Is it possible for the heater to not kick on due to the side wood panel being off? But for everything else to work correctly? Similiar to how a refridgerator light turns off when the door is closed.

I am renting a house with a hot tub that is "built in" to the deck, which makes it very difficult to access the inside of it.

I am sorry for not providing more information, but as I said I am renting a house with this hot tub.. and our landlord.. well.. he didn't tell us **** basically except to take care of it. One month after we move in the heat stops working and I notice the side panel under the deck isn't fully on.