Who is responsible for repairs to a private rented property?

Responsibilities of the landlord

The law says that a landlord is responsible for keeping in repair the structure and exterior of the house.

This includes the appliances that provide heating and hot water and the electrical system.

Another example would be if you had problems with damp caused by missing roof tiles or leaking rainwater gutters.

Landlords must arrange for any gas appliances to be checked every year by a qualified person and give the tenant a copy of the inspection report within 28 days. The landlord should make sure that the electrical wiring is safe but does not have to inspect it every year.

Where repairs are needed, you should contact the landlord first.

Contact the Council if your landlord will not carry out repairs that you think are needed.

Responsibilities of the tenant

The law says that tenants must use the property in a reasonable way. This means that they should not damage the property or allow guests to damage it. Tenants should keep the property clean and carry out the very minor repairs including light bulbs or replacing blown fuses. They should take reasonable steps to protect the property including locking doors or turning the water off during cold weather if they are away from home.

Unless the tenancy agreement says otherwise, tenants are responsible for internal decoration and replacing window or door glass which they or their guests break.