Who is responsible for doing repairs in a residential letting. My landlord says its my responsibility to unblock my sink?
The tenancy agreement should spell out who is responsible for what when it comes to repairs and maintenance. However, under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and other safety legislation such as the Defective Premises Act 1972 there are certain items including safety matters which the landlord is responsible for whether or not the letting agreement specifies this: • The building structure and all the outside of the property, including roofs, gutters, drains, window frames and doors, gates, fences and garden shedsbut not necessarily glass, garden and yard maintenance. • Water, gas, electricity, drainage and sewarage and toilet installations. • Heating and hot water systems. • Furniture and furnishings must meet fire safety standards. • Gas appliances and flues must be tested annually by a CORGI registered fitter and a certificate issued to the tenant. • Hard wired smoke alarms when fitted should be maintained. • The electrical appliances and system should be safe. • The lan