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As a tenant, it’s important to know what a landlord is legally responsible for and their obligations to you.
Your landlord is responsible for:
Always report any issues to the landlord as soon as possible so they can carry out repairs or provide replacements. If you’ve reported a problem but been ignored, try filing a complaint against your landlord.
Landlords are responsible for the upkeep of the property, except for cleaning. It’s important to note that repairs for any of the following issues should never be taken from your deposit, unless damage is caused by you, your family or your guests.
A landlord should take care of the:
The landlord has a responsibility to keep you and the property secure against intruders. They will need to fix anything that could compromise the security of your house.
If they do not and you are burgled, the landlord could be sued for damages.
Landlords should make sure:
The landlord has to make sure that the property is safe to live in. Your landlord should ensure that the property includes:
The property must also be kept free of mould, mildew, or damp that could cause harm or illness to you or make the property uninhabitable.
A landlord should also make sure that any pests are dealt with safely and quickly to avoid any distress or damage to the property.
A landlord can be liable for “statutory nuisance” if an issue has caused interference with the enjoyment of your home, or it could cause injury or health issues.
If the landlord has not helped resolve these issues, you could seek legal action. For example, damp or mould in your home must be fixed by the landlord. Also potential hazards to yourself and the wider community must be addressed promptly, like asbestos, faulty electrical work or pests.
Ensuring that damage is fixed quickly and adequately is essential for everyone, especially you as the tenant.
If there’s an issue with your rental property, make your landlord aware of this in writing. If this issue is ignored and allowed to get worse, you could seek compensation from your landlord.
For example, if there’s a plumbing issue that’s ignored by your landlord, which subsequently floods the property, you could claim for any ruined possessions.
This is classed as a 'private nuisance' and is where a landlord controls property but has neglected to maintain a part of the building.
Is the landlord responsible for pest control?
Your landlord is responsible for repairs to stop pests from getting in and for removing infestations.
Is the landlord responsible for a clogged drain?
Yes, they are responsible for maintaining the drains, pipes and plumbing in the home.
Is it the landlord’s responsibility to fix a broken washing machine?
Yes, if your landlord has supplied the washing machine that worked when you moved in, they have a responsibility to replace or repair it.
Is the landlord responsible for removing mould?
The landlord is responsible for getting the mould sorted and fixing any underlying issues causing the issue.
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