How to Handle Mid-Tenancy Maintenance Requests: A Landlord’s Guide

Mid-tenancy maintenance requests are an unavoidable part of being a landlord. Whether it’s a leaky tap, a boiler breakdown, or a broken lock, how you handle these requests can significantly impact tenant satisfaction, property upkeep, and even your legal obligations.

At Your Home Managed, we help landlords across London streamline property management, including maintenance, to ensure smooth tenancies and happy tenants. Whether you own a property to rent in Balham or multiple rental properties across the city, having a structured approach to handling maintenance requests will save you time, money, and stress.

Let us walk you through the best practices for handling mid-tenancy maintenance requests efficiently while ensuring your property remains in top condition.

Encourage Open Communication with Tenants

The first step in handling maintenance efficiently is ensuring tenants feel comfortable reporting issues. If tenants delay reporting a small leak or faulty wiring, it could lead to more significant (and potentially costly) problems later.

• Provide multiple contact options: Some tenants prefer emails, while others find a phone call easier. Consider an online reporting system for streamlined communication.
• Be clear in your tenancy agreement: Specify how and when tenants should report maintenance issues.
• Respond promptly: Even if the repair isn’t urgent, acknowledge the request quickly to show tenants you take their concerns seriously.

Pro tip: Set up an automated email or text acknowledgment system so tenants know that their request has been received.

At Your Home Managed, we ensure that every maintenance request is documented, acknowledged, and handled promptly, giving landlords and tenants peace of mind.

Categorise Maintenance Issues by Urgency

Not all maintenance requests require immediate attention, so it’s helpful to categorise them into the following groups:

Emergency Repairs (24-hour response)

Issues that pose a safety risk or could cause severe damage, such as:

• Gas leaks
• No heating or hot water
• Burst pipes
• Electrical faults

Action: Call an emergency contractor immediately and keep tenants informed.

Read more about dealing with rental property emergencies here.

Urgent but Non-Emergency Repairs (48-hour response)

Problems that disrupt daily life but don’t pose an immediate danger, such as:

• A broken oven
• Leaking taps
• Faulty locks (unless security is an immediate issue)

Action: Book a tradesperson promptly, giving tenants a clear timeframe for repairs.

Routine Maintenance (1-2 weeks response)

Less urgent issues like minor wear and tear, painting, or small leaks.

Action: Schedule repairs at a convenient time for both you and the tenant.

Pro tip: Having a pre-approved budget for small repairs speeds up the process and prevents delays.

Build a Reliable Network of Tradespeople

Every landlord needs a trusted list of contractors to handle repairs swiftly. Delays in finding a plumber or electrician can frustrate tenants and potentially lead to more damage.

• Keep a list of go-to professionals (plumber, electrician, handyperson, locksmith)
• Establish a good relationship with local tradespeople for priority service
• Consider working with a letting agent in Balham to streamline property maintenance

Your Home Managed has an extensive network of vetted tradespeople available for landlords who need fast, reliable maintenance solutions.

Pro tip: Have a backup for each type of contractor in case your usual one is unavailable.

Stay Compliant with Landlord Responsibilities

Landlords with a property to let in Balham must comply with legal obligations when it comes to property maintenance. Some repairs are required by law, and failing to address them can result in fines or legal action.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Ensuring the property is structurally safe
• Repairing heating and hot water systems
• Keeping gas, electricity, and plumbing in working order
• Fixing any issues affecting tenants' health and safety

Pro tip: Schedule annual property inspections to catch potential issues early.

At Your Home Managed, we take the stress out of compliance, ensuring your rental property meets all legal requirements while keeping tenants satisfied.

Budget for Maintenance Costs

A well-maintained property to rent in Balham retains its value and attracts long-term tenants, but unexpected repairs can be costly. Landlords should set aside a maintenance fund to cover repairs without financial strain.

• Recommended maintenance fund: 10% of annual rental income
• Set up a contingency plan for major repairs (roof leaks, boiler replacement)
• Consider landlord insurance for emergency cover

Pro tip: Investing in preventative maintenance can save thousands in unexpected repairs.

Keep Tenants Updated on Repair Progress

One of the biggest frustrations for tenants is not knowing when an issue will be resolved. Providing regular updates builds trust and improves landlord-tenant relationships.

• Confirm receipt of the request immediately
• Provide an estimated repair timeframe
• Follow up to ensure the problem has been resolved satisfactorily

Pro tip: If a repair is delayed, let tenants know why and when it will be fixed.

Work with a Property Management Company in Balham

For landlords managing multiple properties or those short on time, hiring a property management company in Balham like Your Home Managed ensures that maintenance is handled professionally and efficiently.

• 24/7 emergency response to tenant issues
• Vetted network of trusted contractors
• Legal compliance support to avoid costly penalties

Pro tip: A property management company in Balham can help reduce stress, handle repairs efficiently, and free up your time while ensuring your tenants remain happy.

What Next?

Handling mid-tenancy maintenance requests efficiently is crucial for keeping tenants satisfied and properties in top condition. By setting clear communication channels, working with trusted contractors, and staying on top of repairs, landlords can avoid unnecessary stress and ensure their investment remains profitable.

If you’d like to simplify property maintenance and have experts handle it for you, Your Home Managed, a trusted property management company in Balham, can take care of everything - so you don’t have to!

Get in touch today. Call us on 0208 125 7780 or email info@yourhomemanaged.com to find out why landlords work with us.

In the meantime, we’ve answered some of your common questions about mid-tenancy maintenance requests.

FAQs

Who is responsible for mid-tenancy maintenance?
Landlords are responsible for essential repairs, while tenants must handle minor maintenance like changing light bulbs and keeping the property clean.

How quickly should landlords respond to maintenance requests?
Emergency repairs should be handled within 24 hours, urgent issues within 48 hours, and routine maintenance within 1-2 weeks.

Can a tenant withhold rent if repairs aren’t done?
Tenants cannot legally withhold rent, but they may report serious maintenance issues to the council, which can enforce repairs and issue fines to landlords.

Should landlords use a maintenance contract or service plan?
Yes, having a contract with trusted tradespeople or a property management company in Balham ensures faster, hassle-free repairs.

Looking for hassle-free property management? Contact Your Home Managed today.