DIY: What Landlords Can Repair and What They Should Not

Understanding which home repairs you can handle yourself and which require professional intervention is important as a landlord. Doing so ensures both the safety and satisfaction of your tenants and keeps you compliant with your legal obligations. While taking on certain tasks can save money and time, others are best left to appropriately certified professionals.  

By knowing your limits and staying informed about your obligations, you can avoid potentially costly mistakes and ensure that your property remains in good order. Even if you are comfortable as a DIY landlord, understanding where to draw the line is important for effective property management. This article explores the dos and don'ts of DIY home repairs.

Benefits and Risks of DIY Home Repairs

DIY repairs can be an effective way for landlords to maintain their properties while keeping costs under control. When approached sensibly and within your skill set, they can also provide a sense of control and involvement in your investment.

1. Cost Savings:

One of the most appealing aspects of DIY repairs is the reduction in costs. By handling minor issues yourself, such as mowing the lawn or touching up paint, you can avoid the call-out fees and hourly charges associated with hiring tradespeople. Over time, such savings can add up to a significant amount.

2. Flexibility:

Doing repairs yourself allows you to manage your own time and fit tasks around your schedule, in consultation with your tenant. You are not dependent on contractor availability, which can be particularly unhelpful when dealing with urgent but simple issues. This flexibility means tenants experience fewer delays in maintenance, which can improve satisfaction and retention.

3. Property Familiarity:

Regularly engaging in maintenance helps you develop a deeper understanding of your property’s condition. You will be more attuned to early signs of disrepair, allowing you to address problems before they escalate. This hands-on approach can also help you spot patterns or recurring issues, which might otherwise go unnoticed.

Despite the advantages, it is essential to recognise when a task is beyond your expertise. Attempting complicated repairs without the proper knowledge or tools can worsen the problem, create safety hazards and even void insurance policies or warranties. Certain repairs, especially those involving structural integrity, gas systems or electrical wiring, require appropriately certified professionals by law. Ignoring these legal requirements could result in fines or put tenants at risk. As a responsible landlord, you should always know when to call in experts.

Repairs Suitable for DIY

For landlords with basic handyman skills, some tasks can be managed personally:

1. Minor Plumbing Issues:

Changing a shower head or unblocking a U-bend is usually straightforward and requires only basic tools and knowledge. These are low-risk tasks that can prevent larger plumbing issues if addressed promptly. Regular attention to minor plumbing can also improve water efficiency and tenant satisfaction.

2. Basic Electrical Tasks:

Simple jobs such as replacing light bulbs and resetting fuses are typically safe for landlords to carry out. These tasks do not involve interacting with the property’s wiring system, which should always be left to professionals. Having a stock of bulbs and fuses on hand ensures you can resolve these issues swiftly.

3. General Maintenance:

Everyday tasks such as oiling squeaky door hinges can be easily done without specialist skills. Such small fixes can still have a significant impact on the overall functionality of the property. Staying on top of general maintenance helps prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.

4. Exterior Upkeep:

Tasks such as trimming hedges or keeping paths clear of moss can be managed with time and basic equipment. These jobs are important not just for visual appeal but also for safety and preventing long-term damage. Regular attention to outdoor spaces makes a positive impression on tenants and neighbours alike.

Repairs Requiring Professional Intervention

Certain repairs are legally required to be performed by appropriately qualified and certified professionals or are complex enough to warrant expert attention. Attempting these tasks yourself can potentially pose risks to both the property and its occupants. Knowing when to call in a professional is a vital part of being a responsible landlord.

1. Gas Appliances and Boilers:

Gas-related systems must always be serviced and repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer. This includes everything from the annual servicing of boilers to the repairing of gas hobs or fireplaces or central heating systems. Improper handling of gas-related systems can lead to leaks, explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning, making this one area where DIY is never acceptable.

2. Electrical Systems:

Electrical works such as rewiring, installing new circuits or repairing electrical faults must be conducted by an appropriately certified electrician. Electrical issues can be dangerous and carry a high risk of fire or electrocution if not dealt with correctly. The law requires certain types of electrical work in rental properties to be certified under Part P of the Building Regulations.

3. Structural Repairs:

Any work involving the property's structure, such as roof repairs, should be handled by qualified professionals. Structural integrity affects the safety of the entire building and requires expert handling. Attempting to fix structural problems without the correct knowledge can lead to long-term damage and potentially even building instability.

4. Plumbing Systems:

While changing a shower head or unblocking a toilet is usually within a landlord’s capabilities, plumbing problems such as burst pipes or water supply issues should be left to licensed plumbers. These issues often require specialist tools and a deeper understanding of plumbing systems. Incorrect repairs can lead to water damage and expensive remediation.

5. Pest Infestations:

A minor ant problem might be manageable, but significant infestations, such as bedbugs, rats or wasps, require professional pest control services. These experts ensure not only the removal of pests but also implement preventative measures to avoid recurrence. DIY solutions may only address surface-level symptoms and fail to eradicate the source of the infestation.

6. Safety Installations:

The installation and maintenance of safety equipment such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and fire extinguishers must meet specific legal standards. While changing batteries may be simple, installing the devices or ensuring that they function correctly requires professional input. Proper safety equipment is a legal requirement in rental properties and failing to comply can result in fines or prosecution.

Legal Responsibilities of Landlords

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally obliged to maintain key areas of the property to ensure that it remains safe and habitable. For this reason, it is essential that landlords have a team of trusted contractors to work with so that major maintenance issues can be handled swiftly. Failure to comply can result in legal consequences, tenant claims or enforcement action by local authorities.

1. Structural Integrity:

Landlords must ensure that the property’s structure, including walls, roof and foundation, are kept in good repair. Any signs of deterioration, such as damp, cracked masonry or leaks, must be addressed promptly to maintain safety and stability.

2. Utilities:

It is the landlord’s duty to ensure the continuous and safe operation of essential services such as water, gas, electricity and sanitation. Interruptions or faults in these systems must be resolved quickly to maintain basic living conditions.

3. Heating and Hot Water Systems:

Boilers, radiators and other heating systems must be fully functional and regularly maintained. Landlords are required to repair or replace faulty heating equipment to ensure tenants have access to adequate warmth and hot water.

Conclusion

Knowing which repairs you can safely and legally handle yourself and which require a professional is essential for every landlord. While taking on DIY home repairs can offer cost savings and greater control, it is just as important to recognise when expert help is necessary to protect your property and tenants. By balancing practicality with responsibility, you can manage your role as a landlord effectively, stay compliant with legal obligations and maintain a safe and well-functioning rental property.

FAQs

Q. Can I perform small electrical repairs myself as a landlord?

A. Yes, if you have the necessary skills and the repair is minor, such as changing a light bulb or resetting a fuse. However, for more complex electrical issues, you must engage a certified electrician to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

Q. Am I responsible for maintaining the gas and fireplace installations?

A. As a landlord, you are legally required to ensure that all gas appliances, including fireplaces, are safe and serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Q. What are the risks of undertaking DIY home repairs without proper knowledge?

A. Attempting repairs without adequate expertise can lead to further damage, safety hazards and potential legal issues. It is essential to recognise your limitations and engage professionals when necessary.

Q. How can I determine if a repair is suitable for a DIY landlord?

A. Evaluate the complexity of the task, your skill level and legal requirements. Simple tasks such as painting or changing a shower head may be suitable, but professionals should handle structural or technical repairs.

Q. Are tenants responsible for any repairs?

A. Tenants are typically responsible for minor maintenance, such as changing light bulbs or keeping the property clean. However, landlords are responsible for major repairs and ensuring the property's overall safety and habitability.