Landlord Repair Responsibilities in the UK Explained
A plain-English overview of what landlords generally must repair in rented homes in the UK, what tenants typically handle, and how to report issues clearly.
Repairs in rented homes are a frequent source of friction, usually because nobody is sure who is responsible. The law gives landlords important duties, and tenants have duties too. This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules differ between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and your tenancy agreement matters, so use official guidance for your situation.
What landlords are generally responsible for
In general, for most residential tenancies of less than seven years, landlords must keep in repair:
- The structure and exterior of the property. Walls, roof, foundations, windows, external doors, gutters and drainpipes.
- Installations for water, gas and electricity. Pipes, wires, taps, sinks, basins, baths, toilets, boilers, and heating systems.
- Safety. Gas appliances must be checked annually, electrical installations must be safe and checked regularly, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms must be provided as required.
- Freedom from serious hazards. Damp, mould that causes health risks, excess cold and other hazards fall under housing standards.
The detail varies by nation and has been changing, so check the latest official guidance for your location.
What tenants are generally responsible for
- Using the property in a reasonable way
- Minor day-to-day maintenance, such as replacing light bulbs and keeping the place clean and ventilated
- Reporting problems promptly
- Repairing damage caused by themselves or their guests, beyond fair wear and tear
- Allowing access for repairs with proper notice
- Garden care if the tenancy agreement says so
Tenants who cause damage, even accidentally, may have to pay for it, depending on circumstances and the agreement.
Fair wear and tear versus damage
Fair wear and tear is the gradual deterioration from ordinary use, such as faded paint or slightly worn carpets. Damage, such as a hole in a door or a burn on a worktop, is different. Deposit disputes often turn on this distinction, so photos at move-in and move-out help both sides.
How to report a repair
- Do it in writing. Email or the agent's portal is better than a phone call alone.
- Be specific. Where, what, since when, and what you have already tried.
- Add photos or video.
- Note the date. And keep a copy.
- Ask for a timescale. Urgent issues, such as no heating in winter or a gas leak, need action straight away.
- Follow up. If nothing happens, send a reminder referring to the earlier message.
If the landlord does not act, official guidance and local council housing teams explain the next steps. Tenants should avoid withholding rent without advice, as this can create legal risk.
How handymen fit into repairs
A landlord might use a handyman for minor repairs: sticking doors, loose handles, cracked sealant, patching plaster, replacing worn fittings and small fence repairs. See hiring a handyman for a rental property for how to set that up. Gas, electrical safety, structural and damp problems need specialists; see jobs a handyman should not do.
Can a tenant arrange repairs themselves?
Sometimes tenants arrange minor repairs, but they should check the tenancy agreement and speak with the landlord first. A landlord might refuse to reimburse work done without agreement. For alterations such as shelves or drilling, see handyman work in rented homes: asking permission.
Access and notice
Landlords normally need to give reasonable notice, typically at least 24 hours in writing, to enter for repairs, except in emergencies. Tenants should not unreasonably refuse access, since that can delay repairs and cause damage.
Damp, mould and condensation
These are frequent disputes. Causes may be structural, such as leaks and rising damp, or related to living conditions and ventilation. Landlords should investigate rather than assume. Tenants can help by ventilating and wiping condensation; see how to deal with mould around sealant. Serious or health-affecting damp should be reported in writing.
Common mistakes
- Reporting only by phone with no record
- Waiting until a small problem becomes large
- Doing unauthorised repairs
- Ignoring safety certificates
- Assuming every repair is the landlord's responsibility, or the tenant's
Getting the work done
If you are a landlord or letting agent arranging repairs, you can use Compito to search by postcode, compare ID-verified local providers, send a request, message them about the details and pay online when you accept. Reviews are left after completed bookings.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for a broken boiler?
Generally the landlord, as heating and hot water installations are their responsibility, unless the tenant caused the damage.
Who should replace smoke alarm batteries?
Landlords must provide working alarms at the start of the tenancy, and tenants usually replace batteries during it. Check your agreement and local rules.
Can my landlord charge me for fixing something that wore out?
Not normally. Fair wear and tear is part of the landlord's cost of providing the property.