Landlord’s Responsibilities

The landlord is responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property and ensuring that it is safe and habitable. Here’s a list of common items that fall under the landlord’s responsibility:

1. Structure and Exterior

• Roof, walls, windows, and doors

• Guttering and drainage

• Exterior paintwork and upkeep

• Fencing and boundary walls

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check for leaks, drafts, or cracks in walls, windows, or the roof. Report any signs of water damage or structural concerns.

• Inspect gutters and downspouts for blockages, especially after heavy rain. Water overflowing from gutters can indicate blockages that need attention.

2. Heating and Hot Water Systems

• Boiler maintenance and repairs

• Radiators and central heating systems

• Water heaters and immersion heaters

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Monitor the boiler for error codes or pressure issues. If the boiler isn’t working, note any error messages and check the pressure gauge.

• Bleed radiators if they are not heating evenly. This can resolve some issues with uneven heating.

• Check the thermostat settings if the heating or hot water isn’t working properly.

3. Electrical Systems

• Wiring, sockets, and light fittings

• Fuse box/consumer unit

• Electrical appliances provided by the landlord

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check if any circuit breakers have tripped in the fuse box if there’s a power outage or an electrical issue.

• Test the appliance on a different socket to ensure the issue isn’t with the power supply.

4. Plumbing and Sanitary Installations

• Pipes, drains, and sewers

• Toilets, baths, sinks, and basins

• Showers and water supply

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Look for leaks or blockages under sinks and around toilets. Report any persistent dripping taps or slow-draining water.

• Check for low water pressure and note if it’s affecting all taps or just one. This can help identify the problem.

5. Safety Features

• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

• Fire safety equipment (fire extinguishers, fire blankets)

• Gas safety (annual gas safety check)

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Test smoke and CO alarms regularly to ensure they are working.

• Report any strange smells (like gas) immediately to the landlord or relevant authorities.

Tenant’s Responsibilities

Tenants are responsible for keeping the property in good condition and for minor maintenance tasks. Here’s a list of common items that are the tenant’s responsibility:

1. General Upkeep

• Cleaning and basic maintenance

• Gardening (if stated in the tenancy agreement)

• Preventing mould by ventilating the property properly

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Clean regularly to prevent buildup of dirt, mould, or mildew. Use extractor fans or open windows to reduce moisture.

• Maintain the garden by mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and weeding, if required by the tenancy agreement.

2. Damage Caused by Tenants or Their Guests

• Broken windows or doors caused by negligence

• Stains on carpets or walls

• Damage to furniture provided by the landlord

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Repair minor damage yourself, such as filling small holes in walls from picture hooks.

• Report significant damage to the landlord immediately and discuss how repairs will be handled.

3. Minor Repairs and Replacements

• Changing light bulbs and batteries in smoke alarms

• Unblocking sinks or drains caused by tenant’s misuse

• Replacing lost keys (if required by the landlord)

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Unblock drains using a plunger or a suitable drain cleaner for minor clogs.

• Replace light bulbs with the correct wattage and type for the fitting.

4. Security

• Locking doors and windows when leaving the property

• Replacing keys if lost

• Notifying the landlord of any broken locks

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Ensure all windows and doors are locked before leaving the property to prevent unauthorized access.

• Test locks regularly and report any that are difficult to use or broken.

Shared Responsibilities

Some responsibilities may be shared between the landlord and tenant, depending on the specifics of the tenancy agreement.

1. Appliance Maintenance

• Landlord-provided appliances (oven, washing machine)

• Tenant-owned appliances

Troubleshooting Tips:

• For landlord-provided appliances, tenants should report any faults, but minor maintenance like cleaning filters (in washing machines or dishwashers) may be the tenant’s responsibility.

• For tenant-owned appliances, the tenant is responsible for their repair and maintenance.

2. Condensation and Mould

• Landlord’s responsibility if caused by structural issues (e.g., leaks, poor insulation)

• Tenant’s responsibility if caused by lifestyle (e.g., drying clothes indoors without ventilation)

Troubleshooting Tips:

• Use dehumidifiers or open windows to reduce moisture in the air.

• Wipe down windows and walls to prevent mould growth, and report any persistent issues to the landlord.