Are we obliged to provide heating 24/7

[Harts]

We have recently had a discussion with local Council over another matter when the topic of heating was raised. As part of the WMC (13 properties with 19 residents) we provide central heating from 3 boiler rooms for 7 months and the system is switched off during the 5 warmer months. Domestic hot water is provided 24/7.
This arrangement was made by agreement with the residents when fuel costs increased dramatically. Heating is described as background heating (although most find it sufficient) and the residents are expected to supplement it with oil filled radiators or fan heaters at their expense. This has worked well and is financially viable for all.
The council official has told us this is not acceptable under the ‘new rules’ but we don’t know what they are!
He said that we must provide heating 24/7 and that oil filled radiators or fan heaters are not appropriate.
To comply, we will have to increase the WMC to cover not only fuel but additional servicing of the plant in 3 boiler rooms. This will not go down well with the residents.
Has anyone else had experience of these ‘new’ rules ? What are they? Are we obliged to provide 24/7 heating even if it is not necessary?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks – I think he is expecting a progress report!

[MGA2001]

Hello,

Have the council advised you that the heating must be on during the summer months? This would seem rather peculiar given most people do not have their heating on 24/7 during the year.

Kind regards,

Megan

[Harts]

Thanks, yes they have said heating must be available 24/7 and oil filled or fan heaters are not acceptable.
We find it most peculiar too and wonder what are these ‘new’ rules . We also wonder if it is going to affect others and how they will deal with it.
Or……is it some jobs-worth who has not got all the facts?

Kind regards
Malcolm

[MGA2001]

Hi Malcolm,

I would be inclined to go back to the council and have them set out clearly in a letter the new regulation they are referring to and explain to them that Alms-houses are not classified in the same way as “landlord” and tenants”. We also do not provide heating throughout the year and advise residents to use electric or oil heaters to make up any difference at their own expense.

There is a big financial difference between the heating being “available” and “twitched on” 24/7.

[Harts]

Thank you, it is interesting to know that you approach heating in the same way.
Heating is available if we view the weather as exceptionally cold, in which case we switch on for that spell but to leave it switched on permanently 24/7 seems unacceptable.
We have the government taking away w.f.a. and allowing the energy price cap to continue to rise, yet on the other hand apparently telling everyone in rented properties, (and they are classing almshouses in the same way), that they must have heating 24/7. To us, it seems the writing does not join up! or.. are we missing something?

[Tim Richardson]

This is interesting, there are reasons that oil filed radiators or electric panels heaters are not suitable but saying it has to be available sounds a bit odd to me. I would be very interested to know more about this too.

I’m happy to look into this further for you.

Tim Richardson MCIAT MCIOB FSAI MRICS MIFSM TMEI

Chartered Architectural Technologist, Chartered Construction Manager, Chartered Building Surveyor, CIAT-Accredited Conservationist
Registered Fire Risk Assessor
Accredited Legionella Risk Assessor
Accredited Domestic Energy Assessor

Quinquennial Inspections Limited
28 George Street
Balsall Heath
Birmingham
B12 9RG

Email: tim@timothyrichardson.co.uk
Tel: 0121 471 1478

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