What are a landlord’s repair obligations?

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Authored by Hiscox Experts.
4 min read
A handyman repairing a sink
Landlords and tenants share the responsibility of maintaining a rental property, but landlords are primarily obliged to ensure the property remains safe and habitable.

There are various things to consider, from addressing emergency repairs promptly to conducting regular maintenance checks. We explore the legal requirements and best practices that can foster a positive landlord-tenant relationship and help landlords remain compliant and maintain quality housing for tenants.

Disclaimer: 
Managing rental properties is a complex business. At Hiscox, we want to see your investments thrive. Our articles offer insights into property management and landlord best practices. But these articles aren't professional advice. To find out more about a subject we cover here, please seek professional advice.

Understanding a landlord’s repair obligations

Landlords are legally required to ensure their rental properties are safe, habitable, and meet basic living standards for tenants.

These rules are outlined in various legislations, including:  

Landlords must make repairs in ‘reasonable’ time.

These rules may vary in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

 

Structure and exterior repairs

Landlords are responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property.  

This includes:  

  • The roof
  • Walls
  • Doors
  • Drains
  • Gutters
  • External pipes.

Landlords must ensure these elements are in good repair to prevent structural issues or hazards.1

 

Water, electricity, and heating repairs

Landlords must ensure that the installations supplying water, gas, electricity, sanitation, space heating, and heating water are kept in working order.  

This includes:  

Repairs to shared common areas

Landlords are usually responsible for repairing and maintaining common areas in multi-occupancy buildings, such as stairways, hallways, and entrances, to ensure these spaces are safe and accessible for all.3  

However, your responsibilities may vary depending on whether the property is leasehold or freehold. In leasehold properties, the lease agreement typically outlines who is responsible for common areas. The freeholder is often responsible for these repairs.4

 

Upkeep of safety standards

Landlords must ensure that their properties comply with safety standards.  

Adhering to these safety responsibilities helps maintain a hazard-free environment for tenants.  

These include:  

Internal repairs

Landlords are responsible for repairing internal fixtures and fittings, such as basins, sinks, baths, toilets, and their pipework. 

Any damage caused during repairs must be rectified.

What are a tenant’s repair obligations?

Tenants also have obligations to help maintain the property.  

These include:  

  • Reporting repairs – promptly inform the landlord about any issues that need fixing
  • Proper care – keep the property clean and tidy
  • Minor repairs or mould – report immediately as these could pose health hazards
  • Damage – pay for damages caused by them, their family or friends
  • Allowing entry – permit the landlord or their contractors to access the property for necessary repairs.6

Landlords have the right to evict tenants who do not meet these responsibilities.7

You can find the full list of tenant repair obligations at GOV.UK.

Emergency repairs

Emergency repairs are urgent issues that pose a risk to health, safety, or the property itself. These include:  

  • Gas leaks  
  • Burst pipes
  • Electrical failures
  • Structural damage.

There is no legal requirement that emergency repairs be completed within 24 hours. However, urgent repairs, such as those involving health and safety risks, should be addressed as quickly as possible.

A landlord’s rights for access and inspections

Landlords have the right to access their rental properties for things like maintenance, inspections, and security checks. However, they must visit at a ‘reasonable time of day’ – generally between 8:00 and 18:00 – and give at least 24 hours’ written notice beforehand, except in emergencies.8

Tenants must consent for the landlord to enter, except where immediate access is needed to prevent damage or address safety issues.9

All tenants have the right to quiet enjoyment of the property without unnecessary interference from the landlord.10

Get the right insurance for your property repairs

Hiscox landlords insurance can help to safeguard you against the risks of renting out property.  

Discover what landlord insurance is and how much you might need through our landlords insurance FAQ hub.  

Explore the various covers we offer in our landlords insurance blog hub. 

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Hiscox Experts

The Hiscox Experts are leaders valued for their experience within the insurance industry. Their specialisms include areas such as professional indemnity and public liability, across industries including media, technology, and broader professional services. All content authored by the Hiscox Experts is in line with our editorial guidelines.