The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 sets out the standards on repair of property that is leased less than seven years.
A landlord, in very general terms, has a legal responsibility
- to maintain and repair the structure of the property as well as the exterior. This includes (but not limited to) the external pipes, drains and gutters.
- to keep the main utility supply installations (i.e. electricity, gas as well as water) in working order.
- to repair and in working order the installations for the provision of water heating and the heating of the property.
- to ensure the safety of gas, electricity and furnishings.
- to provide certain records of safety checks before the tenancy begins.
- maintain the general standard or fitness of the property for habitation as defined by the Section 604 of the Housing Act 1985.
However, the landlord is not expected to maintain or repair those items that the tenant breaks through misuse, carelessness or negligence.
The tenant is expected to behave in a ‘tenant-like manner’. At a high level, this implies that the tenant must look after the property and carry out small maintenance in and around the property.
As the landlord has a legal responsibility to carry out particular repairs and maintenance on the property, they, or people authorised by the landlords, can access it with certain provisions:
- the landlord must warn the tenant with adequate prior written notice; at least a 24-hour notice
- the visit must take place at reasonable times of the day
Of course, there may be certain exceptions; mainly the emergencies.