What repairs are tenants responsible for?

Home repairs are one of the most common uses for payday loans, but understanding which home repairs fall to you as the tenant – and which are your landlord’s legal responsibility – can help you avoid any unexpected costs. Many renters only discover the difference when a repair issue crops up, and by then it can feel confusing or stressful to work out who should pay.

This guide breaks down what repairs tenants are responsible for, what your landlord must legally maintain, how to check your tenancy agreement, and how to report issues effectively. We’ll also touch on situations where emergency costs fall to you and how short-term borrowing, such as flexible payday loans, may support urgent repairs when used responsibly.

In this guide:

• What repairs are tenants responsible for?
• Understanding tenant responsibilities in UK renting
• What your landlord is legally responsible for
• Checking your tenancy agreement for landlord repair obligations
• Health and safety expectations: when a home must be “fit to live in”
• Damp, mould, gas safety and electrics: who handles what?
• How to report repair issues to your landlord
• Paying for urgent appliance repairs: can short-term loans help?
• Seeking independent support

What repairs are tenants responsible for?

As a tenant, you’re usually responsible for day-to-day upkeep and minor repairs, especially those involving damage you caused or wear and tear from daily use. While the specifics depend on your contract, the law expects tenants to take ‘tenant-like care’ of the property.

Common tenant responsibilities include:

• Replacing light bulbs and fuses: Tenants typically handle small household consumables.
• Keeping the property clean and ventilated: This includes managing condensation to help prevent mould.
• Looking after gardens or outdoor areas: If stated in your contract, you may need to mow lawns or clear pathways. Often, this is taken care of as part of a management fee you pay, but best to check.
• Reporting problems promptly: Even if it’s not your responsibility to fix it, you must notify your landlord. Ignoring issues can make you liable if things worsen.
• Repairing damage you caused: If you break a window accidentally or damage furniture, expect to have to cover the cost.

These types of tenant responsibilities won’t usually be covered by your landlord unless the damage was caused by structural issues or landlord neglect. The key principle: if the problem was caused by you, or is a small, everyday maintenance task, you’ll likely need to sort it yourself.

Understanding tenant responsibilities in UK renting

UK renting law expects tenants to behave in a way that protects the property’s condition. These obligations aren’t just practical – they help you avoid end-of-tenancy deductions or disputes.

Examples include:

• Using appliances properly: Misuse that leads to a fault may make you liable for the repair.
• Preventing avoidable damage: For example, not letting water overflow or keeping pet-related wear to a minimum if pets are allowed.
• Maintaining an acceptable level of hygiene: Poor cleanliness can worsen issues like pests or damp.

These rules sit alongside your landlord’s repair obligations, which are far more extensive.

What your landlord is legally responsible for

Your landlord must ensure the property is safe, secure and structurally sound. These landlord repair obligations are set out in UK law, including the Landlord and Tenant Act and Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.

Your landlord must repair:

• The structure and exterior of the property: Walls, roofing, windows, gutters, external doors.
• Water, gas, electricity, and heating systems: Boilers, radiators, wiring, water supply and drainage.
• Bathroom and kitchen facilities provided by the landlord: Sinks, baths, toilets, fitted cupboards.
• Fire and safety installations: Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted and tested.
• Anything supplied with the property that breaks through no fault of your own.

These landlords’ responsibilities for repairs apply whether you rent privately, through a letting agent or via a housing association.

Checking your tenancy agreement for repair obligations

Your tenancy agreement is your best reference for understanding exactly which repairs fall to you. Look for sections covering:

• Maintenance duties: These outline your routine responsibilities.
• Garden/outdoor care: Some landlords require tenants to maintain external areas.
• Appliances: The contract should clarify who repairs items like washing machines or cookers.
• Decoration: You may be responsible for minor touch-ups but not major work unless you caused damage.

If anything is unclear, ask your landlord or letting agent for clarification in writing.

Health and safety expectations: When a home must be ‘fit to live in’

Landlords have a legal duty to keep the home in a safe, liveable condition. A property must be free from serious hazards, including structural problems, unsafe electrics, severe damp and mould, leaks or blocked drains.

If your landlord fails to deal with hazards, you can seek support from organisations like Citizens Advice or Shelter. Tenants are not responsible for fixing hazards that impact health and safety.

Damp, mould, gas safety and electrics: who handles what?

Some issues sit in a grey area, but the law is generally clear:

• Damp and mould: Your landlord must fix damp or mould caused by structural issues, leaks, poor insulation or unsafe ventilation. However, you may be responsible if mould results from lifestyle factors, such as drying clothes indoors without ventilation.
• Gas safety: Landlords must carry out annual gas safety checks and ensure all appliances are safe. Tenants should never attempt gas repairs.
• Electrical safety: Landlords must provide Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICRs) and keep wiring and plug points safe. Tenants may be responsible for damage caused by misuse.

How to report repair issues to your landlord

Report issues as soon as possible to avoid escalating problems and to protect yourself legally.

Tips for reporting:

• Write to your landlord or agent directly: Email is best as it creates a record.
• Attach photos: This helps show the issue clearly.
• Explain urgency: For example, broken heating in winter should be marked as urgent.
• Request a reasonable timeline: Most landlords respond faster when given clear expectations.

If the problem is urgent and your landlord doesn’t respond, contact your local council’s housing team.

Paying for urgent appliance repairs: Can short-term loans help?

Tenants sometimes face unexpected costs – for example, repairing an appliance that the contract makes them responsible for. When an urgent breakdown affects daily life, short-term borrowing may be an option.

Short-term loans should only be used responsibly to offer temporary financial relief, and only for essential costs and bills. For example:

• Fixing a broken washing machine: Only when it’s your contractual responsibility.
• Replacing a vital appliance: One that’s not covered by landlord obligations.
• Addressing urgent safety issues:  Ones that must be handled immediately.

Before borrowing, consider:

• Understand your personal cash flow: Assess income and outgoings to ensure you can afford repayments.
• Compare alternatives: Could savings, a repayment plan or borrowing from family help instead?
• Borrow only what you need: Avoid taking a larger loan than required.
• Use a regulated lender: Make sure any short-term or payday loan provider is authorised by the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority).

Seeking independent support

If you’re dealing with repair disputes, housing problems or financial stress and you’re not sure where to turn, consider reaching out to the following organisations for confidential advice:

• StepChange
• Citizens Advice
• National Debtline
• MoneyHelper

You can also find additional help on our free support organisations page.

To conclude, enants are generally responsible for small everyday repairs and any damage they cause, while landlords must ensure the property remains safe, functional and structurally sound. Knowing the difference can help prevent disputes and unexpected costs – protecting your rights and your wallet.

For more support, explore our in-depth guides on how to reduce energy bills and knowing when to repair or replace appliances.