Does anyone know anything about boilers? Help!?

Question

In the last month there has been 2 gas leaks from my boiler... after the first, they upgraded but did not replace it, and then a month later there has been another very major one.

I just spoke to my estate agents and I may be paranoid, but it sounded like they think my flatmate and I are responsible. I know nothing about boilers, and what would cause problems with them- is there really anything we could have done to cause this?

Im just very worried because I wasn't even there when it happened, but it's a joint tenancy so if anything goes wrong that they deem our fault, I'm equally liable.

Answer 1

There is nothing you could do to cause a gas leak within the boiler unless you've been playing with the safety valves or something. If you are tenant, check on your landlords gas safety cert (Form CP12) which needs to be carried out annually by law. See what it says about the boiler on there - it may say that boiler is old and needs replacing. Can you not ask the agents for more details of exactly what the problem was. Its a bit difficult to say any more without further details.

Answer 2

The boiler in rented accomodation must have a certificate of Saftey or it is illegal and the owner not the tenant can be fined a considerable amount of money. The certificate must be presented after a yearly inspection that must carried out by a CORGI registered engineer.

It is highly doubtfull that a tenant would be able to cause a gas leak. If I were you I would look at this site:

http://www.corgi-gas-safety.com/

and contact CORGI shold yo need back up to deal with the landlord.

Answer 3

Get the estate agents to show you the "CORGI" certificate (if you life in the UK) for the work carried out. If there is one you have the ability to talk to CORGI directly and get an independant chap out. If there is no certificate then your estate-agents have broken the law by not having the work checked and you can go to the "Citizen's Advice" to get compensation for putting your life at risk.

www.corgi-gas-safety.com/
section_gas_law/
your_rights_landlords.asp

Answer 4

In law the greatest defence is ATTACK.
Go back to agents and give them a letter explaining that you are concerned about your life being in danger because of faulty boiler, Keep a copy of letter, and threaten that you will if necessary take legal action if they don't do something about it.
BE FIRM

Answer 5

i would contact the person who last look at it and make shore he was corgi registered

with out knowing the system its a bit hard to say but if you ring the people that actually produced the boiler they my be able to shed light on it but please do not touch it your self it is dangerous and illegal

i am scratching my head as to why it could of gone like

PS I'm a plumber but do not work on gas appliances but now about them

Answer 6

it is up to the landlord to service this once a year if they cant prove that they did it then you will not be liable, if you are worried get the gas board in to check it and they might condem it and your landlord will have to replace it. was the service done by a corgi gas fitter? if not its illegal for them to rent you the property without the certificate. get to C.A.B for advive.

Answer 7

Phone a reliable plumber gets it fixed properly or replaced and give your landlord the invoice, it is his responsibility for the repairs and your safety is the number one priority.

Answer 8

I don't think its often possible to cause damage to your boiler. It sounds like they want you to be liable to fix it !! Don't stand for it !!

Answer 9

If your a tenant then it's your landlords responsibility, he must do something now, go to the citizens advice bureau.
Good luck

Answer 10

what make is the boiler? if it si Bosch say, phone there customer service line for exta info