Landlord's Guide to Rental Property Repairs: Navigating Your Obligations & Tenant Requests

For landlords in Newport and Cardiff, managing rental property maintenance and repairs can often feel like a juggling act. While most landlords understand their core responsibilities, confusion can arise regarding what constitutes a "reasonable repair request" from a tenant, who is responsible for what, and how to handle maintenance efficiently to protect your property investment.

At RedKey, your dedicated property management experts in South Wales, we understand that effective repair management is crucial for tenant satisfaction, compliance with Welsh housing law, and the long-term value of your asset. This comprehensive guide will clarify your responsibilities as a landlord and offer practical advice on handling tenant repair requests in your Newport or Cardiff rental property.

 

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord in Wales (Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2022)

 

Under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2022, landlords have significant obligations to ensure their rental properties are fit for human habitation. This includes keeping the property in good repair throughout the occupation contract. Your key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Structure & Exterior: Maintaining the property's structure and exterior, including walls, roof, foundations, drains, gutters, and external pipes.

• Installations for Services: Ensuring the proper working order of installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation (sinks, baths, toilets), space heating, and hot water (e.g., boilers, radiators).

• Safety Standards: Adhering to strict gas safety, electrical safety, and fire safety regulations. This includes annual gas safety checks (CP12), Electrical Installation Condition Reports (EICR) every five years, and ensuring working smoke alarms (interlinked, mains-powered) and carbon monoxide alarms (in rooms with fuel-burning appliances).

• Removing Hazards: Addressing any health and safety hazards identified under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).

These responsibilities cannot be overridden by clauses in your occupation contract. Neglecting these duties can lead to severe consequences, including fines, inability to serve possession notices, and even criminal charges.

 

What Constitutes a "Reasonable Repair Request" from a Tenant?

 

Tenants pay rent for a safe and habitable home. Therefore, they have a right to request that their landlord carries out necessary maintenance and repairs.

• Essential Repairs: This covers anything that impacts the safety, habitability, or essential function of the property, such as a broken boiler, persistent leaks, faulty wiring, or a broken toilet.

• Existing Amenities: Tenants can reasonably request repairs to appliances or amenities provided by the landlord (e.g., a fitted oven, washing machine, or integrated fridge). They generally cannot demand expensive upgrades or non-essential improvements.

• Prompt Reporting: It is a tenant's responsibility to report issues promptly. As a landlord, you are only obligated to act on repairs once you are aware of the problem. Early reporting helps prevent minor issues from escalating into costly major repairs.

 

Understanding Wear & Tear vs. Tenant Damage (Crucial for Deposits)

 

One of the most common sources of landlord-tenant disputes at the end of a tenancy relates to property condition. It's vital for landlords to understand the distinction:

• Fair Wear and Tear: This refers to the natural deterioration of a property and its contents over time due to normal, everyday use. Examples include faded paint, worn carpets in high-traffic areas, or minor scuffs on walls. Landlords cannot deduct from a tenant's deposit for fair wear and tear.

• Tenant Damage: This is damage caused by the tenant's negligence, misuse, or deliberate actions, or by their guests. Examples include a broken window, a large stain on a carpet from a spillage, or a hole punched in a wall. Tenants are financially responsible for repairing such damage.

Documentation is key! Thorough inventory reports with clear photographs and descriptions, conducted at the start and end of each tenancy, are your best defence in preventing and resolving deposit disputes.

 

Tenant Responsibilities (and How They Help Landlords)

 

While the burden of major repairs lies with the landlord, tenants also have obligations that benefit your rental property:

• Reporting Repairs: Tenants must promptly report any maintenance issues or potential problems to you (or your managing agent). This allows you to address issues before they worsen.

• Taking Care of the Property: Tenants are expected to use the property in a "tenant-like manner," which includes minor maintenance like changing lightbulbs, unblocking minor sink blockages, and keeping the property reasonably clean.

• Allowing Access: Tenants must provide reasonable access (usually 24 hours' written notice, except in genuine emergencies) for you or your contractors to inspect the property or carry out repairs. Hindering access can make tenants liable for any subsequent damage.

 

Proactive Maintenance: Saving Landlords Money & Ensuring Compliance

 

For landlords in Cardiff and Newport, a proactive approach to property maintenance is the most cost-effective strategy.

• Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic landlord property inspections to identify potential issues early.

• Scheduled Servicing: Ensure annual boiler services, chimney sweeps (if applicable), and regular checks on smoke/CO alarms.

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with Welsh housing legislation and safety regulations.

 

Streamline Your Rental Property Repairs with RedKey

 

Managing tenant repair requests, coordinating contractors, and ensuring compliance can be time-consuming and complex, especially for landlords with multiple properties or those based outside Newport or Cardiff.

RedKey offers comprehensive property management services designed to take the stress out of repairs and maintenance for landlords. From handling tenant communication and vetting contractors to overseeing repairs and ensuring legal compliance, we act as your trusted partner. Our expert team ensures your rental property remains in top condition, protects your property investment, and keeps your tenants happy.

Protect your investment and simplify your landlord journey. Contact RedKey, your local property experts in Cardiff and Newport, today to discuss our property management solutions:

• Call us on: 02920 090690 / 03333447850

• Email us: hello@redkeylets.co.uk