Dealing with Heating Complaints

Though there is only a limited legal responsibility for landlords to provide heating, it’s going to be very difficult for a modern landlord to attract, or keep, tenants without a good heating system. However, heating systems can be incredibly sporadic around this time of year and when they’re used and needed most, they tend to break down. Heating complaints are something to take very seriously indeed, but what do you need to know about getting the repairs done?

Official Gas Certificates

The first thing to know is that any work to be done on gas central heating needs to be completed by a registered gas engineer and this must be recorded when the work is complete. It’s important to keep the record safe as it will be vital when you come to sell on the property or if the boiler needs replacing. Your energy company may well be able to take care of this for you, but if not it may be worth speaking to your landlord insurance provider.

Gas Care

There can be good savings to be had from signing up to a gas care plan and any incidents that do happen on your heating are likely to be repaired much more cost effectively if you are on a plan. Multi-property landlords can often get a discount with providers so it’s worth enquiring if you’re spending a lot on heating repair costs.

Elderly Residents

It’s especially important if you have elderly tenants to fix heating problems with urgency. Older tenants are much more susceptible to the cold and it’s very common for illness to strike in the winter months. Make sure your tenants know who to contact if the heating does go and if you’re away for any length of time then give them the direct number of your gas engineer.

Unfortunately heating complaints do occur more at this time of year and, often, they really should be dealt with immediately. Make sure you’re in a position to help out your tenants – it’s good practice to be available at all times for this sort of problem.