A repairing obligation is your legal duty to maintain and repair the property during your lease. This clause specifies what you must fix—for example, internal walls, plumbing, roof damage, or structural issues—and who pays. In UK residential leases, landlords typically bear responsibility for major structural repairs by law (under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985), but commercial tenants often bear much heavier burdens. This matters because repair costs can be enormous and unpredictable; a single roof repair might cost £10,000-£50,000. If the clause is vague or overly broad, you could be forced to pay for repairs that should be the landlord's responsibility.
Clearly define what "repair" means and exclude "structural" and "major" works from your obligation—these should be the landlord's responsibility. Get a specific list of what you must maintain (e.g., internal decoration, fixtures, plumbing within your unit) and what the landlord must maintain (e.g., roof, external walls, common areas). Request a clause capping your repair liability or requiring the landlord to approve major repairs in advance so you're not hit with unexpected bills. ---
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this clause mean in simple terms?
A repairing obligation is your legal duty to maintain and repair the property during your lease.
Why should I care about this clause?
This clause specifies what you must fix—for example, internal walls, plumbing, roof damage, or structural issues—and who pays.
What are my options?
In UK residential leases, landlords typically bear responsibility for major structural repairs by law (under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985), but commercial tenants often bear much heavier burdens.
How does this affect small businesses?
This matters because repair costs can be enormous and unpredictable; a single roof repair might cost £10,000-£50,000.