Heating installation 'must be maintained'

Article date : 27/11/2008

Landlords with existing heating installation or considering contacting a professional to install central heating systems have been advised by one sector commentator to ensure that it is correctly maintained.

Neil Marsden, environmental health consultant at the Residential Landlords Association, explained that central heating systems should also be kept in a good state of repair, as if it was not a court may order that a landlord pay compensation to a tenant to cover damage that may have been caused to their health or possessions.

"If a tenant notifies us of a necessary repair and we chose to do nothing and are given reminders then, at the end of the day, the tenant is entitled to have the repairs carried out and deduct it from the rent," he added.

Mr Marsden concluded that when carrying out repairs, a landlord should take into account the age, location and character of the property and its surrounding area.

RICS' Building Cost Information Service has reported that the cost of restoring a damp affected wall has risen by 16 per cent in two years, highlighting the need for effective central heating systems.

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