Repairs to rental property tenant rights

Does tenant or landlord have to pay for repairs? What are tenant rights? Can I rent from a private landlord?

Your landlord is always responsible for repairs to: the property’s structure and exterior. Repairs in rented housing This section gives information on getting repairs done. It also covers some common repair problems. However, as a tenant , you also have some responsibilities to keep your home in a good state of repair.

This page tells you what your main responsibilities are. Your tenancy agreement might give your landlord additional responsibilities for repairs. For example, there could be a term stating that the landlord is responsible for repairing faulty appliances such as a fridge or washing machine. Your rights are different if you rent from the council or a housing association - check your rights when you rent from a council or a housing association.

Getting repairs done. If your landlord is responsible for repairs, they should do them in a ‘reasonable’ amount of time. The tenant should request the repair in writing to the landlord explaining what needs fixing. The landlord may not increase the rent during the fixed term period.

Ask your landlord if you can do the repairs yourself and deduct the costs from your rent. Get it in writing if they agree. There is a procedure where you can arrange repairs without your landlord’s agreement and take the cost out of your rent. You must follow the steps of the procedure exactly and should only use it for minor repairs. If redecoration is required after repairs have occurre your landlord is also responsible for this.

Even if your tenancy agreement does not explicitly state what repairs your landlord is responsible for, they are responsible for such repairs. The Act is in effect for all short lets for a period maximum seven years. This includes assured shorthold tenancies and periodic tenancies.

Unlike local councils and housing associations, private landlords are under no legal obligation to rehouse a tenant when a property becomes uninhabitable and needs repairs. Repairs , maintenance and sometimes improvements can be a real source of problems between landlords and tenants in rental properties. Many of these problems can easily be avoided if: The letting agreement spells out ALL the issues The tenant is able to easily contact the landlord (or her agent) when necessary, particularly in emergencies.

In addition to access for repairs, the landlord also has a right to view the condition of a property. The short answer is no, not unless the damage was caused by the tenants, which should be evident from the check-in inventory report. Maintenance and repairs are the landlord’s responsibility and therefore they need to shoulder the cost.

Can tenants withhold rent for repairs? If you rent out a residential property to tenants , it’s your legal responsibility to ensure that the facilities are habitable by maintaining the common areas and the plumbing, making sure the heat works in the winter, fixing appliances, and keeping the rental property structurally sound. While heating and plumbing problems should be addressed within hours, less-immediate repairs should. As a tenant in a private rented property, your tenancy agreement (which should be co-signed by you and your landlord before you move in) provides you with a number of rights: The right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair.

The right to have your deposit returned at the end of the tenancy (provided that you meet the terms of your tenancy agreement).