When managing rental properties, landlords in London must consider both efficiency and long-term reliability. One key decision that affects tenant satisfaction and property maintenance is the choice of boiler. Investing in the best boiler for landlords not only ensures a warm and functional home but also minimises callouts, repairs, and compliance issues with UK safety regulations.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through our top boiler brand recommendations and provide practical insights into boiler installation in London. Whether you manage a single property or multiple flats, making the right boiler choice is a smart move for your bottom line.
Before diving into brand comparisons, landlords should think about the following:
• Property Size: Larger properties may need a system boiler, while smaller ones can benefit from compact combi boilers.
• Tenant Needs: Families require strong hot water output; students prefer simple, cost-effective systems.
• Energy Efficiency: Modern boilers must have an ERP rating of A or higher to meet legal standards.
• Maintenance and Warranty: Long warranties and easy access to replacement parts save money over time.
• Legal Requirements: A Gas Safe registered engineer must carry out boiler installation in London properties.
Choosing the right boiler involves balancing performance, cost, and tenant expectations. An efficient boiler reduces utility bills and contributes to a more eco-friendly property, which is becoming increasingly important to younger tenants.
Why we recommend it: Worcester Bosch is often considered the best boiler for landlords due to its excellent reliability, long warranties (up to 10 years), and energy efficiency.
• Ideal for: Landlords who want peace of mind and reduced maintenance costs.
• Best model: Worcester Greenstar 25i – perfect for small to mid-sized rental homes.
• Pros: Quiet operation, high performance, wide network of engineers.
• Cons: Slightly higher upfront cost.
Worcester Bosch boilers are also known for their sleek design and ease of integration into modern interiors. With smart thermostat compatibility, they offer added convenience for tech-savvy tenants.
Why we recommend it: Vaillant offers excellent build quality and user-friendly controls, making it easy for tenants to operate.
• Ideal for: HMOs or apartments where reliability and simplicity are key.
• Best model: ecoTEC plus combi 832 – compact yet powerful.
• Pros: Energy-efficient, built in the UK, backed by great support.
• Cons: Some models are pricier than competitors.
Vaillant boilers are particularly good at handling high demand across multiple bathrooms. This makes them ideal for large homes or shared accommodations.
Why we recommend it: Ideal boilers strike a balance between affordability and performance, ideal for budget-conscious landlords.
• Ideal for: First-time landlords or properties with short-term tenants.
• Best model: Logic+ Combi – compact, reliable, and affordable.
• Pros: Low cost, great warranty (up to 7 years), easy to install.
• Cons: Build quality may not match premium brands.
Ideal is a strong contender in the UK market and offers excellent customer service. They are often recommended by installers for their ease of setup and consistent performance.
Why we recommend it: Baxi has been around for over 150 years and is known for robust products at reasonable prices.
• Ideal for: Mid-range rental properties needing reliable hot water on demand.
• Best model: Baxi 600 Combi – efficient and compact.
• Pros: Easy access to spare parts, trusted by landlords, quiet operation.
• Cons: Shorter warranties than Worcester or Vaillant.
Baxi boilers are excellent in terms of after-sales support and parts availability. This means quicker repairs and reduced downtime for your tenants.
Why we recommend it: For landlords managing multiple properties, Glow-worm offers an affordable way to maintain compliance.
• Ideal for: Student accommodations and lower-rent properties.
• Best model: Energy Combi – affordable and compact.
• Pros: Budget-friendly, backed by Vaillant’s support network.
• Cons: Not as robust as higher-end brands.
Glow-worm boilers are often chosen for quick installations and minimal fuss. They provide basic functionality at a good price point, making them ideal for landlords looking to stay compliant without overspending.
All new gas boilers must be installed by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Here’s what landlords in London should keep in mind:
• Certificates Required: After installation, you must receive a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate and Gas Safety Certificate.
• Annual Servicing: This is mandatory for tenant safety and to validate warranties.
• Choosing a Local Installer: Look for trusted providers experienced in boiler installation London properties.
Improper installation can lead to significant fines or invalidate insurance, so always verify credentials before hiring an installer.
• Boiler + Installation (Combi): £1,800 – £2,500
• System Boiler Install: £2,000 – £3,500 (with water tank)
• Additional Costs: Thermostats, filters, flushing old systems.
While installation costs may seem high initially, a modern boiler can drastically reduce energy bills, making the investment worthwhile over time.
• Book annual servicing to meet legal obligations.
• Install carbon monoxide alarms near the boiler.
• Educate tenants on how to use the boiler controls.
• Keep a log of maintenance and servicing dates.
• Replace filters and bleed radiators periodically.
Staying on top of maintenance not only extends boiler lifespan but also helps prevent mid-winter emergencies that could leave tenants without heat.