Introduction to Repairs & Maintenance in Rental Homes
Keeping rented homes safe, secure, and in good repair is a shared responsibility between landlords and tenants in the UK. By law, landlords must ensure that the property meets certain standards, including keeping the structure, exterior, and key installations – such as heating, water, and sanitation – in good working order. These duties are set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Tenants also have a role to play. While landlords are responsible for most major repairs, tenants must look after the property on a day-to-day basis, reporting any problems promptly and taking care not to cause damage.
Understanding who is responsible for what helps prevent disputes and keeps the home a safe and comfortable place to live. For a broader look at your rights and responsibilities as a tenant or landlord, see our guide to rental conditions.
Landlord Responsibilities for Repairs
Landlords in the UK have a legal duty to keep rented homes safe, secure, and in good repair. By law, they must fix and maintain key parts of the property so that it remains fit to live in. This includes repairing the structure and exterior (such as walls, roofs, and windows), as well as ensuring essential services like heating and hot water, plumbing and water systems, and electrical safety are working properly. Landlords are also responsible for dealing with mould and damp, pest control, and fire safety issues.
The main legal requirement comes from the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11, which sets out what landlords must repair. There are also standards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), which help ensure properties are free from hazards and meet modern safety expectations.
Timely repairs are vital – not only to protect tenants but also to help landlords avoid legal penalties or enforcement action. For a detailed breakdown of what your landlord has to repair and a full list of landlord repair obligations, explore our in-depth guides. These resources explain how the law applies in real situations, including specific issues like building safety and structural issues.
Tenant Responsibilities and How to Request Repairs
When something in your rented home needs fixing, it’s important to act quickly and follow the right steps. As a tenant, you should report any repair issues to your landlord or letting agent as soon as you notice them. This helps prevent problems from getting worse and shows you are fulfilling your responsibilities.
To request repairs, always put your request in writing – email is usually best – so there’s a clear record of what you’ve reported and when. Be specific about the problem and include photos if possible. For more detailed steps, see our guide on how to request repairs.
Tenants are expected to keep the property in a reasonable condition. This means looking after the home, carrying out basic tasks like changing light bulbs, keeping it clean, and not causing damage. However, you are not responsible for fixing structural issues or problems with heating, plumbing, or electrics – these are usually the landlord’s duty, as set out in the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and other housing laws.
It’s also important to be aware of your tenant rights when it comes to repairs and maintenance. You should not be charged for repairs that are the landlord’s legal responsibility under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.
If you’re unsure about what you need to do, or what your landlord must fix, you can find more information in our detailed guides on how to request repairs and your tenant rights.
What to Do If Repairs Are Not Carried Out
If your landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs after you’ve reported the issue, there are clear steps you can take to protect your rights. Start by putting your repair request in writing and keeping a record of all communication. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to keep the structure, exterior, and key installations (like heating and water) in good repair.
If your landlord ignores your request or delays action, you can find guidance on what to do if your landlord refuses or won’t pay for repairs. You may also wish to follow a formal complaints process. This could include contacting your local council’s environmental health team if the disrepair affects your health or safety. For step-by-step advice, see our guide on how to complain or escalate repairs issues.
You are protected by law from being evicted simply for asking for repairs. The Deregulation Act 2015 provides extra protection for tenants in England, making it illegal for landlords to serve a retaliatory eviction notice after you’ve reported repairs in writing. Learn more about your rights if you’re worried about being evicted for complaining or requesting repairs.
Taking these steps can help ensure repairs are completed and your home remains safe and comfortable.
Understanding Repair Costs and Invoices
When it comes to repair costs in rented homes, landlords are usually responsible for fixing most issues related to the structure, plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, as set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. However, there are situations where a landlord can charge a tenant for repairs – typically if the damage was caused deliberately or through neglect by the tenant, their family, or visitors.
If your landlord sends you a repair invoice, it’s important to check what the charge is for. Landlords cannot make tenants pay for repairs that are legally their responsibility. Tenants should only be asked to cover costs for damage they caused, not for normal wear and tear or problems that arise from the property simply getting older.
Before paying any repair invoice, tenants have the right to ask for a breakdown of the costs and evidence of the damage. If you believe you have been wrongly charged, you can dispute the invoice and seek advice. For more detailed information on your rights and the steps you can take, see if your landlord sent you an invoice for repairs.
Specific Repair Issues in Rental Properties
Many common repair issues can arise in rented homes, and understanding who is responsible for fixing them is important for both tenants and landlords. The law, including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, sets out clear guidelines on what must be repaired and maintained.
Some of the most frequent problems include broken appliances, damaged kitchens, and issues with leaks or roofs. Each of these areas has its own rules about who should carry out repairs and how to handle them if things go wrong.
For more detailed information on these specific repair issues, see our guides on appliance repairs, kitchen repairs, and leaks and roof repairs. These pages explain your rights and responsibilities in each situation, helping you understand what steps to take if repairs are needed.
Appliance Repairs
When it comes to appliance repairs in rented homes, responsibilities can vary depending on what’s included in your tenancy agreement. Generally, landlords are responsible for repairing or replacing appliances that they have provided as part of the tenancy, such as ovens, fridges, or washing machines. Tenants are usually expected to look after appliances and report any problems promptly, but may be responsible for repairs if damage is caused by misuse.
Common issues include breakdowns of white goods, faulty cookers, or problems with built-in appliances. If you’re unsure whether it’s your responsibility or your landlord’s, always check your tenancy agreement and communicate any issues as soon as they arise.
For a full breakdown of legal responsibilities, step-by-step guidance on requesting repairs, and what to do if things aren’t fixed, visit our dedicated appliance repairs page.
Kitchen Repairs
Kitchen repairs are a common concern in rented homes, with issues ranging from broken cupboards and faulty sinks to damaged worktops or appliances. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are generally responsible for keeping the structure and installations in good repair, including sinks, plumbing, and built-in kitchen units. Tenants, on the other hand, are expected to look after the property and report problems promptly.
If you encounter a repair issue in your kitchen, it’s important to notify your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. The process for reporting and resolving these problems can vary, and knowing your rights can help ensure repairs are dealt with properly.
For a full breakdown of what counts as a kitchen repair, who must fix what, and how to handle disputes, see our detailed guide on kitchen repairs.
Leaks and Roof Repairs
Leaks and roof damage are common issues in rented homes, often caused by weather, ageing materials, or poor maintenance. If left unresolved, these problems can lead to damp, mould, and even structural damage, affecting your comfort and safety.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11, landlords are legally responsible for repairing the structure and exterior of the property, which includes fixing leaks and maintaining the roof. If leaks or roof issues create health hazards, the Environmental Protection Act 1990 may also apply.
If you notice a leak or any sign of roof damage, report it to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. Prompt action can prevent further problems and ensure repairs are carried out quickly.
For more detailed guidance on what to look out for, your rights, and the steps to take, visit our dedicated page on leaks and roof repairs.
