Key takeaways
- Landlords are responsible for the structure, exterior and supply of water, gas, electricity, heating and sanitation.
- Tenants must use the property responsibly and fix damage they cause.
- Urgent problems like no heating or a gas leak need fast action.
Who's responsible?
| Landlord | Tenant | |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler, heating and hot water | Yes | Report faults |
| Roof, walls, windows | Yes | — |
| Damp and mould from building defects | Yes | Ventilate |
| Blocked drains (structural) | Yes | If caused by misuse |
| Pests | If linked to disrepair | If caused by tenant |
| Appliances supplied | Yes | Use carefully |
| Light bulbs, batteries | — | Yes |
| Garden upkeep | Trees, fences | Day-to-day tidying |
How fast should repairs happen?
Emergency — 24 hours
Gas leaks, no heating in winter, flooding, unsafe electrics.
Urgent — 3 to 7 days
Broken boiler in summer, leaking roof, broken locks.
Routine — up to 28 days
Dripping taps, sticking doors, minor wear.
Track every repair in one place. Log issues, assign tradespeople and keep a full history for each property with Simple Landlord.
Get early accessGood repair habits
- 1
Make reporting easy
Give tenants one clear way to report problems.
- 2
Respond in writing
Confirm when you'll visit and give 24 hours' notice.
- 3
Keep a record
Log every report, visit, invoice and photo.
FAQs
Who is responsible for mould, landlord or tenant?+
Usually the landlord if it's caused by leaks, poor insulation or ventilation defects. Tenants should ventilate and heat the home reasonably.
Who pays for blocked drains?+
The landlord for structural issues. The tenant if they caused it, for example by putting fat down the sink.
Is the landlord responsible for mice?+
Usually if the infestation is caused by disrepair, such as gaps in walls. Otherwise it may fall to the tenant.
Written and reviewed by the Simple Landlord Editorial Team
Last reviewed 25 September 2026. This guide is general information, not legal or tax advice.
Sources
Track every repair in one place
Log issues, assign tradespeople and keep a full history for each property with Simple Landlord.
