Management agencies

Management agencies are responsible for the maintenance of a property throughout the period of the tenancy. This includes all maintenance and running repairs except those items that are clearly the tenant's responsibility.

Where a letting agent or accommodation agency is acting as a management agent for the landlord, the tenant might never have any direct contact or dealings with the landlord. However, it is important to stress that the contract is between the tenant and the landlord, so the tenant should find out the name and address of the landlord before signing a tenancy agreement. Any subsequent action arising from the lease, such as the return of deposit, would be raised against the landlord, not the agency.

In particular, it is the landlord who is responsible to the tenant under the regulations relating to furniture and furnishings, gas and electrical appliances and installations and smoke detectors. Failure on the part of a landlord to comply with these safety regulations may result in prosecution and a claim for damages by any injured party.