The Landlord must ensure rental property maintenance is carried out and the property is safe and free of hazards. From March 2020 Fit For Human Habitation came into effect.
A Landlord responsibility of property maintenance covers most repairs in the rental property. Determining the difference between tenant responsibility and landlord negligence comes up often during tenancy and more so after check-out.
Landlord’s responsibility
Responsibility for a rental property maintenance includes repairs to:
Gas boilers and pipes, heating & hot water
Electrical wiring
Chimneys and ventilation
Toilet, sinks, baths, pipes and drains
Structure of building including walls, stairs, roof, windows, external doors.
Any common areas including hallways and stairways in shared accommodation.
Tenant obligations
The Tenant must used the property in a ‘tenant like manner’. This means:
– To keep the home reasonably clean
– Maintain the home to a reasonable level
– Keep gardens or outside areas in a reasonable state
– Safety checks on tenant’s own appliances
– Minor maintenance tasks such as smoke alarm batteries and changing of bulbs
– Tenants must report all repairs needed to Landlord in a timely manner
In 2019, there was over 35,000 disputes dealt with by adjudicators of deposit schemes.
Having a comprehensive inventory & schedule of condition, along with a signed tenancy agreement, a check-in report, any interim inspection reports, and check-out report will minimise the risks of disagreement between the Landlord and Tenant and also assist in any adjudication process that may follow.
Please contact us to learn more and how we can assist you in your property management.
