UK Landlord Forum / Life

Just received an e-mail from our landlord

"If you are intending to leave the premises over the festive period please be reminded that your boiler should be set to operate on low with thermostats on radiators set to the frost setting to ensure pipes do not crack or become damaged due to stagnant water in pipes freezing in low temperatures. You will be held responsible for any damage to pipe work if this is not adhered to."

Do we really have to leave our heating on while we are away over xmas?

Tenancy agreement states:

"Take all necessary steps to prevent frost damage to the property. Further the tenant will keep the property aired and warmed to prevent damage caused by condensation. Any damage so ause will be the responsibility of the tenant"

Wouldn't you do so if it was your own property?

Your landlord seems very nice in reminding you of this very common sense approach to risk management.

Your objections would not appear very sensible in this instance.

Well it will be expensive, it's not like he's kindly offering to pay for it

As Hippogriff has suggested you would do this as matter of course if it was your own property.  You just need to leave it on low, it is NOT an unreasonable request.

Quote from: Ellis Rimmer on December 19, 2014, 01:55:28 PMWell it will be expensive, it's not like he's kindly offering to pay for it

Leave it turned off then. Take the risk. I think you'll be the one upset if you come back and find out a) there's no heating 'cos it's broken and b) you're also liable for the repair as you were clearly warned. It gets cold in January.

I think sometimes people don't realise when they're not going to win.

You have options... leave it off - take a risk, leave it on - don't take a risk. Not really worth further discussion, this one, is it?

Quote from: 1houselandlord on December 19, 2014, 04:05:11 PM
As Hippogriff has suggested you would do this as matter of course if it was your own property.  You just need to leave it on low, it is NOT an unreasonable request.

I wouldn't though, I have a property that will be unoccupied over this period and that won't be going on so hardly gonna be happy to do it here!

Well dont take the advice you were asked for then.

Simple.

I for one hope you dont find your home and possessions water damaged, costing you thousands of pounds, just that you save the £8 it will cost to leave it on frost protect.

You might also find that the insurance company has this as a rider, and if heating is not left on they will not pay out.

Been ever so cold... Lets hope nothing horrible has happened.

Any update on this? It could be a very useful lesson for others. I've personally never heard of a request like that, but I'm sure it makes sense.

As above, it's not an unreasonable request and may protect your valuables as well as the landlord's property.

You don't just heat a room/house to keep yourself warm, it's also to warm the building, the contents and to keep the dreaded condensation at bay.