Acting in a 'Contract-holder-Like Manner'
Living in a rented home comes with shared responsibilities. While landlords are responsible for the structure and major systems of the property, tenants are expected to take reasonable care of the home.
Your signed Written Statement (the Welsh Government’s term for your tenancy agreement) sets out what you’re responsible for and refers to this as acting in a “contract-holder-like manner".
What tenants are reponsible for
You are expected to look after the property and handle simple, day-to-day things like:
- Clearing minor blockages in sinks, toilets, and drains
- Replacing light bulbs and fuses
- Keeping the property clean and tidy inside and out, including windows
- Topping up boiler pressure when needed, once you’ve been shown how
- Bleeding radiators
- Changing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Carrying out basic garden upkeep, such as mowing the lawn and clearing fallen leaves
- Managing condensation by keeping windows dry and well ventilate
- Taking reasonable steps to prevent or deal with minor pest issues
What landlords are responsible for
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the structure and fabric of the property, as well as ensuring essential services are safe and working properly. This usually includes:- The structure and exterior of the property, including the roof, external walls, foundations, drains, gutters, and external pipework
- Installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, and sanitation, including sinks, toilets, baths, and other sanitary fittings
- Heating and hot water systems
Landlords are not responsible for damage caused by a tenant’s carelessness or misuse, or for minor day-to-day issues that naturally arise during normal occupation.
How to check if something is your responsibility
If you’re ever unsure whether something is your responsibility or your landlord’s, check your contract or scroll to the bottom of this page. If you’re still unsure, feel free to get in touch to ask us!