Division of repairs between tenant and landlord
What are the maintenance obligations of the tenant and the landlord?
General rule
The tenant is responsible for carrying out repairs and maintenance to the rental property for the duration of the lease. Only repairs caused by wear and tear or force majeure will not be the tenant's responsibility.
Examples of tenant responsibilities include:
- boiler maintenance and periodic inspection;
- chimney sweeping;
- descaling taps and cleaning seals and filters;
- replacing light bulbs and batteries in provided equipment;
- waxing or oiling wooden floors;
- mowing and maintaining the garden;
- ...
The landlord is responsible for all other repairs required for the normal use of the rental premises. However, the tenant remains liable for repairs resulting from their negligent behaviour within the rental premises.
Examples of landlord responsibilities include:
- replacing a defective boiler;
- repairing worn pipework and plumbing;
- roof repairs;
- cleaning out septic tanks;
- addressing any issues related to the ageing of the rental premises;
- repairing broken drainpipes;
- ...
List of repairs and maintenance
The government has drawn up a list of the main repair and maintenance obligations for both the tenant and the landlord. The parties cannot deviate from this division.