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Running a rental property comes with many responsibilities, but property maintenance is one of the most crucial. Good maintenance protects your investment, keeps your tenants happy, and helps you avoid legal issues.
This guide breaks down exactly what you need to maintain, when to do it, and how to handle repairs efficiently. Understanding landlord repair obligations helps you run your rental business more smoothly and profitably.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 outlines your legal responsibilities for repairs. It applies to residential tenancies under 7 years, including Assured Shorthold Tenancies and periodic agreements where tenants rent weekly or monthly.
Under Section 11 Landlord And Tenant Act, you’re legally required to:
- Fix and maintain the building’s structure and exterior, including drains, gutters, and external pipes
- Keep all water, gas, and electricity systems working properly. This includes sinks, toilets, and baths – but not appliances that use these utilities
- Make sure the heating and hot water systems work reliably
These rules protect both you and your tenants. They set clear standards for property maintenance and help prevent disputes about repair responsibilities.
Your property’s shell protects everything inside. Maintaining these structural elements prevents costly damage and keeps your tenants safe and comfortable.
Roof and Gutters
Water damage from a leaky roof can quickly turn into major structural problems. A small roof repair might cost £200 now, but ignore it and you could face thousands in repairs later. Plus, your tenants shouldn’t have to deal with water dripping onto their beds during rainy nights. Regular maintenance of chimneys, pipes, and gutters prevents most water-related issues.
Walls and Foundations
Foundation issues threaten the entire building’s stability. That hairline crack in the wall? It could signal deeper structural problems that become extremely expensive if left unchecked. Pay attention to external cracks, rising damp, subsidence signs, and problems with pointing or rendering. Internal wall cracks also need prompt attention.
Windows and Doors
Beyond security concerns, poorly maintained windows and doors waste energy and increase your tenants’ heating bills. They also protect against weather damage and help prevent break-ins. Keep window panes, frames, locks, and handles in good working order. Don’t forget about weatherproofing and fixing drafts.
These systems keep your property livable. When they fail, tenant complaints follow quickly.
Plumbing and Water Supply
A dripping tap might seem minor, but small leaks waste water and money. That constant drip could add £100 to your tenant’s water bill. Frozen pipes can burst and flood your property, causing thousands of damage. Keep water systems, pipes, tanks, toilets, sinks, baths, and drains well-maintained.
Gas and Heating
Gas issues can be deadly. That’s why skipping a gas safety check could lead to a £6,000 fine – or worse, put lives at risk. Your heating system needs regular attention, including annual gas safety checks, boiler maintenance, radiator repairs, and proper ventilation.
Electrical Systems
A faulty electrical system isn’t just inconvenient – it’s dangerous. Regular checks prevent fires and keep your tenants safe. This includes maintaining safe wiring, fixing faulty sockets and switches, repairing electrical installations, and addressing reported issues promptly. Regular electrical safety checks help keep you on top of your electrical safety duties.
These shared spaces affect all your tenants’ daily lives. Poor maintenance here can lead to accidents and liability issues.
Communal Areas
Staircases, hallways, and entry systems need regular checks and repairs. Good lighting in these areas prevents accidents. If you have lifts, they need professional maintenance and safety certification.
External Areas
Paths, driveways, gardens, fences, gates, and parking areas all fall under your responsibility. Good external lighting helps prevent accidents and deter crime. Keep these areas clean, safe, and well-lit.
Damp and Mould
Quick action on damp saves money. A £200 fix for poor ventilation beats spending £2,000 on replacing mold-damaged walls. Address rising damp, penetrating damp from leaks, condensation, and ventilation problems before they cause serious damage.
Pest Control
Pest control isn’t optional – it’s a health issue. Rats can chew through wires and cause fires. Cockroaches spread disease. Prevention costs less than cure, so seal entry points and fix broken vents before pests move in.
Rental property maintenance works both ways. While landlords handle major repairs, tenants play a key role in keeping the property in good condition. Let’s clear up who does what.
Basic Property Care
Your tenants need to handle day-to-day upkeep. This includes keeping the property clean, changing light bulbs, testing smoke alarms, and replacing batteries. They should also clean windows from the inside, maintain appliances they use, and keep the property well-ventilated.
Reporting Problems
Tenants must tell you about repair issues quickly. A small leak reported today prevents a flooded bathroom next month. Make sure they know how to contact you and what counts as an emergency. Good communication prevents most maintenance headaches.
Garden Maintenance
Unless your contract says otherwise, tenants should maintain any gardens. This means regular mowing, weeding, and keeping paths clear. However, major work like tree surgery or fence repairs remains your job.
Preventing Damage
Tenants need to prevent damage through proper use of the property. This means no drilling holes without permission, using appropriate cleaners on surfaces, and avoiding overloaded electrical sockets. They should also know how to turn off the water and gas in emergencies.
Smart tip: Create a simple guide for new tenants explaining their maintenance duties. Include emergency contact numbers and basic instructions for appliances. This prevents misunderstandings and protects your property.
Give your tenants clear instructions for reporting repairs. The faster you know about a problem, the cheaper it usually is to fix. Well-maintained properties attract better tenants and command higher rents. Fix things promptly, communicate clearly, and keep good records of all maintenance work. Your tenants will thank you, and your bank account will too.
Here’s how to handle repairs efficiently:
- Get all the details first. Ask tenants exactly what’s wrong. Photos help. This lets you bring the right tools and parts for the first time.
- Book the right people. Use qualified traders for gas and electrical work. Keep a list of reliable contractors ready for common problems.
- Update your Tenants. Tell tenants what’s happening. Give them a time window for repairs and update them about any delays. Good communication prevents complaints.
- Access Notification. Give at least 24 hours written notice before entering the property. Plan ahead with your tenants and contractors to avoid wasted visits.
Remember: Fast repairs make happy tenants. Happy tenants stay longer and take better care of your property. That’s good for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the property’s structure and systems including:
- Fixing structural damage
- Maintaining heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Preventing and remedying health hazards
- Tenants are responsible for keeping the property clean and handling basic care.
Smart property maintenance saves you money and time while keeping your tenants satisfied. By staying on top of repairs, you prevent costly emergencies and protect your investment’s value. Well-maintained properties also attract reliable tenants who tend to stay longer and care better for your property.
Remember: Every pound spent on preventive maintenance saves you several pounds in emergency repairs. Regular checks catch issues early, keeping both costs and stress levels down.
Ready to make property maintenance hassle-free? Our team of qualified professionals provides complete property maintenance services – electrical, plumbing, heat & gas, landlord certificates, and more! – with a 12-month guarantee on all work, fast response times, and expert advice and support.
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Don’t wait for small issues to become big problems. Contact us now to protect your property and keep your tenants happy.