Does landlord insurance cover your boiler?

Landlords have a number of responsibilities for their clients with their main one ensuring that their property is in good condition. It’s important for a landlord that their clients live in a well-maintained home with no fuss.

Boiler breakdowns can be expensive to repair, however Landlords must make sure that they are able to fix any issues on their property, including any boiler problems. 

What is landlord insurance?

Landlord insurance helps protect the landlord and their property from damage. This could be fire and water related damage, theft and vandalism, or even unpaid rent in some cases.

If gas appliances supplied by the Landlord break down then landlords are legally responsible for the repairs according to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. It’s therefore advised that landlords have some kind of coverage so that they can resolve any issues quickly and efficiently. 

What is covered by landlord insurance?

This type of insurance protects all aspects of the landlord's property, from the building itself to the contents, appliances and utilities. In emergencies, landlord insurance may also include boiler breakdowns and burst pipes. However, it should be noted that landlord insurance may not cover maintenance of the boiler.

If you would like annual check-ups, then you’ll need specialised boiler insurance cover. 

What is landlord's boiler cover?

Landlord boiler cover is a plan that specifically covers the boiler in the event of a breakdown. This can cover the costs of hiring engineers for repairs or installers for any boiler replacements with no hassle.

This can be a great alternative to having the boiler covered on landlord insurance, as it can often increase premiums by a considerable amount without providing the same level of cover.

What is included in landlord boiler cover?

What's covered depends on the policy itself and the level of cover provided.  A basic cover option will solely protect the boiler, or more expensive policies can cover the entire central heating system.

What to consider when taking out landlord boiler cover

If you are a landlord looking at boiler protection, there are several things you’ll need to consider, for example:

• The boiler’s age - If your boiler is on the older side, it might be time to consider getting a newer model. Modern systems will have better energy efficiency ratings and are far more likely to be eligible for the most comprehensive landlord insurance policies.
• Claim cap - Some policies might have a cap on the number of times you are able to claim or use the emergency call-out service. It is also worth checking to see if there are any terms or conditions that will result in you having to pay a call-out charge.
• Check the cover - This might seem obvious, but taking the time to check everything that is covered will ensure that all parts and labour are covered so there are no nasty surprises.
• The premium - You might think that the more expensive the monthly premium is, the better the cover will be for you. That is not always the case. Ensure the policy meets your needs, and you aren't paying for cover you don't need.

Final thoughts

If you’re a landlord, having the right insurance policies in place is essential for making sure that you’re able to keep your tenants happy and avoid being left out of pocket if things go wrong. Boilers are one of the most important features of a home, whether it’s an apartment, terraced house, or semi-detached property, so getting it covered against breakdowns and emergency repairs is worthwhile. 

Here at BOXT, we’re all about providing flexible, affordable boilers with expert support whenever you need it. Learn more about why our boilers and boiler subscription services are perfect for landlords or speak to our friendly customer service team for advice that’s tailored to your needs.