What can I do if my boiler has broken down?

Q. I rent my home, and the boiler is not working. What can I do?

- SHARON HAMPSON,RUTHERGLEN & CAMBUSLANG CITIZENS' ADVICE BUREAU MANAGER, ANSWERS YOUR QUESTIONS

A. Tell your landlord your boiler isn't working. They're responsible for repairing or replacing the boiler. You shouldn't try to fix the boiler yourself.

Check your tenancy agreement regarding repairs. Under common law and parliamentary statute a landlord must ensure that the house: is wind and watertight, meets the tolerable standard and for most tenancies, meets the repairing standard.

In addition, the landlord has a responsibility to repair: the exterior of the house, including drains, gutters and pipes, water supplies and plumbing, gas supplies, electrical supplies, space and water heating, defects giving rise to dampness and anything specified in the tenancy agreement.

Q. Is there any help for a new boiler as mine has broken down?

A. It depends on your circumstances, if you own your home and think your gas boiler is broken and needs replacing or repairing.

You should check if: your boiler needs to be repaired or replaced, you have a legal right to repairs or a replacement, you have a warranty or guarantee, your boiler is covered by any insurance policies, you can apply to a grant or scheme to help with the costs and if moving to a heat pump or biomass boiler is a better option for you.

Q. I own my house. I've heard there are grants to replace my faulty boiler. Is this true?

A. Yes, but be aware of scams and rouge traders. Use reliable and reputable sources of information.

There are grants and loans available from the Scottish and UK governments, local councils and energy suppliers, depending on your situation.

You should contact Home Energy Scotland for a free assessment. They might suggest improvements like: insulation - cavity wall insulation, external wall cladding, or loft insulation or an efficient boiler as this can make your home warmer and lower your bills; or a smart meter - this can help you see your energy usage and make changes; or double glazing or LED lighting.