Private Landlords

General Repairs

As a landlord you have a responsibility to ensure that the property you are letting is fit for human habitation at the beginning of all new tenancies.

Landlords Responsibilities & Rights
Access and Timescales for Repairs
Tenants Responsibilities & Rights

Landlords Responsibilities & Rights

The tenancy agreement should set out who is responsible for repairs, and general maintenance, e.g:

• Supply of water, gas and electricity
  
• Sanitation (sinks, bath, showers, toilets)
  
• Hot water and heating
  
• Structure and exterior of the building
  
• Detection of smoke, fire, carbon dioxide and intruder alarms
  
• Door entry systems

Access and Timescales for Repairs

The tenant must give the landlord reasonable access to the property to carry out any repairs that have been reported. A landlord must give a tenant 24 hours notice in writing of the need to gain access to the property, unless an emergency repair is required, when the landlord can gain immediate access.

The landlord should provide the tenant with a contact name and telephone number for emergency and non-urgent repairs.

If the landlord needs emergency access and the tenant is not available then the landlord can take entry ensuring they take due caution while doing so.

Tenants Responsibilities & Rights

The tenant has a duty to report any damage to the property or the common parts, the need for any repairs or maintenance as soon as is reasonably practicable. The tenant must immediately report any emergency repairs to the landlord including the interruption of the gas, electricity or water supply.

As a landlord you are responsible for the fair wear and tear of the property. The tenant is responsible for the cleanliness, and well being of the property including replacing lost or stolen keys, replacing light bulbs, batteries, fuses and filters.