The Best Boiler for Rental Properties, as with many debates about what or who is the best, is a subjective view point.
As an illustration, we asked three of our accredited Gas Engineers what they thought the best boiler for a rental property was and what their rational was. Surprise, surprise we received three different answers, here’s what they said:
Engineer 1:
- Glow Worm Ultimate 30kW combi
- Owned by Vaillant and are great quality.
- Come with a 10 year warranty
Engineer 2:
- Baxi 800 combi boiler
- Comes with a hassle free 10 year warranty
- Not the cheapest but not the most expensive. And you get what you pay for
Engineer 3:
- IntergasRapid with 8 year warranty or the Intergas Xclusive with 12 year warranty
- Warranty covers parts and labour
- Only 4 moving parts – no plastic or rubber
- Very quiet – they claim the quietest
- Heat pump compatible for a hybrid system
Any engineers will have reasons why the recommend a particular boiler (and there are reasons for that which are nothing to do with how much money they make from each – READ MORE HERE). However, there are certainly a number of factors worth considering when fitting a new boiler in an Edinburgh Rental Property, especially given the drive towards energy efficiency and changes to government legislation.
In this guide, rather than debating which is best we’ve suggested factors to consider when selecting a boiler for a rental property. We have taken it as a given that cost will always be a factor but we’d argue it shouldn’t be the only factor, and, in fact not be the primary factor. Read on to find out why:
- Legal & Compliance Requirements
Before selecting a boiler, landlords must ensure compliance with UK regulations:
Gas Safety Regulations: A Gas Safe registered engineer must install the boiler, and landlords must obtain an annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12).
EPC Rating: Rental properties in Scotland may soon have to meet a minimum Energy Performance standards (EPC rating). The Energy efficiency of a boiler will have a significant impact on the overall Energy Performance of a property.
Maintenance Responsibilities: Boilers should be serviced annually but the MUST be checked for safe operation annually. A Boiler Service is not the same as a full gas safety inspection.
- Energy Efficiency & Cost Considerations
An energy-efficient boiler reduces running costs and improves the property’s EPC rating. Key factors to consider:
Efficiency Rating: A-rated (90%+ efficiency) condensing boilers help lower tenant energy bills.
Fuel Type: Mains gas is the most cost-effective; LPG or electric boilers may be alternatives if gas is unavailable.
Costs: Higher-quality boilers with longer warranties (5-10 years) may have a higher initial price but reduce repair costs over time. Conversely cheaper boilers may cost more to repair (for both labour and parts)
Repairability: Some engineers may decline to repair especially cheap boilers. Often with low cost boilers error codes can be hard to decipher, or diagnosis of faults can be difficult in other ways, they may be put together in the cheapest possibly way, which is not necessarily always compatible with replacing parts and with particularly cheap boilers fixing one part can knock some other part out of kilter.
- Right Boiler Type for the Property
Different properties require different types of boilers:
Combi Boiler: Best for small to medium-sized properties with one bathroom. Provides instant hot water without a storage tank.
System Boiler: Suitable for larger homes with multiple bathrooms. Requires a hot water cylinder but no cold-water tank.
Regular Boiler: Ideal for older properties with traditional heating systems. Requires a cold-water tank and hot water cylinder.
NOTE: Any Gas Boiler will require a flue run to the outside, this can be a challenge for engineers and add to installation costs if, for example, a flue needs to be run through rooms.
- Tenant Considerations
A hassle-free, cheap to run boiler enhances tenant satisfaction, minimizes potential complaints and reduces the time the Landlord needs to spend dealing with maintenance issues.
Ease of Use: Simple controls and smart thermostat compatibility (e.g., Hive, Nest) improve usability.
Reliability: Choose brands with strong reliability records to avoid frequent, costly breakdowns. Tenants can cope with most things but no heating or hot water for an extended period will really test a Landlord – Tenant Relationship.
Noise Levels: Quiet boilers are preferable for flats and smaller homes. Especially as boilers in rental properties will often be located in bedrooms
Energy Efficiency: High Energy efficiency = low bills = happy tenants. BUT ALSO, means tenants are more likely to heat a property properly and so avoid mould and condensation problems.
- Weather & Location Factors
Edinburgh’s cold winters require a boiler that performs well in low temperatures:
Cold Weather Performance: Ensure the boiler can operate efficiently in freezing conditions.
Water Pressure: Combi boilers require good mains water pressure; check the property’s supply before selecting a model.
In summary key factors in selecting a boiler should be
- Property type / size and water source
- Efficiency – for running costs, energy performance compliance and tenant satisfaction
- Reliability and repairability
- Ease of use and smart control compatibility
- Quiet running
- Future Proof – Compatible with hybrid systems or secondary fuels (Hydrogen)
Recommended Boilers
Following are some suggested boilers that we have found through online recommendations, customer reviews and gas engineer feedback. We have included approximate costs found at time of writing but these may vary depending on the supplier and time of year of purchase.
Best for Small Flats (1-2 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom)
Worcester Bosch Greenstar 2000 25kW
- Reliable, compact, and energy-efficient.
- Approx. £900-£1,100 + VAT
Ideal Logic Max 24kW
- Lower cost but still with a 10-year warranty.
- Approx. £850-£1,000 + VAT
Vaillant ecoTEC Pro 24kW
- Requires good water pressure.
- Approx. £1,000-£1,200 + VAT
Best for Medium Homes (2-3 Bedrooms, 1-2 Bathrooms)
Worcester Bosch Greenstar 4000 30kW
- Smart control -compatible with a 7-year warranty.
- Approx. £1,100-£1,300.
Ideal Vogue Max 32kW
- Good quality with a 12-year warranty.
- Approx. £1,200-£1,400.
Best for Larger Homes (3-4 Bedrooms, 2+ Bathrooms)
Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 832
- Good if there is high water demand
- Smart control compatible
- Approx. £1,400-£1,600.
Baxi 800 36kW
- Affordable with a 10-year warranty.
- Approx. £1,200-£1,500.
Conclusion
Choosing the right boiler for a rental property ensures tenant comfort, minimizes repair costs, and improves energy efficiency.
Landlords in Edinburgh should prioritize compliance, efficiency, and reliability while selecting the appropriate boiler type for their property size.
The best options balance upfront costs with long-term durability and warranty coverage. Investing in a high-quality boiler reduces tenant complaints and improves the property’s appeal. By considering the recommendations in this guide, landlords can make an informed decision that benefits both their investment and their tenants.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. HomeForce Property Management (HFPM) makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided. While every effort has been made to ensure the content is up to date, regulations may change, and interpretations may vary. HFPM is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on this article. Readers are advised to seek independent legal or professional advice regarding their specific circumstances. Links to external websites are provided for convenience and do not imply endorsement or responsibility for their content.
