Repairs and maintenance of the property

Repairs and maintenance of rental properties are essential for ensuring that tenants have safe and habitable living conditions. In the UK, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain their properties to a certain standard and to carry out repairs when necessary. In this article, we will explore the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in relation to repairs and maintenance.

Landlord's responsibilities

Under UK law, landlords are responsible for ensuring that the property is maintained to a safe and habitable standard throughout the tenancy. This includes ensuring that:

• The property is structurally sound and free from damp and mould.

• The roof, walls, windows, and doors are in good repair and free from leaks.

• The heating and hot water systems are in good working order.

• The electrical wiring and gas appliances are safe and regularly tested.

• The property is free from pests and infestations.

• The common areas of shared properties are kept clean and well-maintained.

If a tenant reports a problem with the property, the landlord is responsible for carrying out repairs as quickly as possible. This includes fixing any faults with the property that are caused by wear and tear or by the tenant's actions.

Landlords can also be held liable for any injuries or illnesses that tenants suffer as a result of poor maintenance or repairs. For this reason, it is essential that landlords keep the property in good repair and respond to tenants' repair requests promptly.

Tenant's responsibilities

Tenants also have certain responsibilities when it comes to maintaining the property. These include:

• Keeping the property clean and free from rubbish and clutter.

• Taking care not to cause damage to the property or fixtures and fittings.

• Reporting any problems with the property to the landlord as soon as possible.

• Allowing the landlord or their agent to carry out repairs or inspections when necessary.

Tenants are not responsible for carrying out repairs to the property, unless they have caused the damage through negligence or by not reporting a problem to the landlord.

Repair requests

If a tenant notices a problem with the property, they should report it to the landlord as soon as possible. This can be done by email, phone, or in writing. The landlord should respond promptly and arrange for any necessary repairs to be carried out.

If the landlord fails to carry out repairs, tenants can take a number of steps to try to resolve the issue. These may include:

• Reporting the issue to the local council's environmental health department.

• Withholding rent until the repairs are carried out (although this should only be done in certain circumstances).

• Applying to the courts for an order requiring the landlord to carry out repairs.

It is important for tenants to seek advice before taking any action, as there are legal and financial implications associated with withholding rent or taking legal action.

Conclusion

Repairs and maintenance of rental properties are essential for ensuring that tenants have safe and habitable living conditions. Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain their properties to a certain standard, while tenants have a responsibility to report any problems with the property and to take care not to cause damage.

If a tenant notices a problem with the property, they should report it to the landlord as soon as possible. Landlords should respond promptly and arrange for any necessary repairs to be carried out. If the landlord fails to carry out repairs, tenants can take steps to try to resolve the issue, but should seek advice before taking any action. By working together, landlords and tenants can help to ensure that rental properties are safe, secure, and well-maintained.