Whether you own a home or rent one, things do eventually break or wear out. All landlords have a responsibility to keep their properties in good condition, as do the tenants living in the property.
When questioning who is responsible for repairs, it is always important to first check the lease agreement. The agreement will highlight which repairs are the landlord’s and which are the tenants.
Landlords are responsible for anything that breaks due to age, normal wear, and tear, or that presents a safety issue to the tenant living in the property.
Common repairs landlords should pay for include:
- Pest infestation
- Broken locks
- Plumbing issues
- Electrical issues
- Heating repairs
- Visible mould
If the repair request does not require an emergency response, a 48-hour turnaround time is reasonable. The quicker you respond to requests from your tenant, the better your landlord-tenant relationship will be.
When should tenants pay for repairs?
Tenants are typically responsible for minor damages incurred themselves. Common repairs tenants should pay for include:
- Damages cause by a pet, such as soiled carpet
- Burnt-out lightbulbs
- Any damage caused by the tenant or their guests (broken windows, doors, or appliances)
- Stains or smells from smoking inside in a non-smoking unit
- Any issue that was left for a long period of time without being reported, therefore worsening a situation that could’ve been fixed if the landlord was notified in time
When working with a property letting agent such as London Shared, if something happens at the property that is deemed to be the fault of our tenants (e.g., a broken window) then we will cover the cost ourselves.
What if a tenant makes unauthorised repairs?
Tenants should always speak with their landlord before making a repair themselves to avoid accidentally breaking their lease, unless it is a small fix like replacing a lightbulb. If the repair goes against the terms of their lease, landlords could look to have the tenant evicted.
By setting clear expectations upfront, landlords can set themselves and their tenants up for a very successful lease. Be sure that the lease is up to date and states your rules for repairs, including who pays for what, the consequences of tenants not paying for repairs, and the consequences of making unauthorised repairs.