PRACTICAL GUIDE · UPDATED 2026-10-30

A boiler service and a gas safety check: what should you book?

Ask for the maintenance and checks you need explicitly, and confirm which appliances and records are included.

A boiler service is maintenance of the boiler in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. A landlord's annual gas safety check fulfils a separate checking requirement for the appliances and flues covered by the landlord's duties. HSE distinguishes maintenance from gas safety records, so the booking terms matter.

Do not assume a boiler service includes checks on a gas cooker or fire, or that an annual safety check includes the boiler's full service. Ask whether the engineer can carry out both during one visit, what each part covers and what paperwork you will receive. Any defects may need separately agreed repair work.

Follow the manufacturer's servicing instructions. Where they are unavailable, HSE's landlord guidance recommends annual servicing unless a Gas Safe registered engineer advises otherwise. Ask separately about installation pipework inspection and testing, which falls outside the annual appliance safety check.

For an owner-occupied home, HSE strongly advises at least annual servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Report faults when they appear rather than waiting for the next appointment. Keep service records, safety check records and repair invoices together.

Your checklist

State whether you need a service, a landlord gas safety check, or both.
List every gas appliance and the fuel used.
Ask which checks, maintenance tasks and records are included.
Confirm how additional repairs will be approved.
Ask what servicing interval the manufacturer specifies for your appliance.

Sources & further reading

General information, not a property assessment, booking or assurance about a listed business. Dates indicate content updates; they are not invented publication dates.

All guides →Find local help →Back to the interactive blog →