Boiler service or gas safety check: what is the difference?
A boiler service and a landlord gas safety check have different purposes. Book both when both are required.
A boiler service
Servicing follows the appliance manufacturer’s requirements and the condition of the boiler. It is maintenance: the engineer inspects and carries out the appropriate service work, with findings and further recommendations recorded. The precise scope depends on the appliance. Servicing requirements can also form part of manufacturer warranty terms.
A landlord gas safety check
The landlord check examines gas safety for the appliances and flues within its scope and produces a Landlord Gas Safety Record, commonly called a CP12. It does not automatically include a full service or repairs. An annual service alone does not automatically supply the landlord record covering all relevant appliances.
Which should you book?
- Landlord record due: request the gas safety check and list all relevant appliances.
- Boiler maintenance due: request a boiler service.
- Both due: request both explicitly and ask for the combined price.
- Boiler faulty: describe the fault; a diagnostic appointment may be needed before or alongside planned maintenance.
Prepare for the appointment
Provide the boiler make and model if known, the appliance list, previous records and the property access details. Tell us about faults before booking so the appointment and price reflect the work. Checks may identify defects needing separate action; neither service promises that every repair will be included.