Tenant Responsibilities - Repairs

Wed 10 Jul 2024

What repairs are tenants responsible for?

If you're a tenant renting from a private landlord, the landlord is responsible for the majority of repairs to the property. As a tenant, your responsibility is to look after your home to the best of your ability, prevent any damage being caused and report any damages as soon as possible to your landlord or letting agent.

You must use your home in a ‘tenant-like manner’.

This entails:

• Maintaining cleanliness in your home
• Keeping gardens or outside areas in a reasonable state
• Ensuring your home is well-ventilated to prevent condensation
• Performing small tasks such as changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries
• You are not required to leave your home in a better condition than when you moved in.

More specific responsibilities include:

• Change light bulbs
• Top the boiler up if the pressure is lost
• Bleed radiators
• Removal of mould if there is a problem with condensation
• Clean the windows, inside and out
• Fixing appliances or furniture you own
• Repairing any damage caused by you, your family, or your guests
• You may be required to pay for damage you cause, even if the landlord has to carry out the repairs

You are not responsible for normal wear and tear within your home.

What is considered fair wear and tear in a privately rented home?

In a privately rented property, fair wear and tear refers to the natural and gradual deterioration of the property and its contents due to normal use over time. It does not cover damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or intentional damage. Examples of fair wear and tear include:

Carpets and Flooring:

• Fading or slight discolouration of carpets due to sunlight.
• Flattening of carpet pile in areas of high foot traffic.
• Minor scuff marks on floors.

Walls and Paintwork:

• Faded paint or wallpaper from exposure to sunlight.
• Small scuffs or marks from day-to-day living.
• Nail holes or pin marks from hanging pictures.

Fixtures and Fittings:

• Worn hinges or handles on doors and cupboards.
• Faded or worn curtains and blinds.
• Loose or sticking door locks due to regular use.

Furniture (if provided by the landlord):

• Sagging cushions on sofas from regular use.
• Minor scratches or dents on wooden furniture.

Appliances:

• Reduction in the efficiency of appliances such as fridges or washing machines due to normal use.

Bathroom:

• Limescale build-up in the toilet or on taps from regular use.
• Mould or mildew in silicone seals due to normal bathroom humidity, assuming reasonable ventilation practices are followed.

Landlords and tenants should differentiate fair wear and tear from damage caused by negligence or misuse, such as:

• Stains or burns on carpets.
• Broken tiles or mirrors.
• Unapproved painting or decorating.
• Excessive marks or holes in walls beyond what is necessary for normal living.

It is advisable for both landlords and tenants to document the property's condition at the start and end of the tenancy with a detailed inventory, including photographs. This helps in distinguishing fair wear and tear from damage that the tenant may be responsible for repairing or covering the cost of.

Allowing your landlord to inspect your home
You must permit access to your home at reasonable times if the landlord or their representative needs to inspect the property’s condition.

You must receive at least 24 hours' written notice prior to an inspection.

If the proposed time is inconvenient, you may suggest an alternative time.

Reporting problems

Report any repairs needed to your landlord as soon as possible.

Who is responsible for solving damp issues in a privately rented house?

Prevention is better than the cure! Here are some tips on how to prevent mould in your home:

Adequate Ventilation:

• Open Windows: Regularly open windows to allow fresh air to circulate, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
• Use Extractor Fans: Use extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen to remove moisture when cooking, showering, and bathing.
• Vent Appliances: Ensure appliances like clothes dryers are vented to the outside.

Control Humidity:

• Dehumidifiers: Use a dehumidifier in areas prone to high humidity, such as basements or bathrooms. For rooms with slight damp issues, a 12l dehumidifier will suffice - Prices are around £50 for one of these. For bathrooms and basements that are regularly prone to bad mould, a larger 20l dehumidifier should be used - prices for these start around £150.
• Humidity Levels: Keep indoor humidity levels between 30-50%. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.

Moisture Management:
Fix Leaks: Report any leaks in roofs, walls, or plumbing as soon as they are detected.
Dry Spills Quickly: Clean and dry spills immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into floors or walls.


Shower Practices: After showering, leave the door open and run the extractor fan and/or open window to remove moisture.
Dry Towels: Hang wet towels and bathmats to dry immediately instead of leaving them in a pile on the floor.
Wipe Surfaces: Regularly wipe down surfaces with antibac prone to moisture, such as kitchen countertops and bathroom tiles.
General Housekeeping:

Clean Regularly: Regularly clean areas where mould is likely to grow, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and basements.
Avoid Carpet in Damp Areas: Avoid using carpets in high-moisture areas like bathrooms and basements.
Furniture Placement: Keep furniture away from walls to allow air to circulate.
Gutters and Drains:

Clean Gutters: Keep gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair to prevent water from seeping into the house.
Direct Water Away: Ensure that the ground around your home slopes away to direct water away from the foundation.
House Plants:

Watering: Do not overwater indoor plants and ensure that plant pots are well-drained.
Placement: Place plants in well-ventilated areas to prevent moisture build-up.