According to insurance website, Confused.com, renters spend an average of £443 on repairs that should legally be paid for by their landlords.The research found that one in five (19%) tenants admit they’re unsure about precisely who is responsible for repairing a rental property.
Most common problems are the most expensive to put right
The study highlights that the most common problems experienced by tenants are also often the most expensive to put right.For example, the research found that more than two-fifths of renters (42%) have had damp problems, whilst around one in three (30%) have had to cope with living in the cold as the heating was not working.
Over a quarter of respondents reported having to go without a shower or using the toilet for an amount of time, due to plumbing issues and more than one in five (22%) tenants reported paying for the cost of repairs themselves, jumping to a third (33%) who have paid to fix plumbing issues, and almost a quarter (23%) who have forked out to have electrical issues resolved.
Jessica Willock, home expert at Confused.com, commented: “It can be confusing to know where the responsibilities lie when landlords and tenants enter a contract, but getting clued up on who looks after what can save money, time and make for a smoother relationship in the long run.”
Landlords are legally responsible for repairs to the following:
the property’s structure and exterior
basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains
heating and hot water
gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
electrical wiring
any damage they cause by attempting repairs
Landlords are also generally responsible for looking after communal areas, such as the staircase if you live in a block of flats.
It’s really important that tenants check their tenancy agreement, as this will detail whether they are permitted to carry out repairs themselves. Importantly you cannot be forced to carry out repairs that are your landlord’s legal responsibility, no matter what your tenancy agreement states.
How a Letting Agent Can Help
At Belvoir, we strive for both our landlords and tenants to be happy. With our team of experts who know all of the rules and regulations when it comes to lettings, we are always on top of the latest updates and that helps to ensure that neither party is needlessly spending money on things that aren’t their responsibility!
We know that as both landlords and tenants, it can be confusing to navigate all the regulations that currently exist. As tenant and landlord laws continue to increase, and with more than 4.4 million households now privately rented, and 3.9 million socially rented, tenants are becoming more intolerant about what is and is not acceptable from a Landlord.
If you’re a landlord with rental property available in Nottingham and you’re looking to get your property let with reference tenants then give our team a call.
Our lettings experts will ensure that all your landlord responsibilities relating to the law for tenants and landlords are completely taken care of.
