Rules for having gas boilers serviced in France?

Like chimneys, heaters that use gas, heating oil, wood or coal require regular maintenance.

Home-owners are meant, by law, to have gas heating boilers checked annually by a professional, who should supply a certificate stating the boiler has been checked and is safe to use.

Poor maintenance can lead to poor fuel combustion and – in the worst cases – carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills around 100 people a year in France.

Boiler maintenance contracts include an annual check-up and repair for a cost of about €90. If the home is rented, organising the check is the responsibility of the tenant unless otherwise stated in the lease.

There is no legal penalty for failure to maintain and service a boiler but an insurer may refuse to pay out if a related claim is made. Many will demand to see both boiler maintenance certificates and chimney cleaning records.

Landlords, too, may require proof that boilers are being maintained.

To find a heating technician, look in online directories under chauffagiste or search for entretien chaudière (boiler maintenance).

• Most communes have bylaws imposing chimney cleaning by a professional sweep once or twice a year.

Question answered by Sarah Bright-Thomas of Bright Avocats

Tel: 05 61 57 90 86 - www.brightavocats.com - contact@brightavocats.com