Landlord fitting new boiler

claireac

Hi,

Our landlords are fitting a new boiler, which I am very pleased about. What I am concerned about is the time it's going to take, and all the inconvenience. The boiler is in our cupboard in our bedroom, so I think that's going to be a lot of upheaval! We also have a 3 yr old dd, and I'm worried I'm going to be left without hot water.

Does anyone know?? I don't have any experience of having a new boiler fitted. My dh seems to think we should have our rent reduced for all the hassle etc.

Here is the email for LA:
X have advised that the work will take approx 5 working days – 3 / 4 days for the heating and 1 day to make good the flooring.

The planned start date for the work is Monday 12 October 2009.

As this is a large job and will involve some upheaval for you and the need to clear certain areas we would like to arrange a meeting with you at the property in order to discuss the work and answer any concerns or queries you may have. We will then be able to supply an agreed sequence of events for the work.

Thanks for your help.

pawpurrs

I wouldnt be asking for a reduction, you will be gaining enough from lower bills that a new condensing boiler will generate.
I only had hot water off for under a day when I had my boiler changed. Its not that much hassle, you could allways go out for that day.

claireac

I'll probably be at work and dd at pre-school/childminder.

As I said, I've not had any experience of this kind of work and 5 days sounds a lot :eek:. Especially in my bedroom!!!

I am def looking forward to a nice new boiler, and am hoping they'll do some cavity wall next..........

Welshwoofs

The bottom line is that you can't do this kind of work without some inconvenience and of course you'll be without hot water for a short time, it would be absolutely impossible to change a boiler and keep hot water flowing for obvious reasons.

In your shoes I'd count myself lucky that I had a landlord who was prepared to fit a nice, new boiler. Because of the cost of that kind of work, it's something that LLs and householders put off until it's absolutely, totally necessary.

theartfullodger

A few points....

a) Whatever you do don't leave the place when the work is being done (ie make sure you sleep there every night)... to avoid the (rare but does happen...) "Oh dear it's taking longer,,, oh dear we've hit a snag.., oh dear you no longer live there the tenancy is now void..."
b) The boiler will be on an outside wall?? If not, AFAIK, it will be illegally installed (existing ones don't have to be).
c) Make sure you see the new (yes **NEW**) gas safety certificate) before the contractors leave.
d) I'd ask for compo. I'm surprised the LL hasn't offered it..
e) Take photos etc & get them witnessed of everything (**everything**) before 'n after just in case anything gets damaged... and LL later argues he should take the cost off the deposit...
f) (Ask the guys a few days in [ie when they've gotten relaxed and easy with you] how they get on with LL... you might learn something!)

Cheers!

Lodger (LL since 2000)

claireac

Welshwoofs wrote: »

The bottom line is that you can't do this kind of work without some inconvenience and of course you'll be without hot water for a short time, it would be absolutely impossible to change a boiler and keep hot water flowing for obvious reasons.

In your shoes I'd count myself lucky that I had a landlord who was prepared to fit a nice, new boiler. Because of the cost of that kind of work, it's something that LLs and householders put off until it's absolutely, totally necessary.

You seem to be taking my post a little out of context. I'm delighted that we're getting a new boiler! There have been several problems with it, and I'm sure it's cost our LL a fair amount to put right.

I'm just concerned about the work - mainly because it's in my bedroom, and with dd (3) and ds (18) there's nowhere else to sleep apart from the sofa.

claireac

theartfullodger wrote: »

A few points....

a) Whatever you do don't leave the place when the work is being done (ie make sure you sleep there every night)... to avoid the (rare but does happen...) "Oh dear it's taking longer,,, oh dear we've hit a snag.., oh dear you no longer live there the tenancy is now void..."
b) The boiler will be on an outside wall?? If not, AFAIK, it will be illegally installed (existing ones don't have to be).
c) Make sure you see the new (yes **NEW**) gas safety certificate) before the contractors leave.
d) I'd ask for compo. I'm surprised the LL hasn't offered it..
e) Take photos etc & get them witnessed of everything (**everything**) before 'n after just in case anything gets damaged... and LL later argues he should take the cost off the deposit...
f) (Ask the guys a few days in [ie when they've gotten relaxed and easy with you] how they get on with LL... you might learn something!)

Cheers!

Lodger (LL since 2000)

Thank you!!

I hadn't even thought about a new Gas Safety Certificate!

The boiler (existine one) isn't actually positioned on an external wall, it's in a cupboard and is on an internal wall but directly adjacent to an external wall.

Our LL is in Dubai, so I doubt they'll be able to tell us much.........

Blackpool_Saver

make sure it's fitted by a gas safe engineer, get a new gas cert, enjoy the comfort and convenience of your new boiler.

ALIBOBSY

That sounds a long time are they replacing the pipework as well? Our new boiler was done and dusted in one day.
Perhaps because the old boiler is not on an outside wall they have to remove the old one and sort out the pipework, plus install a new one elsewhere?

ali x

claireac

It is going in the same place, well in the cupboard! I think it is to do with pipework, and when the plumbers came round to quote they both some to think there was going to be some awkwardness with a flue (not sure if that's the right word??!).

We have laminate/wood floors everywhere except the stairs, so that's going to be pretty difficult to put back I would have thought.

theartfullodger

Hope it goes well....

re. the boiler & outside wall do I understand that the new boiler will have an outside wall?? (Hope so...)

re.

Our LL is in Dubai, so I doubt they'll be able to tell us much.........

Two points....

a) He should have given you (formally, in writing) an "address to serve notices" (eg notice saying "boiler is bust" or "I am leaving"). It must be in Engerland or Wales (not Isle-of-Man, not Scotland, not Dubai). If not the rent is not due (oh!!!).. see
http://www.landlordzone.co.uk/landlord%27s_address.htm
[Landlord & Tenant Act, 1987, Section 48]
b) Non-resident LLs must have done a deal with HMRC for tax purposes or you the tenant/the agent need to hold onto 22% of the rent ... see
http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/CNR/nr_landlords.htm
I'm sure he has good relations with the tax man & declares all his income,,, aye, right...

Cheers!

Lodger