Is it true that a private landlord can get a free boiler?

Soleil_lune

Just wondered this, as my colleague is renting privately, and the boiler is very noisy and very old, and their bills are horrendously high. She has asked the LL to replace the boiler, as they keep being told that it's the boiler causing the high bills.

The LL says she cannot afford it, but I saw that advert with Johnny Ball that said private LLs may be able to get one for free. My colleague told the LL this, but she says it doesn't apply to her. So what is the criteria for LLs to get this free boiler?

19lottie82

I "think" the tenant (your friend), needs to be on certain benefits for the LL to qualify.

19lottie82

PS does the current boiler have a safety certificate? tell your friend to make sure it does, as this is required by law.

Soleil_lune

Thanks Lottie.

Yes her LL does have a safety certificate.

My colleague isn't on any actual unemployment benefits - she works 23 hours a week and her partner full time. So it is based on the tenants criteria then, and not the LL? Most LLs insist that the prospective tenant is working, so by that token; most people will not qualify if you need to be on income support to qualify.

19lottie82

Yes, it’s based on the tenants status, so your friend wouldn’t qualify.



There are a large number of private tenants on full housing benefit, so not technically true.



I’m afraid as the boiler has a safety cert she doesn’t have much leeway here.



It is VERY expensive to replace a boiler,so the chances of getting a LL to change it because the energy bills are high and it makes noises, are pretty slim I’m afraid, especially as it has been deemed safe.



Can you friend look at other ways to reduce her usage and improve insulation in the property?

Gers

Perhaps it's the Green Deal scheme?

https://www.gov.uk/green-deal-energy-saving-measures/how-the-green-deal-works

vectistim

It's the ECO scheme that (more or less) replaced Warm Front, eg:
http://www.affordablewarmthscheme.co.uk/
(Just first link that gave a clear overview from a quick google)

Kazzaroo

Soleil_lune wrote: »

Thanks Lottie.

Yes her LL does have a safety certificate.

My colleague isn't on any actual unemployment benefits - she works 23 hours a week and her partner full time. So it is based on the tenants criteria then, and not the LL? Most LLs insist that the prospective tenant is working, so by that token; most people will not qualify if you need to be on income support to qualify.

there are various ways to qualify - http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/Take-action/Home-Energy-Scotland/Home-Energy-Efficiency-Programmes-for-Scotland/What-is-offered-and-who-is-eligible/Affordable-Warmth-Scheme so your colleague doesnt necessarily need to be on unemployment benefits BUT it is purely based on tenants situation (and how old existing boiler is)

Some LL deliberatly look for HB claimants (but insist on rent paid direct to LL) to claim a free boiler (due to expense of paying from their pocket).

dimbo61

Can your friend have a look on above websites and see if they could get cavity wall insulation or loft insulation or Both !
Will help with bills