Does The Landlord Have To Pay For An Emergency Plumber?

What are your plumbing responsibilities as a landlord?

One of the most important questions to consider when it comes to renting is whether or not the landlord has to pay for an emergency plumber. This is an important question because, in an emergency, you need to have a service that can quickly respond and help resolve the issue. Having the landlord pay for an emergency plumber will ensure that the repair is done properly and in a timely manner, minimising any further damage or disruption. 

As a landlord, it is important to know what your plumbing responsibilities are. According to companies across the UK, such as Landlord Today, you are responsible for keeping the plumbing and drainage systems safe and sound, as well as carrying out any repairs needed due to wear and tear. Additionally, in the event of an urgent plumbing repair, you should attend to it quickly to prevent any further damage. This includes burst water mains, blocked drains, broken toilets, and leaking pipes. 

Who pays the plumber tenant or landlord?

In the case of a plumbing emergency, it is usually the responsibility of the landlord to cover the cost of the repair. According to London Landlords, the landlord is always responsible for maintaining the plumbing, heating, and hot water in a rented property. If there is a problem with the plumbing, such as a blocked drain, the landlord must arrange for a suitable professional to visit the property to fix the problem. Some housing associations have direct links to specific plumbing companies, or have their own that they employ to perform various tasks about the local area. Perhaps contact your housing associations if you require plumbing, as they may be able to help. 

How long can my landlord leave me without hot water?

If it is an emergency repair, your landlord must attend to and complete the repair as soon as possible. It is illegal for them to leave the tenant without hot water for more than a few hours. Professionals explain that if the issue cannot be resolved within 24 hours, the landlord may need to provide alternative arrangements such as a temporary replacement boiler or allowing the tenant to move out until the repairs can be made. You require hot water all year round; however, in the wintertime, heating and hot water are crucial. You need it flowing through the pipework to provide you with central heating, and hot water for drinks, cooking, and hot water bottles when it gets really cold! If you have children, or your home is complete with elderly or vulnerable people, the lack of hot water must be dealt with as soon as possible. 

Accessing the property for repairs

In order to attend to the repairs, the landlord will require access to the property. If the tenant is unable to be present, it is up to them to make alternative arrangements. This could involve giving the landlord a key to the property, allowing their contractor to gain access, or allowing someone else to be present during the repair. It is important to remember that the tenant is within their rights to request evidence from the landlord that the repair was performed correctly. Such evidence often comes in the form of a Landlord Safety Certificate that you can obtain from your local, qualified plumbing and heating technicians. These detail all the recent repairs, and those that need to be addressed in the following services. 

Why would I need an emergency plumber?

There are several situations in which an emergency plumber might be needed. Online sources explain that these emergency situations include everything from a blocked sewer or drain to a collapsed water main pipe, or an overflowing toilet. In addition, emergency plumbers can also attend to gas leaks and other gas-related issues, as well as broken boilers or radiators. All these problems can cause major damage and disruption to your home, so it is best to contact an experienced professional. 

In conclusion, it is the responsibility of the landlord to pay for an emergency plumber if there is an urgent repair that needs to be attended to. The landlord should be able to provide evidence that the work was performed correctly and in a timely manner. It is also important to remember that the tenant has the right to request access to the property or proof that the work was completed correctly.