Is a leaking roof a landlord’s responsibility?

A leaking roof is a landlord’s responsibility because you are responsible for ensuring that your tenants live in a property that is safe, structurally sound, and void of any major roof leaks. A leaking roof is a major concern for both landlords and tenants because it can cause a lot of upheaval for both parties.

Here, we’ll discuss a landlord’s responsibility for a roof leak and the legal rights that tenants have when it comes to property damage such as this. We’ll also go into detail about what you as a landlord can do to ensure you prevent further roof damage and the signs to look out for when inspecting your property.

Roof problems

There are many different issues that can begin to manifest when there are issues with a roof, one of which is when there are issues with the tiles of the roof. When roof tiles are broken and are not replaced as soon as possible, it can cause many issues. 

Tile slates are used to help filter water into gutters and pipes which helps keep the building dry. So, when there are missing tiles in roofs, there is a high chance that the roof will begin to leak, increasing the chances of dry rot and mould forming.  If left untreated, mould can lead to health issues such as asthma and chest infections. 

As well as missing roof tiles, debris can also cause issues when found in gutters and pipes. This can also cause blockages and roof leaks.  There are a few signs that a roof needs repairing that you can look out for when inspecting your property. Look for: 

• Any roof tiles on the floor
• A sagging roof
• Water damage

A landlord’s legal responsibilities for a roof leak

Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are required to keep the structure and exterior of their property maintained. Leaking roofs fall under this section as it can affect the property’s structural integrity and habitability. 

If your tenant has informed you that the roof is leaking, you should ensure that you get the leak repaired as soon as possible to prevent any further deterioration of the house. This is especially true if the leaking roof is causing severe damage. 

When is a leaking ceiling not a landlord’s responsibility?

There may be times, however, when a leaking ceiling isn’t a landlord’s responsibility, for example: 

• When a tenant causes damage through negligence, such as installing satellite dishes incorrectly or improper DIY repairs 
• If a tenant fails to notify you of the leaking damage in an appropriate amount of time, which has resulted in more damage
• When extreme weather conditions have had a negative impact on being able to repair the roof

Despite these factors, we still recommend that you repair the leaking roof as soon as possible to avoid any further damage being caused to your property. 

Secondary damage caused by leaking roofs

It’s crucial to repair any leaking roofs as soon as possible because delayed repairs will most definitely lead to more secondary damage. As mentioned above, dampness and mould growth can cause health issues, and there could be electrical hazards should the water from the leaking roof reach any wires. 

Also, there may be further structural deterioration which will mean that you’ll need to spend more money on repairs. But, besides the damage caused to the property, you’ll need to ensure that the well-being of your tenants is being taken care of.  

According to the Fitness for Human Habitation Act, it is your responsibility as a landlord to ensure that any property you rent out is suitable for tenants to live in and “the legislation requires landlords to ensure that they are meeting their existing responsibilities with regards to property standards and safety.” (Gov.UK) 

Further to this, the Fitness for Human Habitation Act requires that landlords make an effort to repair leaking roofs as soon as they’ve been made aware of the problem. If the tenant can prove that you have not actively been attempting to fix the problem, they’re within their rights to take you to court. 

In saying this, however, it is important that both landlords and tenants take responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the property. Tenants have a responsibility to ensure that they do not act negligently whilst living in the property so that damage caused to the property is limited, whilst landlords ensure that they foster open communication and conduct regular inspections. 

Best practices for landlords and leaking ceilings

To ensure that you prevent leaking ceilings there are a few best practices that you can begin to implement. For example: 

• Conduct routine property checks to spot early signs of roof wear and tear
• Encourage tenants to report any roof leaks immediately to prevent any further damage  
• Hire qualified professionals to repair roof leaks to make sure that repairs are done efficiently
• Conduct preventative maintenance by periodically inspecting your roof to avoid any costly emergency repairs

As mentioned above, encouraging open communication with your tenants will make them feel more comfortable to notify you if anything needs to be repaired, or if they think the roof is leaking. 

If you have not yet looked into getting landlord insurance for your rental property, now is the time to invest in it to make sure that your property is safeguarded against unexpected damages like roof leaks. 

At CIA Landlords, our team of experts will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring that you have all the information you need to be able to make an informed decision. We have never been beaten on prices and we compare landlord insurance prices against 9 different insurance providers. 

Make sure that you get in touch with us on 01788 818 670 for more information.