CribCheckThe usual split
- Landlord: roof, walls, floors, structural repairs, external drainage, wiring and plumbing systems, borehole and pump, shared facilities.
- Tenant: bulbs, washers, keys, and damage caused by you or your visitors.
- Shared or negotiable: repainting, minor carpentry, appliance servicing.
Read the clause before you sign
Clauses that make the tenant responsible for all internal repairs, or for keeping the property in good condition regardless of the state it was handed over in, can be expensive. Ask for the clause to reference the recorded condition at entry.
Getting a repair done
- Report in writing with a photograph and the date, not by phone call alone.
- Give a reasonable deadline and keep the message thread.
- Get a written quote before offering to arrange work yourself.
- Never deduct from rent without written agreement.
Finding these faults before you pay is far easier than arguing about them later. A condition record on viewing day tells you exactly which repairs to place on the landlord.
General information for house hunters, not legal advice. Tenancy law differs by state and reforms are debated regularly — confirm the current position in your state, and take advice from a lawyer before acting on a dispute.