Choosing the Right Maintenance Company: Key Considerations

Maintaining a property is essential for protecting its value, ensuring occupant safety and avoiding unexpected future costs. Whether you are a buy-to-let (BTL) landlord or a homeowner, finding a maintenance company that combines technical expertise, reliability and transparency will save you time and money. This guide covers some common and unexpected repairs, some key selection criteria, landlord-specific needs, homeowner vs. landlord expectations, and the role of technology.

Some Common Maintenance Needs

Plumbing and Water

• Leaky taps waste up to eight kettles’ worth of water per day and blocked drains are among the UK’s top DIY search queries (over 30,000 monthly searches for “unblock toilet”) [1].

• Look for companies experienced in both routine work (tap replacements, sink unblocking) and urgent fixes (burst pipes, sewage backups).

Heating and Boilers

• Annual boiler servicing by a Gas Safe–registered engineer is a legal requirement for landlords (“Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998”).

• Winter breakdowns lead to a spike in service calls and emergency boiler replacement can cost around £2,300, on average [2]. A good provider will offer an annual service, quick diagnostics and emergency call-outs.

Electrical Systems

• Faulty wiring causes an estimated 12,500 house fires and 2,000 electric shocks each year in the UK [3].

• Ensure engineers are accredited by NICEIC or NAPIT and that rental properties receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) at least every five years.

Structural & General Repairs

• Damp and mould affect about 5% of homes in England.

• Common issues include blocked gutters, cracked roof tiles and failing mortar. Regular checks, such as gutter clearance and pointing, can prevent leaks and timber rot.

Occasional & Unexpected Issues

Pest Infestations

• Early intervention limits damage. Reputable maintenance firms will coordinate with pest specialists for one-off or ongoing treatments.

Storm and Weather Damage

• Storm damage repairs, such as roof shingle replacements, can exceed £8,000, while post-flooding restoration often tops £5,000 [4].

• Confirm your provider offers emergency storm call-outs and understands insurance claims processes.

Structural Problems

• Issues such as subsidence, dry rot or foundation cracks require specialists. A well-connected maintenance company should be able to recommend and project-manage structural engineers and damp-proofing experts.

Compliance Tasks

• Landlords must arrange annual gas safety checks, periodic EICRs and ensure functional smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at the start of each tenancy (Landlord and Tenant Act 1985).

• Homeowners may also need these for mortgage or sale purposes. A provider offering reminders and bundled checks can add real value.

Some Key Selection Criteria

Certifications and Qualifications

• Gas Safe registration for gas engineers; NICEIC or NAPIT accreditation for electricians.

• Memberships of trade bodies (e.g. Federation of Master Builders) and TrustMark endorsement indicate commitment to standards.

Insurance & Guarantees

• Confirm public liability insurance. Landlords should also look for professional indemnity.

• Seek at least a 6–12 month guarantee on labour and materials.

Relevant Experience

• Ensure the company understands your property type - modern flat, period home, HMO etc.

• Landlords: verify experience with tenanted properties and local licencing requirements.

Reputation and References

• Check independent reviews on Trustpilot, Google, Checkatrade or Rated People.

• Ask for references or recommendations.

Response Time and Availability

• Test initial responsiveness: fast replies often predict a reliable emergency service.

• For rentals, 24/7 cover may be mandatory under HMO licences (some councils impose fines of up to £30,000 for non-compliance) [5].

Transparent Pricing

• Get written quotes detailing call-out fees, hourly rates, out-of-hours surcharges and materials costs.

• Compare at least two estimates, and balance cost against reputation and included services.

Contract Flexibility

• Decide between ad-hoc jobs or an annual maintenance contract.

• Review terms: included visits, emergency call-out limits, cancellation notice periods and material mark-ups.

Communication and Customer Service

• Monitor clarity and courtesy in initial communications.

• Landlords benefit from companies that liaise directly with tenants, schedule visits and provide photo and written reports.

Landlord-Specific Considerations

24/7 Emergency Support

• Tenants expect rapid resolution of heating failures, leaks or security breaches.

• Ask: “What’s your guaranteed response time for emergency call-outs?”

Legal Compliance and Safety Checks

• Annual Gas Safety Certificate (CP12); EICR every five years; functioning smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; and property fit for habitation under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.

• A provider that bundles or proactively reminds you of these checks helps avoid fines and liability.

Tenant Communication and Etiquette

• Contractors represent you: they must be punctual, tidy and respectful.

• Agree authorisation thresholds (e.g. if required, repairs under £100 may proceed without express approval).

Coverage Across Multiple Properties

• For portfolios, confirm the company’s geographic reach and staff capacity.

• Inquire about multi-property discounts or priority scheduling for bulk customers.

Cost Management

• Landlords on average spend around £1,000 per property per year on routine maintenance.

• Reputable firms advise on preventive measures and help plan for larger replacements (e.g. boilers).

Homeowner vs. Landlord Expectations

Embracing Technology

While workmanship is paramount, the right tech tools can streamline maintenance:

• Online Marketplaces: Platforms such as MyBuilder, Checkatrade and Rated People allow you to post jobs, read vetted reviews and obtain quotes quickly.

• Property Management Software: Apps such as Fixflo or Arthur Online let tenants submit issues (with photos), track job progress and archive maintenance history - ideal for landlords with multiple properties.

• Smart Home Devices: Leak detectors, smart thermostats and remote-monitoring systems can pre-empt failures. Providers familiar with smart tech can install and support these devices.

• Digital Communication: Many maintenance firms now use client portals, WhatsApp or email updates for scheduling and invoicing, reducing phone tag and paperwork delays.

Conclusion

Selecting the right maintenance company demands due diligence: vet certifications, insurance, experience and responsiveness. Homeowners benefit from quality workmanship and clear quotes, while landlords require rapid emergency support, legally compliant services and tenant-friendly processes. Embrace technology where it adds efficiency, but not at the expense of craftsmanship.

By choosing a provider that is qualified, insured, communicative and reputable, you gain invaluable peace of mind. Your property, whether your home or a rental investment, will remain safe and well-maintained.

FAQs

Q. What certifications should I look for when hiring a maintenance company?

A. You should ensure that gas engineers are Gas Safe registered, electricians are NICEIC or NAPIT accredited and that the company holds public liability insurance. Memberships of trade associations such as the Federation of Master Builders and endorsements such as TrustMark signal quality standards.

Q. Do landlords have legal responsibilities for maintenance and safety checks?

A. Yes. Landlords are legally required to conduct annual gas safety checks, provide an EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) at least every five years, and ensure working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms at tenancy start and throughout. Non-compliance can lead to fines or prosecution.

Q. What’s the benefit of choosing a company that offers 24/7 emergency support?

A. Tenants expect urgent issues, such as boiler breakdowns or burst pipes, to be addressed promptly. Many HMO licences mandate 24/7 coverage. A company that guarantees emergency call-out times can help landlords avoid tenant complaints and council penalties.

Q. How can technology improve property maintenance management?

A. Platforms such as MyBuilder and Checkatrade help you find vetted professionals. For landlords with portfolios, tools such as Fixflo or Arthur Online streamline tenant communication, track repair progress and maintain records. Smart home tech such as leak detectors can also prevent costly emergencies.

Q. What is the average cost landlords spend on property maintenance annually?

A. On average, UK landlords spend around £1,000 per property per year on routine maintenance.

Q. Should I choose a one-off repair service or a long-term maintenance contract?

A. It depends on your needs. Homeowners might prefer ad-hoc services, while landlords with multiple properties could benefit from contracts that offer bundled checks, regular visits, emergency coverage and multi-property discounts.