As a tenant, it’s important to understand your landlord’s responsibilities, especially when it comes to repairs. Learn what your landlord is required to fix, and what to do if they refuse to carry out repairs.
Many tenant-landlord disputes arise from misunderstandings about who is responsible for repairs. These details are usually outlined in the tenancy agreement, but it’s always wise to familiarise yourself with your rights and keep your own list for reference. This ensures you won’t have to rely solely on the tenancy agreement or your landlord’s word without verifying the information.
Reasonable repair requests
Whether you rent from a council, housing association, or a private landlord, most repairs are the responsibility of your landlord. However, it’s important for tenants to understand what constitutes a reasonable repair request.
A repair request is reasonable if it involves something you cannot remedy or fix on your own. It is reasonable when only your landlord has the capability to address the issue. As a tenant, it’s your right to request reasonable repairs, as this is included in your rent. However, it’s also your responsibility to inform your landlord of any problems immediately. Don’t wait for the issue to worsen.
After submitting your request, your landlord must be given a reasonable amount of time to carry out the repairs. Generally, a reply with their plans should be provided within 21 days. You must also provide access to your home and the areas that need repair. The timeframe for repairs often depends on the severity of the issue.
If the damage is due to your own actions (e.g. accidentally burning the carpet with a cigarette), the repair is your responsibility, and your landlord has the right to charge you.
On the other hand, damage from fair wear and tear, such as a carpet that fades over time, is your landlord’s responsibility.
Your Landlord’s Repair Responsibilities
Your landlord is responsible for the following repairs:
Interior
- Sinks
- Baths
- Pipes
- Toilets
- Basins
Exterior and Structure:
- Foundations
- Roof
- Walls
- External doors
- Windows
- Drains
- External pipes and guttering
Other Essential Parts of the Property:
- Electrical wiring
- Radiators
- Gas and water pipes
- Water tanks
- Gas fires
- Boilers
- Fitted heaters or electrical fires
According to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord is not allowed to pass on the cost of these repairs to you, and they cannot remove any of the repair responsibilities stated in the tenancy agreement.
If your tenancy began on or after 15th January 1989, your landlord is also responsible for common areas of the property or building, such as lifts, stairs, and entrance halls.
Keeping the Property Free from Hazards
It is your landlord’s duty to ensure the property is safe and free from hazards. If the home is not fit for habitation, your landlord must take immediate action to carry out repairs. Common issues that render a property unfit include:
- Damp and mould
- Pest infestations
- Failure to perform gas safety checks
- Lack of smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Unsafe water supply
- Insufficient or faulty ventilation
- Electrical hazards such as unsafe wiring or sockets
If you’ve reported a problem and your landlord has failed to carry out repairs, resulting in injury or damage to your belongings, this constitutes negligence. Negligence also includes poorly or carelessly performed repairs.
Any medical bills or property damage caused by disrepair may be covered under a housing disrepair compensation claim.
Your Responsibilities
Your main responsibilities as a tenant, besides paying rent on time, include maintaining the property in a tenant-like manner. This means:
- Keeping the garden and outdoor areas tidy
- Regularly cleaning and organising your home
- Performing safety checks on your own electrical appliances
- Carrying out minor maintenance, such as replacing batteries in smoke alarms or changing light bulbs
You are also responsible for thoroughly checking the tenancy agreement before signing it, paying attention to any additional responsibilities outlined.
It is your duty to report needed repairs to your landlord as soon as possible in writing. Delaying could relieve your landlord of the responsibility for the repairs.
If you’ve notified your landlord and they have taken no action after a reasonable period, you can file a housing disrepair claim against them. This may entitle you to compensation for the inconvenience you have suffered.