Looking after the place (general tenancies)
The lessor/agent is responsible for keeping the place in a good condition. The lessor/agent might need to make repairs during the tenancy. The tenant is responsible for caring for the property whilst living there and must keep it clean.
If something is broken or damaged, the tenant should not try to make repairs. They must tell the lessor/agent about it as soon as possible and discuss how repairs should be made. If the the tenant or their guest caused the breakage or damage, they may be required to pay for the repairs.
If the tenant asks the lessor/agent to fix something, they must do it within a reasonable time. If the damage was due to fair wear and tear, the lessor/agent will have to pay. For example, if the tenant breaks a window by throwing something through it, they're responsible and have to pay. If a window breaks because the putty comes loose without the tenant knowing, and the window falls out, that may be fair wear and tear and the lessor/agent may have to pay.
If the lessor/agent doesn't fix the problem, the tenant can issue a Notice to Remedy Breach - form 11 (PDF 61kB) giving them at least 7 days to repair the damage. On the form, the tenant will need to explain what the problem is, and ask the lessor/agent to fix it within 7 days (or longer if they wish).
If the lessor/agent does not fix the problem and the damage is serious and the tenant wants to leave, they could issue a Notice of Intention to Leave - form 13 (PDF 64kB).
