Tenant Maintenance Responsibilities and Reporting Obligations

31/03/2025

Tenant Guide: Property Maintenance and Reporting Responsibilities

At 247 Property Services Limited, we prioritise not only the smooth management of your home but also ensuring our tenants are fully informed about their responsibilities under the tenancy agreement and UK housing law. Understanding your obligations regarding property maintenance and reporting repairs can help prevent unnecessary stress, charges, or disputes when your tenancy ends.

In this informative guide, we detail your responsibilities, the law underpinning these obligations, and how to effectively manage and report maintenance issues.

Why Property Maintenance Matters

Maintaining your rented property is essential—not only to fulfil your legal obligations but also to provide yourself with a safe, pleasant living environment. Under UK law, specifically the Housing Act 2004 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, tenants have specific duties regarding the upkeep and cleanliness of their homes.

Failing to adhere to these standards can result in deductions from your tenancy deposit, extra charges for professional cleaning or repairs, and potential legal actions for dilapidations at the end of your tenancy.

Key Tenant Responsibilities in the UK

Below are your core responsibilities clearly outlined according to UK tenancy law and your tenancy agreement:

1. Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene

You are legally required to:

Regularly clean your property, including kitchens, bathrooms, floors, and appliances.
Properly dispose of household waste and maintain outdoor areas free from litter.
Regularly ventilate rooms to prevent damp, mould, or condensation problems.

2. Preventing Damage

It's crucial to take proactive steps to protect the property:

Be cautious and prevent any damage due to neglect or misuse.
Immediately report accidental or unavoidable damage.
Conduct regular checks of plumbing, electrics, heating, and provided appliances to spot issues early.

3. Regular Property Checks and Maintenance

Ensure you routinely:

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, replacing batteries as required.
Maintain gardens, lawns, and external areas as agreed in your tenancy agreement.

Reporting Repairs and Maintenance Issues

Reporting issues effectively is a key tenant obligation and crucial for the prompt resolution of problems. At 247 Property Services Limited, we've streamlined the reporting process through our dedicated online platform:

👉 247 Property Maintenance Reporting Portal

Always report maintenance issues using this dedicated portal, as outlined in your tenancy agreement. To speed up repairs:

Provide clear and detailed descriptions of the issue.
Upload photographs of the problem area to help our maintenance team quickly assess the urgency and type of repair required.

Remember, reporting repairs via telephone or email alone may not provide adequate tracking or prompt response—always use our maintenance portal for guaranteed attention and faster service.

Costs Incurred Due to Lack of Property Maintenance

Neglecting maintenance responsibilities can be costly. As a tenant, you could face financial charges including:

Professional cleaning expenses.
Repair or replacement costs for damaged fixtures, fittings, or appliances.
Redecoration fees where damage exceeds normal wear and tear.
Garden maintenance and rubbish removal costs.
Administrative fees associated with rectifying neglected maintenance issues.

Avoid these charges by consistently maintaining high cleanliness and care standards throughout your tenancy.

Best Practices for Meeting Your Responsibilities

Following these straightforward guidelines can significantly reduce the risk of deposit deductions or additional charges:

Regular Cleaning: Set a weekly routine to clean your home thoroughly.
Prompt Reporting: Report all maintenance or repair issues immediately via our online portal.
Effective Ventilation: Regularly air your home, especially bathrooms and kitchens, to prevent damp and mould.
Preventive Maintenance: Regularly inspect your home for signs of issues and act swiftly to address them.
Garden Maintenance: Keep outdoor areas clean and tidy, adhering strictly to your tenancy agreement.