Tenants’ Guide to Property Maintenance Responsibilities

As a renter, you are responsible for normal wear and tear within your property. But what does that boil down to? How much is “normal” when it comes to fixes or repairs?

Understanding your maintenance responsibilities as a tenant is crucial for ensuring a smooth and hassle-free tenancy.

In this blog, we outline what you need to take care of, what the landlord is responsible for and how to report issues in your rental property.

Tenant Responsibilities

• As a tenant, you have specific maintenance responsibilities to keep the property in good condition. You should treat the property with respect and care. This can involve:
• Cleaning and Upkeep: Regularly clean and maintain the property to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime. Clean kitchen appliances, bathrooms, and windows regularly. Hoover carpets and mop floors to keep them in good condition.
• Minor Repairs: Handle minor repairs and maintenance tasks that do not require professional assistance, for example, changing light bulbs and clearing blocked toilets.
• Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation to prevent damp and mold. Open windows regularly and use extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Reporting Issues: Report any maintenance issues or damages to the landlord or letting agent promptly. This includes, if you notice a leak, a broken appliance or any structural damage.

Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords have a legal obligation to maintain the property in a habitable condition and address any necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe. You must allow access to your home at reasonable times if the landlord or someone acting for them wants to inspect a specific issue or perform a repair. This includes repairs for:   

• Structural Repairs: Landlords are responsible for structural repairs and ensuring the property is safe. This includes fixing roof leaks, repairing broken windows and addressing any structural damage.
• Plumbing and Heating: Ensure that the plumbing and heating systems are in working order. Your landlord should repair boiler issues, fix plumbing leaks and maintain radiators and water heaters.
• Electrical Safety: Ensure that the electrical system is safe and compliant with regulations. Your landlord is responsible for conducting electrical safety checks, fixing faulty wiring, and maintaining electrical fixtures.
• Gas Safety: Your landlord should conduct annual gas safety checks and provide tenants with a Gas Safety Certificate. This includes inspecting gas appliances, pipes, and flues to ensure they are safe to use.
• Appliances: Maintenance and repairs for any appliances provided by the landlord e.g. washing machines, ovens or fridges that were included with the rental property.

How to Report Issues

Promptly reporting maintenance issues to your landlord or letting agent is crucial for ensuring they are addressed in a timely manner:

• Written Communication: Use written communication, such as email, to report issues. This provides a record of your correspondence. Include any relevant photos, be polite and request prompt action. Here at Dwello, we use the Fixflo portal to report all repairs.
• Emergency Contacts: Know the emergency contact details for your landlord or letting agent for urgent repairs.
• Follow-Up: If the issue is not resolved promptly, follow up with your landlord or letting agent to ensure it is addressed. Send a reminder email or call to inquire about the status of the repair.

Understanding Your Tenancy Agreement

Your tenancy agreement outlines the specific maintenance responsibilities of both the tenant and the landlord. It’s essential to understand the terms of your agreement to avoid any disputes:

• Read Carefully: Go through all documents before signing to ensure you understand your responsibilities. Look for clauses related to maintenance, repairs, and garden upkeep.
• Clarify Ambiguities: If any terms are unclear, ask your landlord or letting agent for clarification.

Knowing your maintenance responsibilities as a tenant is vital for a successful tenancy. By taking care of regular upkeep, handling minor repairs and promptly reporting issues, you can help ensure the property remains in good condition.

Understanding the landlord’s responsibilities and how to effectively communicate with them will also contribute to a positive renting experience.

Has the time come to find a new rental property? Why not pop in and see us at Dwello? You’ll find us at 117 Byres Road, Glasgow. Or you can view all of our properties online here.