We live in Belgium. 2 weeks ago we decided to go on holiday - so we turned off the Boiler's gas, since that what was we normally did in Poland. But, unfortunately, 2 weeks later and the Boiler doesn't ignite. We have asked the landlord, but he believes that the blame is on us since we switched off the Boiler. However, we did this for fear of fire. We consulted a manual for a boiler (though not the same type exactly - but the same brand) and it also suggested that for safety reasons, turn off when not using for a long period of time.We are student tenants. We're wondering, were we to blame to switch off the Boiler when it appears to have been the reasonable thing to do? Who should pay for the repairs? Even though it depends on Belgian law, any suggestions would be helpful.Thanks
Of course I don't know Belgium law, but I would have to say that the landlord is still responsible to have the boiler looked at. You did the responsible thing as a tenant by shutting down the boiler during your absence, you should remind the landlord of this fact. There probably won't actually be any repairs, it will just have to be properly re-lit. You can probably look up the correct procedure online at the boiler company website, and maybe do it yourself, it is quite simple. If you shut off the actual system gas valve, they do have a tendency to stick , tap it lightly with a hammer a few times. Then try the lighting procedure again. Good Luck!
Email the manufacturer and ask them if you did anything wrong. Then show their response to the landlord to show him what an idiot he is.
