Equipment in a flat will need repaired or replaced from time to time but as a landlord, which repairs are you responsible for?
Firstly, it's your responsibility to carry out some of the repairs within the property to ensure that it meets the "repairing standard".
A flat meets the repairing standard if, among other things:
- it's wind and watertight and reasonably fit for human habitation;
- installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating are in a reasonable state of repair and working order;
- any furnishings provided by you can be used safely for their designed purpose; and
- any fixtures, fittings and appliances provided by you under the tenancy are in a reasonable state of repair and proper working order so, for example, if the washing machine supplied by you breaks down, you must repair it.
You're responsible for making sure that the repairing standard is met at the start of the lease and throughout the tenancy.
Before a tenancy starts, you must inspect the flat, identify any work needing completed to bring it up to the "repairing standard" and notify the tenant of such work.
The same standard applies to any shared parts of the building if disrepair or failure to keep them in proper working order affects the tenant.
However it should be noted that this duty to repair only applies if the tenant notifies you or you otherwise become aware that work needs to be carried out, but work must then be completed within a reasonable time. If your tenant thinks the flat doesn't meet the standard required and you don't carry out repair work, they can report you to the Housing and Property Chamber, which can order you to carry out repairs.
Your duty to repair doesn't apply to work that needs done because the tenant hasn't used the flat in a proper manner; for example, works to repair any equipment they've broken, or anything they're entitled to remove from the flat, such as personal equipment that has been installed.
If you're the landlord of any property that is a house in multiple occupation, you may also have additional responsibilities for repairs.
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Senior Solicitor
