What happens if something needs repairing in the flat?
Unless otherwise specified by the tenancy agreement, the following rules will usually be applied:
The landlord shall provide the furniture / appliances in the tenancy agreement in good working condition at the commencement of the lease and the tenant shall return the same to the landlord at the end of the tenancy (fair wear and tear excepted).
During the tenancy, the tenant shall exercise due care in using and protecting the premises including furniture / appliances provided by the landlord. Generally, the landlord shall be responsible for the maintenance of the structure and exterior of the property unless damage is caused through the fault of the tenant. The tenant is normally responsible for general maintenance and upkeep of the interior (fair wear and tear and inherent defects excepted).
If the furniture / appliances need repair due to fair wear and tear, the landlord shall arrange for these to be fixed within a reasonable period of time.
If the need for repair is caused by the fault of the tenant, the tenant shall be responsible.
Contributed by Victor Kwong of Kaman Properties, and Edson Lyra and Simon Reid-Kay of Allen & Overy.
