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.
Here's what you need to know.
What repairs is a landlord responsible for?
Most landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure and essential services within a rental property. This includes keeping the home in good repair throughout the tenancy.
Typical landlord responsibilities include:
- The roof, walls, windows and external doors
- Foundations, gutters and drains
- Boilers, radiators and central heating systems
- Hot and cold water supplies
- Gas pipes and appliances supplied by the landlord
- Electrical wiring, sockets and fuse boards
- Built-in sanitary ware such as toilets, baths, sinks and pipes
- Damp caused by structural defects or leaks
If any of these develop a fault through normal wear and tear, the landlord should arrange repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
What isn't the landlord's responsibility?
Tenants are usually responsible for looking after the property on a day-to-day basis.
This may include:
- Replacing light bulbs (unless they require specialist access)
- Keeping the property reasonably clean
- Unblocking sinks caused by misuse
- Replacing batteries in smoke alarms where applicable
- Repairing damage caused by the tenant, family members or visitors
- Accidental damage or neglect
How quickly should repairs be completed?
Emergency repairs should be dealt with immediately or as soon as reasonably possible. These include:
- Complete loss of heating or hot water during cold weather
- Dangerous electrical faults
- Gas leaks
- Major water leaks
- Security issues such as broken external doors or windows
Less urgent repairs, such as sticking doors or minor plumbing issues, can usually be scheduled within a reasonable period after they are reported. The most important thing is to report problems as soon as they appear as leaving an issue can often make it worse and more expensive to fix.
What should tenants do first?
If something needs repairing:
- Notify your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
- Describe the problem clearly.
- Include photographs if appropriate.
- Keep copies of emails or messages.
- Allow reasonable access for contractors to inspect and complete repairs.
Why using trusted tradespeople matters
Whether you're a landlord managing one property or a large portfolio, using qualified and reputable tradespeople helps ensure repairs are completed safely and to a professional standard. Many repairs, including gas work, electrical installations and roofing, require specialist skills and, in some cases, legal certification. Choosing experienced professionals can also help prevent repeat visits and costly future problems.
If you're a landlord looking for reliable professionals, or a tenant helping to arrange repairs with your landlord's agreement, Trust A Trader makes it easy to find vetted local tradespeople. From plumbers and electricians to roofers, heating engineers and builders, every trader is independently checked before joining the platform, giving you greater confidence that the job will be completed properly.