RLA: landlords must properly maintain properties
Property professionals
27th November 2008
Landlords undertaking repairs should take the age, location and character of the local area into account before starting work on their property, according to the Residential Landlords Association (RLA).
Neil Marsden, the RLA's environmental health consultant, said a property built in the late-Victorian era would not be expected to be kept in a state of repair similar to a modern house.
Ensuring residences are properly maintained can also prevent landlords from having to appear before a court or make costly building insurance claims.
Mr Marsden commented: "If we do not maintain our property in proper repair then tenants can go to court and the court can instruct us to give compensation for the tenant to compensate for damage to their health or possessions."
The RLA is a membership-based organisation that speaks on behalf of landlords, in addition to offering advice, support and training opportunities.
