tanks
This includes:
- Faulty pilot lights
- Broken thermostats
- Leaks or noises in the system
- Total boiler failure
If the boiler stops working, the landlord must fix it. This is true even if the issue seems small. Minor problems can become serious if left unchecked.
What “Reasonable Time” Means
The law says repairs must be done in a “reasonable time.” But what does that mean?
There is no fixed number of days, but it depends on the issue. For heating and hot water, a reasonable time is usually:
- 24 to 48 hours in cold weather
- Up to 3 to 5 days in milder conditions
If your landlord takes too long, they may be in breach of the law.
What If the Landlord Refuses to Fix It?
Sometimes landlords ignore repair requests. This can leave tenants without heating or hot water. If this happens:
- Report it in writing – Always contact your landlord or letting agent in writing (email or letter). Describe the issue clearly and ask for urgent repairs.
- Keep records – Save copies of emails, messages, and repair reports. These can help if the case goes to court.
- Contact your local council – Councils have the power to step in if a landlord won’t carry out essential repairs. They can send inspectors or issue repair orders.
- Check if you qualify for a Free Boiler – Some government schemes offer free boiler upgrades to eligible households, even in rented properties.
When the Tenant Might Be Responsible
There are a few situations where the tenant might be at fault. These include:
- Damage caused by the tenant – If you damage the boiler through misuse, you may be responsible.
- Blocked vents or radiators – If your radiator is not working due to a blocked valve you caused, that’s on you.
- Lack of reporting – If you waited too long to report a problem and it got worse, the landlord might claim you caused further damage.
So, it’s important to report issues early and never try to fix a boiler yourself.
What Tenants Should Do When Boiler Stops Working
Here’s what you should do if your boiler breaks:
- Check the basics – Make sure the thermostat is set correctly, and the power or gas supply is not turned off.
- Look for error codes – Many modern boilers display error codes. These codes can help the landlord or engineer diagnose the issue.
- Contact the landlord right away – Tell them about the problem and ask for urgent repairs.
- Ask for temporary heaters – If it’s cold, ask the landlord to provide temporary electric heaters while the boiler is being repaired.
Can You Claim Compensation?
Yes, in some cases you can.
If the landlord takes too long to fix the boiler, and you suffer because of it, you may be able to:
- Claim rent reduction – If you lose heating or hot water for several days, you might get part of your rent refunded.
- Ask for reimbursement – If you have to buy electric heaters or stay elsewhere, the landlord might have to pay for those costs.
- Seek compensation – In extreme cases, you may sue for inconvenience, health issues, or costs incurred.
It’s always best to seek legal advice before making a claim.
Emergency Repairs and Boiler Issues
Boiler failure is considered an emergency repair. That means it should be treated as a top priority.
If your landlord doesn’t respond within 24–48 hours, you can:
- Call an emergency line – Some letting agencies offer 24-hour repair lines.
- Contact environmental health – Your local council can help if the lack of heating creates health risks.
- Apply for a boiler grant – You might be eligible for a Free Boiler through ECO4 or other UK government schemes. This could help your landlord upgrade an old system.
Boiler Servicing and Maintenance
Landlords are also responsible for boiler servicing. Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, landlords must:
- Get gas appliances checked every 12 months
- Use a Gas Safe registered engineer
- Provide tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate
Regular servicing helps prevent breakdowns. If your landlord doesn’t do this, they could be breaking the law.
What If the Boiler Needs Replacing?
Some landlords don’t want to spend money on replacing old boilers. But if the boiler breaks often or is beyond repair, it may need a full replacement.
Landlords are still responsible for this. Delaying a replacement could violate housing laws.
Good news: The UK government offers Free Boiler replacement schemes for landlords and low-income tenants. These can reduce costs and improve home energy efficiency.
Free Boiler Schemes in the UK
If the boiler is outdated, you or your landlord might qualify for a Free Boiler through government programs like:
- ECO4 Scheme
- Affordable Warmth Scheme
- Boiler Upgrade Scheme
These grants cover the cost of installing a new boiler. They are available to:
- Low-income households
- Tenants in energy-inefficient homes
- Homes with old, non-condensing boilers
To qualify, the tenant usually must receive certain benefits. The landlord must also give permission.
So, if your landlord is avoiding boiler repairs due to cost, ask them to explore these Free Boiler options.
Tenant Rights: Know Where You Stand
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a warm and safe home. That includes:
- Heating that works
- Hot water that is always available
- Prompt repairs to key systems
If your landlord is not meeting these standards, you can:
- File a complaint with your local council
- Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice
- Consider taking legal action if things do not improve
Tips to Avoid Boiler Problems
While the landlord is responsible for repairs, there are things you can do to prevent issues:
- Report problems early
- Keep the area around the boiler clear
- Don’t try to fix it yourself
- Ask when the last service was done
Taking care of your rented home can help avoid major breakdowns and stress.
Final Thoughts
So, is the landlord responsible for a boiler not working? Yes—most of the time. The law is clear: landlords must keep heating systems in good condition. That means fixing the boiler when it stops working. If you’ve ever seen an Ideal Boiler Status 0 message, for example, it usually means the system isn’t firing up—something your landlord should arrange to repair.
If you’re a tenant dealing with no hot water or heat, don’t wait. Report the issue in writing. And if your landlord doesn’t act fast, contact your local council for help.
Also, don’t forget—Free Boiler schemes exist to make life easier for tenants and landlords. They can cover replacement costs and improve home energy efficiency.
Living without heating or hot water isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s unsafe. Know your rights, take action early, and make sure your home stays warm and safe.
