A Tenant’s Guide To Reasonable Repair Requests
Most renters in Lancaster are aware that their landlord is responsible for carrying out repairs to their property. However, there can be confusion surrounding maintenance issues and smaller repairs.
So, what can a tenant ask their landlord to fix? Our expert team here at Property23 Property Management, has some helpful advice to ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant.
What Is A Landlord Responsible For?
Your landlord has a responsibility to ensure the property is suitable to live in. That means they need to tackle issues like:
- Plumbing maintenance
- Keeping the heating working
- Repairing faulty appliances
- Removing potential hazards
- Ensuring the property’s structure remains sound
Nevertheless, rental property repairs can cause tension between tenants and landlords. Therefore, it’s essential for tenants to know what constitutes a reasonable repair request and when to make one.
What Are My Responsibilities As A Tenant?
Although maintenance and repairs are your landlord’s responsibility, you still have some obligations. You must monitor the property to make sure that everything remains in working condition and let your landlord,or letting agent, know about any potential problems that may arise, and report them as soon as possible so a repair can be arranged.
You need to be prepared to allow access to the property so that maintenance can be carried out. If you prevent this or create unnecessary delays, you may then become liable for paying for any damages occurring as a result.
What Is A Reasonable Repair Request?
When you pay rent to your landlord, that amount also covers maintenance to the property. Therefore, it’s your right to request that your landlord carry out necessary maintenance and repairs on the property. That doesn’t mean that you have the right to the replacement of a perfectly adequate appliance or a major change that isn’t essential, but it does mean that it’s reasonable to ask for necessary repairs to be carried out to the appliances and amenities you already have in place.
It’s important that you do report the need for repairs to be carried out, since issues may deteriorate causing further issues and costing more to fix if they’re neglected in the long term. It’s crucial to recognise though, that you have to allow your landlord sufficient time to carry out the necessary repairs.
The Difference Between Careless And Natural Damage
If something breaks in your rental property, it’s useful to be aware of who has responsibility for rectifying the problem. Tenants aren’t liable for any fair wear & tear to the landlord’s property, furniture or appliances, but they are responsible for any damage over & above that, or which was caused carelessly, accidental or not, or intentionally.
If you’re looking for a property to rent, need help finding tenants or managing a rental property in Lancaster, get in touch with us on 01524 969778, or email hello@property23.co.uk