If something breaks in your rental – say a leaky tap or a dodgy boiler, you might find yourself wondering: ‘Is this down to me or should my landlord sort it?’
It’s a common question, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. This guide is here to break it all down, what repairs landlords are responsible for, what you might need to take care of, and what to do if things aren’t getting fixed.
Who’s responsible for what?
When you rent a place, there’s a shared responsibility between you and your landlord. They’re responsible for the main things that keep the home safe and running properly, while you’re in charge of everyday care and general upkeep.
Here’s what landlords are usually in charge of:
- The structure of the building – walls, roof, windows and doors
- Plumbing, sinks, toilets and drains
- Heating and hot water
- Electrical wiring and sockets
- Fire safety features like smoke alarms and fire doors
These are legal responsibilities. Even if a contract says otherwise, the landlord can’t shift these onto you.
As a tenant, you’re expected to keep things ticking over day to day. That might include:
- Replacing light bulbs or batteries in smoke alarms
- Keeping the property clean and ventilated
- Letting your landlord know when something’s wrong
It’s about being a good housekeeper rather than a handyman.
What landlords must fix
Landlords must sort out anything that stops the home from being safe, secure, or in good working order. That includes:
- Broken boilers or heaters
- Leaking pipes or blocked drains
- Faulty electrics
- Damp or mould caused by structural issues
- Broken locks, cracked windows, unsafe stairs
Repairs should be done within a reasonable time. Urgent jobs like no heating in winter or a burst pipe, should be sorted quickly. If your landlord drags their feet, it’s worth chasing up in writing and keeping a record.
What tenants might need to pay for
Not everything falls on the landlord. You might have to cover repairs if something gets damaged due to:
- Carelessness (like not reporting a small leak that turns into a big one)
- Accidents (like leaving a candle burning and causing a fire)
- Misuse (like flooding the bathroom by overfilling the tub)
Other examples of repairs you might be responsible for:
- Lost keys or snapped key in the lock
- Damage from putting up shelves badly
- Broken items you brought into the property yourself
- Overflowing washing machine that soaks the floor
That said, normal wear and tear like scuffed paint or worn carpets isn’t something you should be paying for. We’ll cover that next.
What counts as fair wear and tear?
Fair wear and tear mean damage that happens naturally over time from everyday use. For example:
- Faded paint
- Threadbare carpets in walkways
- Wobbly doorknobs
This type of wear and tear isn’t your fault, so your landlord shouldn’t charge you for it. But clear damage like red wine stains or holes in the wall may be classed as your responsibility and could lead to deductions from your deposit.
Related: What is a rent guarantor?
To avoid problems at the end of your tenancy:
- Take photos when you move in
- Report issues early
- Keep copies of texts and emails
It’s all about having a paper trail in case things get questioned later.
What if your landlord won’t fix something?
If your landlord is ignoring repair requests or refusing to fix things they’re responsible for, here’s what you can do:
Put your request in writing: Be clear about what’s wrong and when you first reported it.
Keep evidence: Take photos of the problem and save any messages.
Contact your local council: They can step in if the issue is serious.
Get advice: Trusted organisations like Shelter and GOV.UK offer information to help you understand your rights as a tenant.
In some cases, you can arrange repairs yourself and deduct the cost from your rent, but only after following the proper process and getting legal advice first. Don’t jump into this without checking, it’s risky if not done right.
Related: Private tenants’ rights: Everything you need to know
Read your tenancy agreement
Your tenancy agreement should spell out who’s responsible for what. Some tasks, including gardening or replacing appliances you added might be down to you. Others are on the landlord.
Also, thanks to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords now must make sure your rental meets basic living standards.
Need help with repairs or renting advice?
At Whitegates, we work with tenants every day and we know how confusing things can get. If you’re ever unsure about repairs, your rights, or what steps to take next, our local Whitegates team is always here for a chat.
