Massachusetts is very clear about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities when it comes to the safety and security of a rental property. Where natural resources are involved, it also requires extra vigilance to ensure everything is working appropriately. If you are like other landlords and tenants who are unsure of legal requirements, here’s what you need to know about whether a gas boiler service and repair is a legal requirement for landlords in Massachusetts.
What are The Minimum Heat Requirements in Massachusetts?
The state of Massachusetts sets different rules for commercial and residential property owners.
- For Commercial Property:
- A landlord must provide proper heating between October 15th and May 15th.
- For Residential Property:
- Landlords must supply heat between September 15th and June 15th.
- Landlords must ensure temperatures exceed 68 in the day and 64 at night.
- Heat is a requirement in any season where the temperatures are below 78.
- The statute includes all dwellings, including manufactured homes.
Can Tenant Have Make Heating Repairs if Landlords Don’t?
A tenant must follow the 14-day written notice rule before making a sanitation code complaint to Code Enforcement. Tenants can also make repairs and deduct the cost from the rent. Tenants must supply a landlord with the receipt when paying the rent. Massachusetts legislation also allows tenants to take landlords to a court or break a lease, so owners tend to take care of repairs.
How Often Should a Boiler be Serviced in a Rented Property?
Some boiler manufacturers require property owners to service an appliance once every twelve months or it voids it. J Griffin Heating & Plumbing also recommends that gas appliances receive service checks annually as it extends investment shelf lives and ensures your property’s safety.
Does a Landlord Have to Have a Boiler Serviced?
Landlord boiler service is a legal requirement when renting to tenants. Having an annual inspection ensures a dwelling is up to standards and provides access to heating and hot water. Serving a unit also ensures that the pipes, wiring, or ventilation are fitted and working properly.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Make Repairs in Massachusetts?
Timeliness is a critical factor, which is why Massachusetts sets a time limit for repairs. It is important to note that annual maintenance is only a requirement set by manufacturers. The state only oversees repair needs, which a tenant must give a 14-day notice in writing that there is a repair needed. If the tenant fails to respond, Massachusetts provides guidelines for tenants.
What Does J Griffin Do When We Service a Gas Boiler?
J Griffin Heating & Plumbing experts begin with a visual gas boiler inspection to ensure parts, piping, and wiring are not showing signs of wear-and-tear. We also check to ensure the parts and components inside the boiler casing are in the right positions and working efficiently. Lastly, after we perform gas boiler maintenance and repair, we thoroughly clean all its components.
To learn more about gas boiler service and repair, call our office a call at (781) 521-2188 or send us a message on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JGriffinHeatingandPlumbing/.