Tips and recommendations 

Can I hire a plumber and charge my landlord?

Leia Doyle

Can I hire a plumber and charge my landlord?

NO, you cannot just call a plumber and charge your landlord. First, you are most likely required to notify your landlord of the problem. Then, based on your lease and local statues, determine who is responsible for fixing the issue. IF it is you, then you must cover the cost.

What repairs is a landlord legally responsible for?

Your landlord is always responsible for repairs to:

  • the property’s structure and exterior.
  • basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains.
  • heating and hot water.
  • gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation.
  • electrical wiring.
  • any damage they cause through attempting repairs.

    Can your landlord leave you without hot water?

    Lack of hot water is an emergency regardless of the season. Tenants can use a kettle for boiling water for washing purposes, but that doesn’t mean landlords can hold out on the repairs. This should be covered by your landlord, but if it is not, you have a strong claim for compensation with the courts.

    Can you refuse to pay rent if you have no heating?

    Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you have the right to expect your landlord to carry out repairs in a ‘reasonable time’. If it’s an emergency repair as you’ve got no heating or hot water, your landlord should fix this in 24 hours.

    Should landlord fix showers?

    The landlord has to provide you with running water and sanitation facilities to use it. You need to have a working toilet and a shower or a bathroom. Note that the law doesn’t require the landlord to make improvements to the facilities, only to provide working ones.

    Should my landlord pay for a locksmith?

    Although in most instances some agencies and landlords will cover the cost in full for a Locksmith to visit your rented property to fix or replace a faulty lock, however, in the case where you have lost your keys you may find this is not something covered by agency cost!

    Who is responsible for rats tenant or landlord?

    This is their legal duty and you pay for that service with your rent. Thus, when rats or other pests are getting in the property due to any disrepair, it’s automatically the landlord’s job to repair that area and treat the infestation problem as well.