Who Pays for Boiler Service?
When your boiler stops working, the first question isn't always how to fix it—it's who pays for boiler service, the person responsible for covering the cost of routine checks, repairs, or replacements. The answer isn't the same for everyone. It depends on whether you own your home, rent it, have a warranty, or live in a shared building. In the UK, landlords are legally required to arrange and pay for an annual gas safety check if they rent out a property with a boiler. But if you're a homeowner, that cost lands squarely on your shoulders—unless you've bought a service plan.
Boiler service, a routine inspection and cleaning performed by a Gas Safe registered engineer, isn't just about keeping your heat on. It prevents dangerous gas leaks, improves efficiency, and keeps your warranty valid. Most manufacturers require an annual service to honor their guarantee. If you skip it, you could lose coverage on a £2,000 repair. Some people think boiler service is the same as boiler repair, but they're not. Service is preventative—cleaning parts, checking pressure, testing safety valves. Repair is reactive—fixing a broken pump, replacing a faulty thermostat, or fixing a leak. The cost of a boiler service in the UK usually runs between £70 and £120. That’s a small price compared to the £500+ it can cost to fix a neglected boiler.
Who pays? If you're a tenant, your landlord handles it. If you're a homeowner, you do. If you're on a low income or receive certain benefits, you might qualify for government help through the Warm Home Discount or ECO4 scheme. Some energy suppliers offer boiler service plans for a monthly fee, which can spread the cost and include emergency cover. But read the fine print—some plans only cover parts, not labor. Others exclude older boilers. And if your boiler is over 10 years old, a service might reveal it’s time to replace it. That’s when the real cost comes in. A new boiler can run from £2,000 to £4,000, depending on the type and installation complexity.
Don’t wait until your boiler fails in winter. A yearly service catches small problems before they become expensive ones. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about safety. A faulty boiler can leak carbon monoxide, a silent, deadly gas. That’s why the law makes landlords responsible. And if you’re a homeowner, it’s your job to protect your family. The posts below cover what a boiler service actually includes, how to spot when your boiler is nearing the end of its life, what to do if your landlord refuses to fix it, and how to avoid being overcharged by unscrupulous technicians. You’ll find real cost breakdowns, DIY checks you can do safely, and when it’s time to walk away from repair and buy new.
