Boiler question - Losing deposit

Pandilex

Most boilers have a switch on to turn them off, mine does. After I turn the boiler off, I can turn it off at the mains.

Just tell him you shut the boiler down correctly, then turned it off at the mains. Ask him to prove negligence, then file a complaint with the deposit protection scheme. Stick to the facts when filing.

DoaM

Pandilex wrote: »

Most boilers have a switch on to turn them off, mine does. After I turn the boiler off, I can turn it off at the mains.

Just tell him you shut the boiler down correctly, then turned it off at the mains. Ask him to prove negligence, then file a complaint with the deposit protection scheme. Stick to the facts when filing.

Precisely ... turning off at the boiler gives a controlled shutdown. Once it is off then mains power can safely be removed. I'd imagine the LL would struggle to prove you didn't do this, and that any subsequent fault was entirely coincidental.

Hopetobedebtfree

Thanks all. Yes we are planning to dispute it- I just wanted some advice so we can build the best possible case

david1951

I would also quickly point out that ignorance ("you never told me not to"..." There wasn't a sign"..., etc.) may not be as strong a defence as you might think. If he can prove that you tampered with the boiler a judge may still regard you as negligent, as you were not qualified to do this.

hazyjo

Concentrate on its age too (when you find out) - it may just have died! Modern boilers only really have an average expected lifespan of around 10-15 years.


Jx

Hutchch0920

Is it relevant that the landlord is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the heating system under the Landlord and Tenant Act section 11?

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-privately/during-your-tenancy/dealing-with-repairs/

I think the landlord will have a hard time proving that turning the switch off caused the damage and that you were the one to turn it off. In your dispute you need to highlight areas of uncertainty. For example, "after we left and before the inspection was completed cleaners had access to the property" - this raises doubt. If the landlord can't reasonably provide evidence that you are responsible the DPS will award in your favour.

Pixie5740

Read G_M's Deposits: payment, protection & return for further information.

Hopetobedebtfree

Thanks all. Still no receipt and the landlord is asking us to please confirm we accept liability????? Not sure what planet he is on but obviously we have not done that.

macman

Make and model of the boiler? A pump is not an expensive part, and fitting it might take a couple of hours. £1,000 would buy a new budget boiler!

bap98189

Hopetobedebtfree wrote: »

Surely if that switch had the potential to cause damage to the tube of almost a thousand pounds we should have been warned not to touch it?

It doesn't. What do you think would happen if there was a power cut? Would everyone who owned that make of boiler suddenly have to splash out £1000. He is trying to con money out of you. Do not let him.