who does what

bb haus tenancy agreement

The tenancy agreement is like the playbook for landlords and tenants—it tells who’s responsible for what in terms of maintenance and repairs. It’s a contract between the tenant and the landlord. If we’re managing the property, our job is to be the middleman—taking notes from tenants, passing them to landlords, and following their instructions.

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landlords

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tenants

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landlords • tenants •

Landlord Responsibilities

Maintenance and Repairs

Landlords, it’s on you to know and comply with legal obligations related to gas safety, electrical installations, and making sure your property is safe to let. Our role? To help you with all of that.

If tenants need something fixed before moving in, these details should be written down and agreed upon by the landlord through us, right when the offer is made.

Here’s what bbhaus does (without lifting a hammer ourselves):

  • Arrange an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) at your expense.

  • Coordinate minor repairs or maintenance (with your go-ahead).

  • Set up an inventory and handle check-ins/outs with an independent clerk at your expense.

  • Get a Gas Safe engineer to test the appliances at your expense (competitive price - £80)

  • Arrange an electrical inspection by a registered engineer if you instruct us to (competitive price, £80)

  • Organise a pre-tenancy clean, including steam cleaning carpets and windows if needed, at your expense.

  • Pay utility bills, insurance premiums, and council tax at your expense.

  • Ensure carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in place at the start of a new tenancy, by law.

  • Handle emergency works and repairs without needing your prior approval.

  • Manage day-to-day issues and liaise with the tenant.

  • Conduct a property inspection every 3 months and arrange for any necessary repairs.

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must:

  • Maintain the structure, exterior, and interior (plasterwork, doors, windows, etc.) in good repair.

  • Ensure central heating, hot water, and other installations work properly.

  • Keep fixtures and fittings supplied by the landlord in working order.

  • Conduct annual Gas Safety Checks.

  • Do Electrical Safety Checks every five years.

  • Obtain an Energy Performance Certificate every 10 years.

  • Provide a pre-tenancy professional clean, including steam cleaning carpets.

  • Trim trees and fix fences.

  • Keep the property pest-free (unless the infestation is due to tenant negligence).

Tenant Responsibilities

Here’s the golden rule: Treat the property as if it were your own - simple as that. Take care of the place, respect it, and it’ll feel just like home.

  • Turn off the water and empty the boiler if you’re away for winter.

  • Clean the chimneys and windows twice a year at your expense - this avoids dirt build up.

  • Fix fuses, unblock sinks, and do other obvious minor tasks that keeps your home clean.

  • Regular cleaning of the property - we can help provide you with a dedicated cleaner if that helps.

In a nutshell, tenants should:

  • Unblock toilets, sinks, and drains.

  • Keep windows clean and control condensation - keep the property properly heated during the winer.

  • Replace light bulbs, batteries, and fuses.

  • Clean chimneys when needed.

  • Maintain cleanliness and ventilation to prevent mould.

  • Deal with pests if due to misuse.

  • Replace broken glass.

  • Maintain the garden—weed, mow, trim hedges.

  • Re-pressurise the boiler and bleed radiators.

  • Replace locks and cut new keys if lost.

  • Notify the landlord/agent about gutter clearing and other repairs.

  • Keep exterior drains and gutters clear.

  • Test smoke detectors regularly.

  • Tighten loose handles.

  • Clean appliance filters.

  • Keep baths, sinks, and taps free from limescale.

  • Flush sink waste pipes regularly.

  • Arrange for professional end-of-tenancy cleaning, including carpet and window cleaning.

  • Manage utility accounts.

lettings by bb haus