When your boiler breaks down in the middle of winter, the last thing you want to worry about is who foots the bill. Is it your landlord? Your home insurance? Or are you on your own? The answer isn’t always obvious-and it can change depending on whether you rent, own, or live in a managed building. In New Zealand, where winters can turn chilly fast, knowing who pays for boiler service isn’t just about saving money-it’s about staying safe and warm.
Homeowners: You’re Responsible
If you own your home, you pay for everything. That includes annual boiler servicing, parts replacement, emergency callouts, and even routine checks. There’s no one else to blame. Skipping service might seem like a way to save cash, but it’s a false economy. A poorly maintained boiler can leak carbon monoxide, break down when you need it most, or cost twice as much to fix later.
Most manufacturers require an annual service to keep your warranty valid. If you bought a new boiler in the last five years, check your paperwork. You’ll likely need proof of service to claim repairs under warranty. In Wellington, where damp conditions speed up corrosion, skipping service can shorten your boiler’s life by years.
On average, a boiler service in New Zealand costs between $120 and $200. That’s not cheap, but it’s far less than a full replacement-which can run $3,000 to $6,000. Many homeowners set aside $15-$25 a month in a savings fund just for heating repairs. It’s not glamorous, but it keeps the heat on when you need it.
Renters: Landlords Usually Cover It
If you’re renting, the law is clear. Under the Residential Tenancies Act 1986, landlords are responsible for keeping the property in a reasonable state of repair-including the heating system. That means if your boiler stops working, your landlord must fix it. This includes annual servicing if it’s part of the property’s fixed equipment.
But here’s the catch: the law doesn’t say landlords must service the boiler every year. It says they must keep it in working order. So if your boiler breaks, they have to fix it. But if it’s just old and noisy, they don’t have to upgrade it unless it’s unsafe.
What you can do: document everything. Take photos of the boiler, keep records of complaints, and send requests in writing. If your landlord refuses to act, you can apply to the Tenancy Tribunal. In 2024, over 400 cases in Wellington involved heating failures, and most were ruled in favor of tenants when proof of neglect was shown.
Some landlords include boiler service in the rent. Others don’t. Ask upfront. If your lease doesn’t mention it, assume you’ll need to remind them annually. Don’t wait for winter to come knocking.
What About Home Insurance?
Home insurance won’t cover routine boiler service. That’s considered maintenance, not damage. But if your boiler explodes, leaks badly, or is damaged by a storm or burst pipe, your policy might pay for repairs or replacement.
Most standard policies in New Zealand cover accidental damage to fixed heating systems. But you need to prove you’ve kept up with maintenance. If an insurer finds out you skipped three years of service, they can deny your claim. Some insurers offer add-ons called “home emergency cover” that include boiler breakdowns. These usually cost $50-$100 a year and cover callout fees and parts up to $1,500.
Don’t assume your insurance will save you. Read the fine print. Ask your provider: “Does my policy cover boiler repair due to mechanical failure, and do I need proof of annual servicing?”
Managed Buildings and Apartments
If you live in a unit title property-like a townhouse or apartment complex-the body corporate handles shared systems. In many cases, the boiler that heats multiple units is owned and maintained by the body corporate. That means your monthly levies cover its service.
Check your body corporate minutes or financial statements. They should list boiler maintenance as a line item. If you notice the boiler has been broken for months and no one’s fixing it, raise it at the next meeting. If the body corporate refuses to act, you can escalate to the Tenancy Tribunal or the Disputes Tribunal, depending on your situation.
Some newer developments include smart boilers with remote monitoring. These send alerts when service is due, and the body corporate gets notified automatically. It’s not magic-it’s just good management.
What If You’re Not Sure?
Here’s a simple flow to figure out who pays:
- Do you own the property? → You pay.
- Are you renting? → Landlord pays for repairs, not routine service unless specified.
- Do you live in an apartment? → Check your body corporate rules.
- Is the boiler under warranty? → Manufacturer or installer covers parts, you still pay for labor unless included.
- Did you buy the house with a boiler already installed? → If it’s old, you’re responsible unless the previous owner promised service in writing.
When in doubt, ask for documentation. A receipt for last year’s service? A warranty card? A lease clause? These are your proof.
Red Flags That Mean Trouble
Watch out for these signs that someone’s trying to dodge responsibility:
- Your landlord says, “You’re using it too much,” when the boiler fails.
- A service company shows up and says, “We can’t fix it unless you pay $300 upfront.”
- You’re told, “The boiler’s old, so it’s your problem,” even though you’re a tenant.
- The boiler has been broken for over two weeks with no action.
These aren’t normal. They’re violations of your rights. In New Zealand, landlords can’t shift repair costs to tenants unless the damage was caused by them. And service companies that demand upfront cash without a quote are often scams.
How to Avoid Being Caught Off Guard
Plan ahead. Set a calendar reminder for your boiler service every October-before winter hits. Keep a folder (digital or physical) with:
- Receipts for all service visits
- Manufacturer warranty details
- Lease agreement pages about repairs
- Photos of the boiler’s condition
- Emails or texts asking for repairs
If you’re a renter, send your landlord a polite email every year: “Hi, just a reminder that the boiler service is due. Could we schedule it this month?” Most will respond. A few won’t. That’s when you know to prepare for the next step.
What Happens If No One Pays?
Left unattended, a broken boiler doesn’t just leave you cold. It can cause mold, damp, and even structural damage. In extreme cases, carbon monoxide poisoning can happen. That’s why councils in Wellington have started issuing notices to landlords with non-functioning heating in rental properties.
If your boiler dies and no one fixes it, you can:
- Apply for a Tenancy Tribunal order to force repairs
- Request a reduction in rent until it’s fixed
- Use your own money to fix it and deduct the cost from rent (only if you follow legal steps)
Never withhold rent without legal advice. But you do have rights. Use them.
Final Thought: It’s Not About Blame, It’s About Safety
Who pays for boiler service? The answer depends on your situation. But the real question is: who’s responsible for keeping your home safe? That’s not a legal issue-it’s a human one. A working boiler isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or body corporate member, your priority should be making sure it runs. Not who pays. Just that it does.
I am an expert in the services industry with a focus on appliance repair. My passion lies in understanding how things work and educating others in simple, engaging ways. This enthusiasm fuels my writing, where I delve into topics around appliance maintenance and troubleshooting. I aim to make these subjects clear and accessible to all readers.