Are landlords or tenants responsible for property repairs?
Deciding who is responsible for property repair costs is an age-old problem for many landlords and tenants. Fortunately, there are regulations in place that help both parties understand their responsibilities when it comes to repairs. If you want to ensure that you're not paying unfair costs, it's essential to know your rights and responsibilities.
Landlords responsibilities
Landlords are responsible for most repairs to a leased property (if the tenants' actions have not directly led to the damage). In most cases, landlords will be responsible for all of a property's exterior structures. This responsibility may include the roof, walls, windows, guttering, drains, and other external components.
Landlords also are responsible for installing and maintaining heating, electricity, gas, water, and specific sanitation components.
As a landlord, you do not have to make repairs unless the tenant requests the repairs. If they do not tell you about a fault or defect in your property, you are not expected to make repairs until you know about it.
Tenants responsibilities
Tenants are responsible for the damages they cause to rented premises. For example, if a tenant breaks a window at the property, it will be the tenant’s responsibility to ensure that it gets fixed. Other general items, such as changing lightbulbs and unblocking toilets, also tend to be the renter’s responsibility.
The tenant should also strive to take reasonable care of the home. Tenants are typically required to keep a house clean and inform landlords of any issues that could result in further damages.
Don't just take their word for it
Whether you're a landlord or a tenant, it's always important to do your own research. You should never take the other party’s opinion as fact. Make sure that you're not being held financially responsible for damages that do not fall under your required responsibilities.
The UK is notorious for having landlords who attempt to pass the blame for certain repairs onto tenants. If you believe that you are being asked to fix a problem that is not your fault, you should refer to 'The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.'
Improvements
In some cases, a tenant may request that specific parts of or things on the property be improved. A landlord does not have to make improvements unless it is directly related to keeping a core component of the property 'in repair.'
On the other hand, if you are a tenant who wants a component of your property improved, be sure to request this during the negotiation process. If you have already signed to a lease, you may need to wait until it's time to renew.
Contacting the right team for repairs
If you are financially responsible for making repairs to a property, you must work with the right repair team. Top Tradespeople provides tenants and landlords access to the most qualified tradespeople in the United Kingdom. No matter what type of repair you're seeking for your home or office, we have tradespeople to get the job done right.
