Should tenants check who pays for major plumbing repairs before signing?

Renting Property
,
1

A blocked drain or leaking tap may be simple, but larger plumbing issues can become expensive. Should repair responsibilities be clearly discussed before a tenant moves in?

2

Definitely. Small repairs and major faults shouldn’t be treated the same way.

3

I would prefer repair responsibilities to be written into the tenancy agreement rather than discussed verbally.

4

Normal wear should usually be handled differently from damage caused by the tenant.

5

Yes, because plumbing repairs can get expensive very quickly. I would rather know beforehand whether the landlord covers major problems like damaged pipes or sewer issues.

6

I think the agreement should separate normal maintenance from major repairs. A tenant changing a tap washer is very different from replacing an old underground pipe.

7

This caused an issue for me once. Both sides assumed the other person would pay, and there was nothing clear in the agreement. Getting it in writing would avoid that argument.

8

I would also ask what happens if the problem is caused by ageing plumbing rather than the tenant. That distinction can become important.

9

For me, it isn’t enough for the landlord to verbally say, “I’ll handle major repairs.” I would prefer a simple clause in the rental agreement.

10

Tenants should ask how quickly major plumbing problems will be handled too. Who pays matters, but waiting several days with no water can be an even bigger problem.