We have been helping landlords to refurbish, repair and maintain Liverpool rental property for 20 years, and you’ll be surprised at how many Landlord’s fail to uphold some basic responsibilities. This gave us an idea for a series of new blog posts! Throughout July and August 2024, we will be posting several new blog posts for Liverpool based landlords. We hope they’re useful (and eye opening!). If you need a Liverpool property maintenance company to help look after your property/properties, we can help you.
Welcome Liverpool Property Investors / Landlords!
Maintaining your rental properties can be a significant undertaking, especially if you have more than one. However, as a landlord, you have specific responsibilities for repairs and should monitor various aspects to prevent long-term damage, which will help protect your valuable investments. Or, if you don’t have time then you can employ a Liverpool property maintenance expert (like us!), to help you maintain them.
Carry on reading for a comprehensive house maintenance checklist and a detailed explanation of basic landlord obligations.
Your Responsibilities: Property Maintenance & Repair
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 clearly outlines your legal responsibilities for repairs and maintenance. This act is binding regardless of what is stated in your tenancy agreement, as it establishes an “implied term.”
According to Section 11, a landlord’s obligations include:
- The structure and exterior of the property, including the roof, walls, windows, drains, and doors
- Pipes supplying gas, electricity, or water
- Heating and hot water systems
- Gas boilers and ventilation
- Shared or common areas of the property
Maintenance: Structure & Exterior
You have a legal responsibility to main the structure and exterior of your rental property. It’s vital that you consider the following elements every year to ensure the safety of your tenants.
The Roof
Annual roof inspections can help you identify and address damage before it worsens and ends up costing a fortune in repairs. Roofs are not cheap. The best times for these inspections are in the spring and autumn, ahead of winter and summer.
During any roof inspection, it’s vital to look out for broken tiles and slates, as well as damaged guttering, and ensure the gutters are cleared of debris. Check for gaps around the chimney and ensure dormer windows are properly sealed.
Additionally, remove moss and algae, as these can retain water that may rot roofing materials or cause tiles to crack if it freezes in cold weather.
Exterior Walls
Inspect for cracks in brickwork and wall coatings, or any staining that might suggest a leak. While you’re at it, check and clean any drains attached to the exterior walls to prevent potential flooding from overflow. Any damaged pointing and rendering should also be repaired.
Internal Windows and Door
You are responsible for repairing or replacing any damaged windows, broken panes, faulty components, or mould caused by wear and tear. However, if a tenant breaks a window, they will be liable for the repair costs.
Similarly, you must ensure that doors close and lock securely to ensure tenant safety, which includes fire safety doors. All external doors and windows should be damp and draught-proof.
Pipes and plumbing
You must ensure that sinks, baths, toilets, and their supply pipes are all functioning properly. A small rupture in a pipe can cause leaks, indicated by puddles under the pipe or damp patches on walls or ceilings for concealed pipes.
During cold snaps, be mindful of frozen pipes, as they can lead to leaks or significant flooding if a pipe bursts from increased pressure. This can be a costly repair!
Gas and electricity
When it comes to gas, you need to check that the gas supply and appliances you’ve provided are in a safe and working condition, with any fitting or repairs done by a Gas Safe Engineer. You’ll also need to get a Gas Safe Engineer to check them every 12 months, and supply a certificate.
Read more about EICR certificates and our services here.
Another requirement is for an electrician to check all electrical installations like light and plug sockets every five years.
Ventilation, Mould & Damp
Lots of Liverpool landlords approach us to help them remedy damp issues at their rental properties.
Damp and mould is a major health hazard and one of the most common causes of friction between tenants and landlords. While it’s important to encourage tenants to correctly ventilate and heat your property to reduce the likelihood of damp or mould appearing, it’s ultimately your responsibility to deal with it if it does appear.
Summary
As a landlord, you have responsibilities for the upkeep and maintenance of your property, and it’s wise to carry out regular checks to avoid any long-term damage, which will help protect your valuable investments. Or, if you don’t have time then you can employ a Liverpool property maintenance expert (like us!), to help you maintain your property/portfolio.
The Refurb Experts provide Liverpool property maintenance services to Liverpool Landlords, offering a range of refurbishment and maintenance services so if you are looking for a reliable, trustworthy and cost-effective Liverpool based landlord maintenance company, we would be pleased to hear from you.
Contact us by clicking on the link and a member of the team will be happy to discuss our services.