Landlord repairing obligations
The legal duty to keep the property and services in repair.
4 min read · Updated 2 August 2026
Overview
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 a landlord must keep the structure and exterior of a rented home in repair, and keep installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating in proper working order. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces Awaab's Law-style duties requiring landlords to investigate and remedy damp and mould hazards within set timescales.
Legal requirements
- Keep structure, exterior and key services in repair.
- Respond to and remediate damp and mould within the legal timescales.
- Carry out repairs within a reasonable time of being told of a defect.
Common mistakes
- Treating condensation as the tenant's problem without investigating the cause.
- Delaying repairs until they become a hazard.
Related terms
This wiki entry is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before acting.