Date Published 18 February 2025
Do you know how tenants' possessions are regarded in landlord and tenant law? What rights do you have in regards to your personal possessions?
Does your landlord have any responsibility or accountability when you sustain a material loss?
We explain everything you need to know about tenants' possessions and contents insurance...
One of the benefits to renting is that your rent pays for the repair and maintenance of your home. Landlords provide a number of critical services in addition to the property you occupy.
In fact, landlords are responsible for your wellbeing while living in their property.
Your landlord is responsible for:
- Keeping your property in good working order
- Keeping your rented property safe and free from health hazards
- Making sure all gas and electrical equipment is safely installed and maintained
- Providing an Energy Performance Certificate for the property
- Protecting your deposit in a government-approved scheme
- Checking your right to rent
- Giving you a copy of the How to Rent Checklist
If you have any problems with the property whatsoever, the first person* to contact is always your landlord or the managing agent, if any. Your tenancy agreement will provide more information and specifics about reporting problems.
*Your landlord may be a company, housing association or the local council. You should have the contact details of the responsible department where you can call for help.
The landlord is responsible for the property and every appliances and furniture rented out with it. If there is a flood, fire or any other accident that does damage to the property, the landlord is required to repair everything within a reasonable time and restore the original condition and features of the property.
However, they are not responsible for your own belongings.
Damage to your possessions...
Tenants' possessions in the property are almost entirely a responsibility of the tenant. Clothes, appliances, furniture, gadgets, computers, decoration and other personal belongings – anything you moved in the property is yours to take care of.
Landlords cannot be held liable for damage to personal belongings due to malfunctions, provided the property was safe to use and in good condition prior to the problem.
For example, if a pipe bursts and causes a flood, thus, water damage to the kitchen cabinets and your laptop, your landlord would be responsible to repair the plumbing and eventually repair the kitchen cabinets, but not your laptop.
Since the damage is not intentional and is not a result of obvious negligence, the landlord would not be liable to pay.
If the damage is a result from bad repairs from unqualified workers or the landlord, then you may be eligible to claim compensation through the small claims court. It's always recommended to contact your landlord first and seek a peaceful resolution to the problem.
If you have an issue with your landlord and need support, we are here to help, even of you don't rent through us.