Who is responsible for repairing a broken windows in a rented property? | Bishop, Lloyd & Jackson Solicitors (2024)

Broken windows can lead to serious issues

When a broken window occurs in your rented property, it can be a source of inconvenience and can lead to other housing disrepair issues. Damp and mould can develop due to the broken window, creating an unhealthy living environment.

This article aims to clarify who is responsible for fixing broken windows in a rented property.

Landlord Responsibility

According to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, it is the landlord’s responsibility to keep the external structure of the home in good repair. This includes window frames, internal and external doors, door frames, as well as hinges, locks and handles on external doors.

In most cases, it is the landlord’s responsibility to ensure that any damage to the property is repaired. This includes the repair of broken windows unless the damage was caused by the tenant. The tenancy agreement should specify who is responsible for repairs and if the landlord claims that the tenant caused the damage, they must be able to provide evidence.

Failure by a landlord to carry out the necessary repairs may lead to disrepair issues, such as damp and mould, pest infestation and structural damage. Tenants can make a claim against their landlord if they fail to carry out repairs in a timely manner.

Tenant Responsibility

As a tenant, you also have a responsibility to maintain the facilities in your home and ensure that you do not cause any damage to them. If damage to these facilities was caused by another disrepair issue, then the landlord is responsible for covering repair costs.

However, if you are responsible for the damage, you may be required to carry out the repairs and cover the costs.

What should I do if a window breaks?

When a window breaks in your rented home, it is important to take immediate action to ensure safety and prevent further damage. Notify anyone else around of the broken window so that they can avoid stepping on glass shards and injuring themselves.

If the window was broken due to vandalism or criminal activity, document the incident and report it to the police.

Clean up the broken glass carefully and cover the broken window with tape until a proper repair is carried out.

Notify your landlord of the incident so that they have an opportunity to arrange a repair.

Making a housing disrepair compensation claim against a landlord

If you are living in a property in a state of disrepair, we may be able to help.

You can learn more about our services at Housing Disrepair Claims or Contact Us to speak with an expert.

Who is responsible for repairing a broken windows in a rented property? | Bishop, Lloyd & Jackson Solicitors (2024)

FAQs

Who is responsible for repairing a broken windows in a rented property? | Bishop, Lloyd & Jackson Solicitors? ›

Landlord Responsibility

Who is responsible for broken windows? ›

The landlord must keep the property in a reasonable state. This includes fixing leaks, busted guttering, or broken windows and doors.

Is the landlord responsible for a cracked windows? ›

You have a right to a livable, or habitable, rental. That means your landlord must ensure that conditions are safe. A broken window is not safe for anyone, and could lead to more serious damage and crime. Generally speaking, landlords are responsible for fixing a broken window belonging to a rental property.

Who is responsible for painting landlord or tenant India? ›

The tenants will have to pay for these charges. To avoid any confusion and arguments, you should always include a painting clause in your rental agreement.

What repairs are landlords responsible for in Scotland? ›

The landlord is responsible for: the structure and outside of the premises - such as walls, floors, roofs, drains, gutters and outside pipes as well as garden paths and steps. If the property is a house, this also includes the main access to it, such as steps from the street.

What happens if someone breaks your window? ›

Call the police and let them know what happened. There may be cameras in the parking lot that the police can access to see if they can locate a suspect. The authorities will also need to file an incident report, which you'll need when you file your insurance claim for auto glass replacement.

Who should I call about the broken window? ›

Step 1: Call the Police

The first step you should take after discovering someone has broken your car window is to call the police. The police will come to the scene of the crime to assess the situation and create a report for insurance purposes.

What happens when you break a window in an apartment? ›

Since damage to a rental property is typically seen as a landlord's responsibility, broken windows are often covered by the landlord's policy. However, if you accidentally break a window on someone else's property, the liability portion of your renters insurance policy will likely cover the expenses.

Who is responsible for a broken window in rental property in California? ›

Landlords often must fix windows in rental property. Problem windows may violate standards for security, weatherproofing, and basic habitability.

What repairs are tenants responsible for in India? ›

Tenants are responsible for keeping their rental property in good condition, which includes repairing any damage they or their guests cause during the tenancy, beyond reasonable wear and tear. This can include damage to the walls, floors, fixtures, etc.

Who is responsible for repairs in rented property in India? ›

The owner is responsible for repairs and maintenance of the property. However, if the damage has been caused by the tenant, then they may be held liable for repairs.

Is painting an expense for rental property? ›

Maintenance and Repairs: Most of the repairs that you complete at your rental property are deductible for ordinary maintenance. These repair costs can include appliance repairs, plumbing repairs, electric repairs, carpeting, painting, roof patching, cleaning, labor costs, and materials/supplies.

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs Scotland? ›

You don't have the right to withhold rent because of your landlord's failure to do repairs. If you withhold rent your landlord may start possession proceedings against you and put you at risk of eviction.

Who is responsible for cleaning gutters in a rental property in Scotland? ›

The Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985 specifically states that in regard to the repairing obligations in short leases, it is the landlord's responsibility to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling-house (including drains, gutters and external pipes).

What is the tenant's Right to Repair in Scotland? ›

What is the right to repair? From 30 September 2002, under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2001, Scottish secure tenants and short Scottish secure tenants have the right to have small urgent repairs carried out by their landlord within a given timescale. This is called the Right to Repair scheme.

What to do if someone breaks your window in the house? ›

The most important step is to seek emergency board up services until you can have a replacement window installed. Boarding up broken windows prevents your home from being a repeat target during this vulnerable time.

What is the argument of the broken window pane? ›

The broken window fallacy argues that there is no economic gain from fixing the destruction caused by a certain event. Even though capital will be spent to repair any damages, that is only a maintenance cost that does not spur the economy in the long run, as it is not a true increase in economic output.

What type of hazard is a broken window? ›

Warning. Broken glass and other sharps are physical hazards. Broken glass also has the potential to be a health hazard if it is contaminated with toxic chemicals, blood, or infectious substances which may enter the body through a cut or puncture.

Is a broken window a hazard? ›

One of the most critical reasons putting off broken window replacement can be dangerous is the risk it poses to home security. A broken window is an open invitation for vandals and burglars to invade your home, along with unwanted critters and creatures.

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