Help guides

Private rent - What am I responsible for repairing in my home?

3 min read

You're responsible for repairing anything you or your visitors have damaged in your home.

What you need to repair

You're responsible for all minor repairs and replacement work in your home, and for repairing any damage you or your visitors cause to fixtures and fittings. You'll find a full list of your responsibilities in your tenancy agreement, but they include:

  • Replacing light bulbs and fuses

  • Fixing telephone phone points or TV aerials and satellite dishes (unless you share these with others)

  • Replacing toilet seats and chains

  • Plugs for showers, baths and washbasins

  • Maintaining washing machines and their plumbing

  • Repairing cookers and gas appliances that you own

  • Replacing door keys and changing locks if you're locked out

  • Adding extra locks to your home

  • Getting rid of any insects or animals that have infested your home (unless there are holes in the external structure)

  • Repairing damage caused by overflowing baths, sinks, washing machines, washbasins and toilets in your home

  • Repairing damage caused by condensation

  • Repairing damage caused by smoke or a fire in your home

  • Repairing damage caused by someone breaking into your home, unless you report it to the police and have a crime reference number

  • Replacing your carpets or floor coverings

You must also regularly check:

  • Smoke alarms and heat detectors and replace their batteries

  • Window catches and restrictors, making sure they are free from dust and dirt

What we'll repair

Inside your home, we're responsible for repairing everything we've installed. Unless you caused the damage on purpose or through negligence. In which case, we'll repair it but we'll charge you for the work.

We're responsible for fixing:

  • The central heating system

  • Burst or leaking pipes

  • Skirting boards and plasterwork

  • Window catches, sash cords and window frames

  • Banisters

  • Kitchen units

  • White goods that we've supplied

  • Air vents and extractor fans that we've installed

  • Sinks, baths, toilets and shower tap washers

  • Vinyl flooring that we've provided in kitchens and bathrooms

  • Chimney stacks and flues

We will also have a planned and major works programme for your home. This includes things like replacing your kitchen, bathroom or boiler.

We plan this work several years ahead and we'll write and let you know when it's scheduled to happen. But if you want to know more about what's planned over the next 5 to 10 years, get in touch.

Requesting a repair

If it's urgent, like a burst pipe, it's best to call us.

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