Housing Disrepair: A Checklist of a Landlord's Legal Obligations

The terms and conditions of a tenancy agreement should set out the landlord's responsibilities for repairing the property. Even if there is nothing in the tenancy agreement, the law imposes obligations on the landlord to maintain the following:  

• the structure and exterior of the premises;
• installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity;
• sanitation within the property;
• space heating; and
• installations for heating water.

Landlords are also required to ensure gas appliances are maintained according to the law, that furnishings meet fire regulations and to provide an energy performance certificate.

There are other laws which also apply to landlords, such as those covering environmental health issues.

If landlords are notified that repairs are required, they must act. If they do not, tenants may well be entitled to go to Court to force the landlord to carry out the work. The costs of such proceedings, if they are successful, are almost certainly the responsibility of the landlord.

At Samuels, we are experts in housing disrepair claims and disputes and have acted for both landlords and tenants in relation to many different disputes. Contact us for a free, no obligation discussion.