What repair work you're responsible for as a landlord
Repairs
A landlord is required to keep a property in good repair throughout the tenancy.
A landlord is always responsible for repairs to:
- the structure and exterior of the property including drains, gutters and pipes
- internal fixings (basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fixings)
- common areas (for example, shared staircases in blocks of flats)
- installations for the supply of water, fixed gas appliances, electrical wiring, pipes, flues and ventilation
We are sometimes approached by tenants who have concerns about the condition of the property, and repairs and improvements that are needed. We ask tenants to report issues to you first and allow reasonable time for inspections and repairs to be carried out.
However, we will investigate cases where we are advised that repairs and issues exist,and are not being dealt with. This includes looking at the information provided, talking to landlord and tenant as well as inspecting the property where necessary.
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System
When we assess the condition of the property we must consider the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This is a risk assessment tool used to assess potential risks to the health and safety of occupants in residential properties.
It involves the assessment of 29 potential hazards, and scoring their severity to decide whether improvements are needed.
Tackling these hazards will make more homes healthier and safe to live in.
We advise private landlords and managing agents to assess their property to determine whether there are hazards that may cause risk to tenants. They should then carry out improvements to reduce the risks.
You can find further information about the HHSRS on the Shelter website.
The Energy Efficiency Regulations
The Energy Efficiency (Private Rented Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 establish a minimum level of energy efficiency for privately rented property in England and Wales.
From April 2018, landlords of privately rented domestic and non-domestic property in England or Wales must ensure that their properties reach at least an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of E before granting a new tenancy to new or existing tenants.
If you have an existing tenancy that hasn't had any changes made to the tenancy, the new rule will apply from 1 April 2020.
The requirement to meet this standard means you may be required to carry out improvement works to your property.
For further information, please see the following: