Renting feels wonderfully carefree—until something starts dripping, clanking, or creaking in the middle of the night. In such cases, it pays to know when to roll up your sleeves and when to ring your landlord.
Understanding which responsibilities are yours and which fall on the property manager can save you a lot of stress and hassle down the line. So, let’s get right to the core of it.
The Landlord’s Responsibilities
By law, landlords are required to ensure that their properties are safe, structurally sound, and fit for living. That means solid walls, secure doors, a roof that keeps the rain out, and draught-proof windows.
They’re also responsible for maintaining essential systems, including heating, plumbing, gas, and electricity. So, if your boiler decides to take a winter holiday or you wake up to a leak big enough to need its own postcode, that’s on them to fix.
The same goes for anything that may compromise your safety, like faulty locks or flickering wiring that makes your home look like a horror film set.
In short, if it keeps the place running or you safe, it falls squarely on their shoulders.
Routine Repairs
Every home, rented or owned, will experience some wear and tear over time—it’s simply part of living. But not everything broken counts as a landlord emergency.
Generally speaking, tenant duties cover small issues that can compromise the comfort and aesthetic appearance of the residence. These include day-to-day fixes, such as tightening a squeaky hinge, replacing a blown lightbulb, or oiling a sticky lock.
On the other hand, anything that affects the usability or safety of the space, like a broken oven or a leak that leads to mould, should go straight to the landlord.
If you’re not sure which camp a repair falls into, check your rental agreement. It’s wise to do so before the end of the tenancy inspection to avoid surprise deductions for things that you were meant to handle.
And remember, trying to tackle something outside your scope, like that “easy” DIY fix you found on YouTube, can backfire spectacularly. When in doubt, it’s always best to call the landlord.
Emergency Repairs
Emergencies have a funny way of happening at the worst possible time. Pipes just love to burst at midnight, heating tends to break during snowstorms, and leaks usually appear as you’re heading out the door.
These all fall under the property manager’s umbrella of responsibilities. They’re legally obligated to respond promptly to anything that could threaten your safety or cause serious damage, so make sure you contact them right away.
If you can’t reach them, check whether your tenancy agreement lists an emergency maintenance number. If so, save it to your phone for future use.
Acting quickly in such situations doesn’t just prevent further damage. It also shows that you’ve been a responsible tenant, and that can make all the difference when deposit discussions roll around.
What to Do If the Landlord Is Slow to Respond
Not every landlord is readily responsive. Some leap into action at the first sign of trouble, while others seem to move at the pace of drying paint.
If you’ve reported an issue but your property manager is playing the waiting game, start with a polite reminder.
Make sure to keep records of your messages or emails and take photos of the damage. This paper trail could come in handy if things escalate later.
In some areas, tenants are legally allowed to hire a specialist to handle the repairs and deduct the cost from rent, but you need to tread carefully here. Before taking matters into your own hands, check your local regulations or speak to a tenants’ rights group.
And remember, not every problem can be fixed overnight. Patience and persistence are your best allies here—just keep following up and documenting everything.
What If the Problem Appears Just Before You Move Out?
Murphy’s Law has a special fondness for renters. Life, on the other hand, doesn’t discriminate. Sometimes, things decide to break right before moving day.
You might spot a crack in the wall behind the bed or notice that the showerhead has finally given up. Even if your boxes are packed and the moving van is waiting out front, you have to inform your landlord straight away.
Ignoring the problem won’t make it disappear. It will only raise questions during the final inspection.
By doing your due diligence and reporting it, you’ll prove that you’re a responsible tenant, which could be the thing that saves your deposit from taking an unnecessary hit.
End of Tenancy Clean-Up and Maintenance
When the lease is nearly up, the big end of tenancy clean looms large, and with it, the final inspection. This is the moment when your landlord decides whether or not you’ll get your entire deposit back.
Start by giving your place a proper once-over. If you find any lingering maintenance issues, like a slow-draining sink or mysterious stain behind the wardrobe, report them straight away.
Landlords can’t hold you responsible for something that wasn’t your fault. Aside from the expected wear and tear, though, the place should be in the same condition it was when you first moved in. That’s where professional cleaning can save the day.
A specialised crew can tackle the oven grime, bathroom smudges, and carpet stains that even your best efforts can’t completely eliminate. It’s also a smart move if you’re short on time or energy after packing up your entire life into cardboard boxes.
If you decide to take the DIY route, make sure to keep a detailed checklist handy to cover all the bases. Your goal is simple: leave the place as close as possible to how you found it, so wipe, scrub, and polish everything until it looks move-in ready.
Conclusion
Renting doesn’t have to be a minefield of repair woes and deposit dramas. Understanding who is responsible for what helps ensure a calmer, hassle-free experience for everyone involved.
As long as you stay proactive, keep your landlord in the loop, and take regular care of your space, you won’t have to worry about moving day.
When it finally arrives, you’ll be ready to hand over the keys with confidence, knowing you’ve left no reason for anyone to eye your deposit suspiciously.