Quantcast
Menu Off Menu On

Real Life Renting Advice: Repairs

19/02/2018

Legrille Homer Simpson.jpg

More and more of us are renting for the long term these days: almost one in four of us, in fact, by 2021. This week we look at common landlord/tenant disputes and who has the right to do what.

Boring Money’s research shows that on average, British people are renting their homes for longer. 39% of 26-35-year-olds are renters. In 2017, a Knight Frank report estimated that almost one in four of us will be privately renting by 2021. Lots more people are choosing to cast off the shackles of home ownership and embrace the relative freedom of a rental property. If this is you, understanding your rights and your landlord’s rights can save you a huge amount of headache and money.  So, what are the key points of contention? And where do you stand on your rights?

Repairs

Rule of thumb: if you did it, you pay. If it’s a structural problem with the house or its equipment, the landlord pays. The problem is, that’s not always clear-cut – are the missing tiles causing a leak a structural flaw (landlord’s fault)? Or because you didn’t clean the grouting and they fell off(your fault)?

The rules say you need to ‘live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair’. That means leaky roofs are fixed, rotten woodwork is dealt with, while gutters and drains are cleared. It also means all interior fixtures and fittings work properly.

Everything should be set out in a decent tenancy agreement. As such, you need to read your tenancy agreement clearly and refer back in the event of a problem.

Real Life Story: Dodgy dishwasher

Eleanor, Islington: “When we moved to our flat, we decided to pay up for a nice area, a reasonable landlord and a well-maintained flat (we had young children). It had all the appliances – dishwasher, washing machine, dryer. They were included in the inventory and we liked the fact we weren’t going to have to buy them ourselves.

“The dishwasher broker within days of us moving in. Not great with young, mucky kids. The landlord tried to claim it had been left by a previous tenant and therefore it wasn’t his responsibility to repair it. Anyway, after a bit of back and forth (and chatting to our friend who is a lawyer), it turns out that because it was included in the inventory it WAS his responsibility to repair it. It didn’t matter whether it was left there by previous tenants or not. He did it, reluctantly!"

Fact:

  • If an appliance is included in the inventory list when you move into a rental property, it’s the landlord’s responsibility to repair it. Even if it was left behind by a previous tenant.

Got any questions about being a rebellious renter? Have a look at our Rebellious Renters information. If you still have questions, you can ask us directly here.

pexels-photo-756883.jpeg

Real Life Renting Advice: Deposits and Cleaning

There's a smudge on the wall that's going to cost £200 to repair. Really, though? The line isn't always clear. Here are two stories about who is responsible for what.

Real Life Renting Advice: Deposits and Cleaning

Argument.jpg

Real Life Renting Advice: Eviction, Rent Rises and Negotiating

For our final real life renting story we look at eviction, rent rises and negotiating. Katharine tells a story of unexpected rent increase and we explain a few ways to negotiate rent and your rights when it comes to contacting landlords directly.

Real Life Renting Advice: Eviction, Rent Rises and Negotiating

Related Questions

Got a Question?

  • I am confused about financial services compensation: I have a SIPP and an ISA with AJ Bell Youinvest, and am about to inherit a sizeable sum. I am already over the £85,000 financial services compensation limit. Should I be worried? Should I set up accounts with multiple platforms, to be covered by the compensation scheme?

    Emma | London | 22/07/2019 | 0

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    Anna Sofat's Response

  • I have opened my first Stocks and Shares ISA, and have a company pension on the new standard 5%/3% contributions. I have enough easy access savings to cover emergencies so I was wondering what would be a next good step, add to S&S ISA or open a SIPP for retirement?

    Kevin | Strathclyde | 14/06/2019 | 9

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    Pete Matthew's Response

  • I’m in my 30s and live in London. I have savings in cash but I’ve never tried any ISAs, stocks etc. before. I am looking for some suggestions as to the types of products I should use to begin investing. Instinct is telling me to keep 50% of my savings in a safe investment, 30% in a medium risk investment, 10% in higher risk, and keep 10% for emergencies. I’m making nothing keeping the cash in the bank!

    Lisle | London | 30/05/2019 | 3

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Lifetime ISA
    • Cash
    Tommy Watson's Response

  • I'm 52 and want to retire at 55. I have a mortgage, but the interest rate is very low, and a Stock & Shares ISA into which I invest each month. The performance of the Stocks & Shares ISA has been mixed, and I'm nervous about Brexit/Trump/China. Should I pay off my mortgage or keep paying into the Stocks & Shares ISA?

    Paul | Glamorgan | 21/05/2019 | 0

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    • Mortgage
    Lesley James's Response

  • I've a Cash ISA with about £80k in it, so I'm considering moving £50k into a Stocks & Shares ISA. I'm 73, retired, married, a house-owner and would like to utilise my savings better. What would you recommend?

    Barry | Berkshire | 18/04/2019 | 1

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Helena Wardle's Response

  • I am 52 with money languishing in a low savings account. Now I'm neurotic about entering into Stocks and Shares, due to seeing how many investors have exited the stock market thanks to Brexit, and with companies going bust etc. But I need to make my money work for me as my pension pot is low. Can I put the money into an Instant Access ISA and drip feed this into a Stocks and Shares ISA?

