As a Landlord, Am I Responsible for Paying for Breakages?
Unfortunately, breakages are inevitable in any rental property. If you’re a landlord in Stockwell, you’ll know that even the most careful tenants can have the odd accident. A chipped worktop, a broken handle, a cracked tile — these things happen. But when the same tenant seems to break everything, the question often comes up:
“Am I responsible for paying for these repairs, or should the tenant cover the cost?”
It’s a fair question, and one our team at Your Home Managed gets asked regularly. Here’s how to handle it.
When the Tenant Should Pay for Damages
While landlords are generally responsible for keeping the property in good condition and fixing issues that result from wear and tear, tenants are responsible for damage they’ve caused themselves - whether accidental or deliberate. That includes damage caused by anyone living in the property or visiting as their guest.
For example:
If a lock fails due to age or a mechanical fault, that’s the landlord’s responsibility.
If a tenant breaks the lock trying to force entry after losing their key, the cost should be theirs to cover.
The same logic applies across the board - if it’s wear and tear, it’s down to the landlord. If it’s caused by misuse, neglect, or accidents, it’s the tenant’s responsibility.
Should You Pay for Repairs Even If You Don’t Have To?
Sometimes it’s worth being pragmatic. If your tenant has generally looked after the place, and the damaged item was nearing the end of its lifespan anyway, you might choose to foot the bill as a goodwill gesture. This approach can help maintain a positive relationship, reduce friction, and encourage long-term tenancies, often saving you more in the long run than the cost of a minor repair.
How to Handle Disputes
Disagreements about who’s responsible can be awkward, especially mid-tenancy. That’s where proper documentation comes in. Make sure you:
Create a detailed inventory with photos before the tenant moves in.
Record all communications and repair requests in writing.
Use a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme - they include a free dispute resolution service if things can’t be resolved directly.
Having evidence ready can make the process smoother and protect both parties from unnecessary stress.
Expert Property Management in Stockwell
At Your Home Managed, we provide property management in Stockwell that’s proactive, transparent, and built around keeping both landlords and tenants happy. From handling maintenance to resolving disputes fairly, our experienced team takes care of every detail so you can enjoy a stress-free rental experience. If you’re searching for a reliable Stockwell property management company, we’re here to help.
Call us on 0208 125 7780 or get in touch with us here to learn more about how we can take the hassle out of letting your property.
In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about breakages in a rental property.
FAQs
What counts as fair wear and tear?
Fair wear and tear covers natural deterioration from normal use, for example, faded paint, worn carpets, or slightly loose hinges. It doesn’t include damage caused by misuse, neglect, or accidents.
Can I take repair costs out of the tenant’s deposit?
Yes, if you can prove the tenant caused the damage and the cost is reasonable. Always provide an invoice or estimate and keep evidence to back it up.
What if the tenant refuses to pay for damage?
You can deduct the cost from their deposit at the end of the tenancy. If they dispute it, the tenancy deposit scheme’s resolution service can make an impartial decision.
Should I have landlord insurance for accidental damage?
Yes. Some policies include accidental damage cover, which can protect you if the cost is high or if recovering payment from the tenant proves difficult.
