A service maintains the appliance
A boiler service follows the manufacturer’s maintenance procedure. It is focused on the boiler and does not, by itself, replace the landlord’s required gas safety check.
Servicing is the maintenance procedure for the particular boiler. Its content follows the manufacturer’s instructions, so it is sensible to provide the make, model and recent service history. If the appliance already has a fault, tell the office before arranging routine maintenance.
A service may identify a problem that needs a separately priced repair. Ask for the findings and keep the service record with the appliance documents, including any warranty information.
A gas safety check has a different purpose
The landlord check covers the relevant gas appliances and flues and produces a gas safety record. Ask for both services if you need maintenance and the landlord record in the same visit.
For a rental property, identify all the relevant gas appliances and flues when you enquire. Do not assume a boiler-only appointment covers a gas hob, fire or another appliance. Confirm the appliance list and the required records when the visit is arranged.
Landlord duties include arranging the required checks and maintaining relevant gas installations and appliances. The HSE guidance sets out the full responsibilities. An agent organising the visit should also be clear about who authorises work if a defect is identified.
Plan records and access early
Give the engineer the appliance list, the existing due date and an authorised access contact. Keep a record of arrangements and read the HSE guidance for your landlord responsibilities.
Plan well before the existing due date so there is time to arrange access and address any issues. HSE guidance allows certain checks to be completed up to two months before the deadline while retaining the existing renewal date; confirm the relevant timing and records for the property.
HSE says to keep gas safety records for at least two years, give an existing tenant a copy within 28 days and provide a new tenant with the record before they move in. Keep the address, appliance details and your distribution records organised.
Your quick checklist
- Property address and existing check due date
- List of relevant gas appliances and fuel types
- Both service and safety check requested if needed
- Tenant or authorised access arrangements
- Work approval contact and records recipient
Arrange the right visit and the right records
When enquiring, say whether you need a boiler service, the landlord gas safety check or both. Give the existing due date and appliance list. The office can then discuss scope, access and the appointment required instead of relying on an incomplete booking description.
Read the HSE landlord gas safety guidance for full responsibilities, records, timing and access requirements.