    Helen | London | 09/04/2019 | 1

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    Lesley James's Response

  • I recently received an inheritance and it is currently sat in Premium Bonds. I'm looking to hopefully use the money to put down on a house in the next couple of years, but I'm currently going through a divorce which does affect my ability at the moment to get on the housing market. Is there any way I can make my money work harder for me, yet still ensure I have access to it in a couple of years?

    Ben | Avon | 12/03/2019 | 0

    • Cash
    • Mortgage
    Helen Howcroft's Response

  • I am in my mid 20s & earning a regular salary. I have decent savings and am toying with the idea of Wahed Invest (I am looking for shariah compliant funds). I am also dabbling with the idea of property. If I have no financial commitments (living at home for next 2 yrs), is it worth using 90% of my savings for a house deposit for buy-to-let purposes? I am thinking this would reduce my loan to value?

    Zara | West Midlands | 12/03/2019 | 0

    • Lifetime ISA
    • Cash
    • Robo Adviser
    • Mortgage
    David Stone's Response

  • From my retirement I received a lump sum of money and a monthly pension. I have £100,000 that I do not need for the foreseeable future... One of my main concerns with Financial Advisers are their costs... All I want is simply to see this money grow to its potential, sensibly and above inflation... Therefore my next thoughts are Stocks and Shares ISAs... My only concerns here are the current Brexit problems - I saw the FTSE drop this past week. I cannot find any information out there to assist with my decision making if this is certainly a good time to invest... I am aware that I can place £20,000 for this year. Come April 2019 I place another £20,000 and so on until the £100,000 has been utilised. Do I have to place it into the same fund or can I choose another different fund with a different company?... Please can you help to ease some of this burden, which has proved an awful part of my retirement and made me frightened to spend any money.

    Katherine | Derbyshire | 02/01/2019 | 0

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    • Robo Adviser
    • Online Investment Platforms
    • Workplace Pension
    Helena Wardle's Response

  • The recent Metro article which Holly participated in has really inspired me and made me think that investing in shares is something which I would like to do. Unfortunately I am completely thrown about where to start. I would be grateful for any advice you could pass my way. Realistically, I would only have about 2k to invest, so any tips would be gratefully received.

    Sarah-Jane | London | 12/09/2018 | 3

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • Any advice for two young people trying to get themselves a home? My girlfriend and I are saving for a house together. Currently house prices in our area are a ridiculous £300k. The max we can get from banks is about £220k, meaning somehow saving up a whopping £80k deposit. This would take us about 8 years (and house prices are increasing faster than we're saving!) That's not to mention solicitors fees, stamp duty, the cost of moving, furnishing the house, white goods, and any repairs or renovations. It all just seems impossible!!

    Joe | Buckinghamshire | 23/08/2018 | 0

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Lifetime ISA
    • Cash
    • Mortgage
    Kate Fitzpatrick's Response

  • I have cash saved in ISAs and savings accounts - probably a 30% deposit on a property - first time buyer. I am at least 12 months away from getting a permanent job, so at least 12 months away from buying a property. What can I do with the cash in the meantime? Best just to leave it in cash for now, or invest a portion in stocks and shares ISAs?

    Malti | London | 25/07/2018 | 2

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Lifetime ISA
    • Cash
    • Mortgage
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • I am very lucky to have just received a gift which I want to invest for our retirement. My husband and I aim to retire in around five years. We have 11 more years of school fees to fund, then hopefully university fees for two after that. I've put together a plan for us - can you have a look and see if it makes sense?

    Fiona | UK | 18/01/2018 | 6

    • Private Pension
    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Junior ISA
    • Shares
    • Cash
    • Online Investment Platforms
    Holly Mackay's Response

  • My mother is 84 and has around £35,000 in cash, realised when she moved to a smaller house. She would like to invest it and draw income that would be slightly higher than the natural yield - say around £2,000. What is the best vehicle for that please?

    Ed | Sussex | 18/09/2017 | 4

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    Boring Money's Response

  • I have a delightful 12 year old daughter and she has just opened her first bank account. I am dreadful with money but I would like to know what I should teach her so that she does not pick up my bad financial habits. Do you have some top tips of things to teach our children so they are wise and responsible with money please?

    Louise | Greater London | 11/09/2017 | 1

    • Junior ISA
    • Shares
    • Cash
    Lesley James's Response

  • I've got £20,000 from an endowment policy (astonishing, I know), and I'm looking into how best to invest to get a reasonable return without excessive risk. Any thoughts much appreciated!!

    Penny | Peterborough | 09/08/2018 | 1

    • Stocks and Shares ISA
    • Cash
    • Online Investment Platforms
    • Life Insurance
    Boring Money's Response

  • Could you be kind enough to let me know what would be the best instant access savings account for me? I would like any interest to be paid to me monthly. Thank you

    Anon | UK | 29/05/2018 | 0

    • Cash
    • Other
    Holly Mackay's Response

Sign up for Holly's blog

Stay up to date

Our free weekly blog with Holly's
no-nonsense opinions, tips & food for thought.
If you change your mind, you can unsubscribe at any time.