Reporting Repairs

In order to help us provide you with a service that is as efficient as possible, we would ask anyone that is renting a property managed by Cox & Company, to report any situation that may give rise to a necessary repair, as soon as it occurs or is spotted.

In some cases, situations reported may not be the responsibility of the Landlord to repair, so we have created this section of the website to help explain.

The tenancy agreement should spell out who is responsible for what when it comes to repairs and maintenance. However, under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and other safety legislation such as the Defective Premises Act 1972 there are certain items including safety matters which the landlord is responsible for whether or not the letting agreement specifies this:

• The building structure and all the outside of the property, including roofs, gutters, drains,window frames and doors, gates, fences and garden sheds but not necessarily glass, garden and yard maintenance.
  

• Water, gas, electricity, drainage and sewarage and toilet installations.

• Heating and hot water systems.

• Furniture and furnishings must meet fire safety standards.

• Gas appliances and flues must be tested annually by a CORGI registered fitter and a certificate issued to the tenant.

• Hard wired smoke alarms when fitted should be maintained.

• The electrical appliances and system should be safe.

Tenants would normally be expected to carry out basic household maintenance which should be spelled out in the tenancy agreement, including: broken glass, sink and toilet blockages, light bulbs, all internal breakages and replacing batteries in smoke alarms.

It's the tenant's responsibility to inform the landlord immediately there is a problem (preferably in writing) and the landlord's responsibility to effect repairs/maintenance within a resonable time. Tenants should bear in mind the difficulties in getting tradesmen quickly. The landlord or workers should be allowed access with reasonable (24 hours) notice except in emergencies.

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