Your legal duties
- Repairs. In England and Wales, landlords are normally responsible for keeping the heating and hot water in repair for the length of a tenancy.
- The annual gas safety check. Gas appliances, including the boiler, must be checked every 12 months by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You must give tenants a copy of the record within 28 days of the check, and give new tenants a copy before they move in.
Rules in Scotland and Northern Ireland differ in places, so check the guidance where your property is.
Why a homeowner plan may not be enough
Standard boiler cover is usually sold for the home you live in. Many policies don't cover a property you rent out, so if you claim on one, you could be turned down. Most of the big providers sell separate landlord policies. Check the policy wording says it covers rented properties before you buy.
What to look for in landlord cover
- The gas safety check included, so the certificate is handled for you each year.
- Who can call it in. Can your tenant contact the provider directly, or does everything go through you?
- Response times, especially in winter, when a broken boiler can quickly become a complaint.
- Several properties. Some providers offer discounts if you cover more than one.
Our comparison currently shows prices for homeowners. We're adding landlord plans soon. In the meantime, check each provider's landlord policy directly.
Tenants
If you rent your home and your boiler breaks down, contact your landlord or letting agent first. You don't normally need to buy your own boiler cover.
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Last updated 30 October 2026