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Homeowner Advice

General tips and advice for homeowners covering maintenance, seasonal tips and everyday property care.

Landlord responsibilities for repairs in the UK

Landlord responsibilities for repairs in the UK

If you're renting a property, it can sometimes be difficult to know who is responsible when something goes wrong. In the UK, landlords have a legal duty to keep their properties safe, secure and fit to live in. However, tenants also have responsibilities, and understanding the difference can help avoid unnecessary disputes and delays.

Home Improvement Near Me: How to Find the Right Tradesperson for Your Project

Home improvement can cover a wide range of projects — from loft conversions to extensions to bathroom renovations. What counts as home improvement will mean something different to every homeowner, depending on which area of your home you want to work on. This can apply to homeowners looking to upgrade their existing home or recent buyers who want to turn their house into a home.Choosing the right professionals for any home improvement project, however big or small, is so important. This guide will help break down the different areas you may be considering and how to find the right trader for the job.

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Looking for more homeowner advice advice?

Common homeowner questions about property maintenance and home improvements.

  • What home repairs should I never attempt myself?

    Gas work - full stop. Any work on gas appliances must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer by law. Structural changes like removing walls, altering roof timbers, or touching anything load-bearing need professional assessment and often Building Regulations sign-off. Electrical work involving the consumer unit or new circuits must meet Part P. And if your property was built before 2000, be aware asbestos may be present - it can only be handled by a licensed specialist.

  • Which home improvements add the most value to a property?

    Improvements that add usable space or modernise the rooms buyers scrutinise most tend to deliver the strongest returns. Loft conversions consistently top the list - adding a bedroom and bathroom can add more value than the work costs in many areas. Kitchen and bathroom updates are next. Open-plan ground-floor extensions connecting to a kitchen-diner have become one of the most sought-after layouts in UK family homes. And energy improvements - insulation, a new boiler, solar panels - are increasingly influencing buyer decisions as running costs become a bigger part of the conversation.

  • Should I renovate my home or move house?

    There's no universal right answer - it depends on your situation. Moving gets you what you want without living through a building site, but stamp duty, estate agent fees, and moving costs can easily add up to tens of thousands of pounds. Renovating lets you stay put and invest in your own property, but comes with disruption and unexpected costs. The most useful comparison: get a clear view of what your home could realistically be worth after the work, and what a move would actually cost end to end. A local estate agent and a builder's quote can give you those two numbers.

  • What does a home survey actually cover and do I need one when buying?

    A survey is an independent assessment of a property's condition carried out by a qualified surveyor - separate from the mortgage valuation, which only tells the lender what the property is worth, not what's wrong with it. A HomeBuyer Report flags visible defects and anything that needs further investigation. A Full Building Survey goes deeper and is worth the extra cost on older, larger, or unusual properties. Given that a house is likely the biggest purchase you'll ever make, skipping the survey to save a few hundred pounds is a false economy - a single missed issue can cost far more to put right.

  • What should I do before starting any major home improvement project?

    Get your paperwork in order before anyone picks up a tool. Check whether you need planning permission or Building Regulations approval. Find out whether a Party Wall Agreement applies. Confirm your home insurance covers you during the works. Get at least three written quotes and make sure the scope of work is clearly agreed in writing with whoever you hire. And have a contingency budget - on almost any renovation, something unexpected comes up. The projects that go smoothly are usually the ones that were properly planned before they started.

  • What is the difference between freehold and leasehold and why does it matter for home improvements?

    If you own the freehold, you own the property and the land it sits on outright - you can generally do what you like subject to planning rules. If you own a leasehold property (common with flats), you own the right to live there for the remaining lease term, but the freeholder owns the building. This matters for home improvements because many leases require you to get the freeholder's written permission before making alterations - sometimes even internal ones. Always check your lease before starting any work, as doing alterations without the required consent can cause problems when you come to sell.

Have a question about TrustATrader?

If you have a question in relation to TrustATrader specifically, please check out the TrustATrader FAQs, with separate lists tailored to consumers and tradespeople. Alternatively, get in touch with our team. We're happy to help!

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