Tenant got a heat pump installed without consent

380 replies

Kimmers4334 · 21/07/2026 09:44

I am in two minds about this because it’s an upgrade to the property, but it’s a pretty significant and permanent thing that I’m now responsible for.

So as not to dripfeed, the tenant asked if they could have an appointment to see if the property would qualify for any upgrades. I agreed but was very clear that I’d want to see plans/recommendations before I agreed to having anything installed. I heard nothing further and then the letting agent sent me a certificate for work I know nothing about. There is a good chance I would’ve agreed to the heat pump, but that would depend on me having all the information. On principle I am pretty annoyed that the tenant, letting agent and installation company didn’t actually seek permission to go ahead at any point.
What would you do in this situation, complain to someone (letting agent? Installation company?), see it as breach of contract by the tenant, or just let it go as it does benefit the property?

OP posts:

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SpaceRaccoon · 23/08/2026 08:22

UnderMirkwood · 23/08/2026 01:30

Did they install solar panels when they fitted the heat pump? If so, and if you are unable to get a gas boiler installed due to building regs, would it be worth ripping out the heat pump and going back to an electric CH system, either wet or dry system? With brand new electric rads and boiler and with the solar panels would this provide a warmer house with cheaper maintenance and running costs not much more than the heat pump? Just an idea.

A properly installed heat pump will always be cheaper than direct electric heating.

godmum56 · 23/08/2026 10:48

notapizzaeater · 22/08/2026 16:53

You can’t go backwards, I had a wrongly sized ASHP installed (company went bust) so wanted to go back to a gas boiler as was costing a kidney but found out I couldn’t 😤😤😤😤. That said, once I’d had the right size installed I’ve been much happier

yes but you chose to switch, the OP didn't.

godmum56 · 23/08/2026 10:49

Kimmers4334 · 22/08/2026 09:44

The reason why I’m so much in two minds is that the house previously had electric heating. So I don’t doubt that the solar panels would’ve been beneficial and I would’ve agreed to them (given the chance and having seen the plans). But there is a capped gas connection and gas meter (no current gas appliances) so I was planning to put in a gas boiler in the next few years. As mentioned the house is nearly 100 years old but not listed so it does have modern doors and triple glazed windows, but there is no way I would’ve chosen a heat pump over a brand new gas boiler for an old house, and I would’ve obviously chosen large radiators in all rooms (with the heat pump they have not put any rads in the hallways, for example) and I would’ve run the pipes under the floor where possible.

So going back to what was there previously seems pointless. I am going to get further advice on whether a gas boiler could even be installed now as I’ve been advised building regs say you shouldn’t change heating systems to produce more CO2 than they currently do. I have had an electrical inspection to make sure the installation is safe but I am booking a full efficacy and compliance survey.

But this all makes compensation more complicated because the house didn’t have an amazing modern boiler, but still it’s a system I wouldn’t have chosen, is more expensive to maintain and gets less hot than both gas and electric, and has a 2 year warranty not 7 like with a boiler

so far as building regs go, could you argue that the insallation was made without your knowledge or agreement and without the house's being made ready for air source heating? I dunno but its worth a punt? If building regs won't play ball then your compemsations hould include an assessment of the house as it stands and any changes required to make the air source system work satisfactorily

Seeline · 23/08/2026 11:10

SpaceRaccoon · 23/08/2026 08:22

A properly installed heat pump will always be cheaper than direct electric heating.

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Only if the house is suited to such heating, and doesn't require additional heating by way of electrical heaters etc

SpaceRaccoon · 23/08/2026 12:10

Seeline · 23/08/2026 11:10

Only if the house is suited to such heating, and doesn't require additional heating by way of electrical heaters etc

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That would also be brutally expensive with direct electric heating though.

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