Repair Responsibilities: Who Fixes What?

Property maintenance and repairs are part of being a tenant, and it’s important to know what your responsibilities are to ensure you can maintain a safe, comfortable home.

When it comes to a broken lightbulb, dripping tap or faulty appliance, for example, is it your responsibility or your landlord’s to fix it?

At Nehemiah, we want all our tenants to be happy in their homes, which is why we’ve created a FAQs section, below, for you – it answers some of the most common questions surrounding property maintenance and repair responsibilities to help you know exactly what you’re responsible for.

Why Do I Need To Know My Responsibilities?

In a rental property, knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you to prepare and plan if anything does go wrong and you need to fix something. You’ll be able to keep your home safe and functioning well as a result.

By knowing already what’s expected of you, you’ll save time, hassle and any confusion when it comes to resolving repairs.

What Do I Do If You Need To Repair Something?

If it’s our responsibility, simply get in touch with us and provide us with as much detail as possible, including photos and location information, and we’ll do the rest.

Call us on 0800 849 1400 from a landline or 03030 30 1000 from your mobile, to report a repair.

Visit our repairs section of the website on how to report a repair https://nehemiah.co.uk/your-home/report-a-repair

What Am I Responsible For?

When it comes to repairs and maintenance that you’re responsible for, we’ve compiled a list to keep it straightforward.

As a guide, you are responsible for fixing and finding a solution for various items, including the following:

• Window and door keys
• Fuses
• Cupboard catches
• Sink and bath plugs
• Door handles
• Smoke alarm battery replacement and testing
• Internal lightbulbs
• Internal plasterwork surface
• Pelmets, curtain and picture rails
• Latches for a gate and a shed
• Fixtures or fittings you or a previous tenant have put in
• Glazed tiles around the bath or sink
• Toilet seat, chain and handle
• Drawer handles
• Clothes line post
• Any damage caused by you, your pet, your family or your visitors
• Gardening needs (unless you pay a service charge for this)

What Are We Responsible For?

As a guide, we are responsible for fixing and finding a solution for various items, including the following:

• Broken appliances that are ours
• Communal garden spaces
• Communal lightbulbs
• Major plumbing problems
• Windows frames
• Smoke alarm installation and replacement if faulty
• Water and gas pipes
• Fencing

What If I’m Unsure What I’m Responsible For?

If you’re unsure whether a repair is your responsibility or ours, call our Property Services Team on 0121 358 0966 and we will advise you on the best course of action.

Nehemiah Is Here To Help & Support

We are proud of our housing and want our tenants to feel proud of their homes too. This is why we make it as straightforward as possible when it comes to tenants’ rights and responsibilities for property maintenance.

To find out more about our repairs policy or to report a repair, click here.  

You can also check The Tenants Portal to see the status of your repair here

If you’d like to speak to us about any repairs or to find out who’s responsible for fixing an item in your home, you can contact your Housing Officer or call us on 0121 358 0966 or email haveyoursay@nehemiah.co.uk and we will do all we can to help.