Landlords: Don’t pay for maintenance that you shouldn’t be!
As a landlord you don’t want to be paying for repairs that are not your responsibility!
Here are a few common ‘faults’ that tenants report that landlords should NOT be paying for.
👂 What the Tenant Says – and What You Should Ask
1 – ‘I’ve got no hot water or heating’
🧯 The first question to ask is: “What’s the boiler pressure?” or “What error message is on the boiler?”
Boilers won’t operate if the pressure is too low. 🔧 Topping up a boiler is generally the tenant’s responsibility.
If you know the make and model (check your Gas Safety Certificate), a quick YouTube search will usually show an easy guide on how to top it up.
2 – ‘My lights aren’t working’
💡 It’s all about asking the right questions. A tenant may say the lights are out, but before calling a contractor, always ask them to change the bulb first.
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how often this simple fix is overlooked. Ask first—problem solved!
3 – ‘There’s mould on the wall’
🌫️ Mould is often caused by condensation—not structural damp.
In many cases, it results from poor ventilation, low heating levels, or steam travelling from bathrooms and kitchens throughout the home.
🛁 If that’s the cause, mould becomes a tenant responsibility. Encourage tenants to heat and ventilate properly.
(📖 Read our full blog on mould and condensation for more guidance.)
4 – ‘My oven’s not working’
⚡ This is a common issue reported after a power cut. If the oven clock isn’t set, it often won’t turn on.
Before assuming it’s faulty, ask: “Has there been a power cut?” and “Is the clock reset?”
Setting the clock usually fixes it!
5 – ‘My sink is blocked’
🚰 Only water should go down plugholes—not food, oils, or other waste.
Before calling out a drainage contractor, check that the tenant has used a thick bleach and tried a plunger.
If the blockage persists, let the tenant know in writing that if the cause turns out to be misuse (e.g. food or rubbish), 💸 they may be liable for the cost of the call-out.
😩 If you’ve been paying for unnecessary maintenance visits or are just tired of dealing with tenancy issues, give us a call.
☎️ We’re here, and ready to help!