Why Landlords Should Keep a Record of Every Repair

To deduct from a deposit, you need to show the damage happened during the tenancy. Dated records of the property's condition and past repairs make that far easier.

Without them, deposit schemes often find in the tenant's favour.

Damp and mould have become a major focus for regulators. Social landlords in England now face strict deadlines to investigate and fix hazards under Awaab's Law, and similar duties are planned for private landlords.

A record of when a problem was reported, inspected and fixed is your evidence that you acted.

• When the problem was reported, and by whom.
• When it was inspected, and what was found.
• Who carried out the repair, and when.
• Invoices, photos and any certificates.

Buyers of rented property, including other landlords, want to know how well it has been maintained. A complete repair history supports your asking price.

Does a Verified Maintenance History Increase Your Home’s Value? explains how buyers use it.

Propvio lets you log each repair against the property and tag the tradesperson who did it. When they confirm the job, your record shows the work was carried out by a named, accountable person.

Many landlords keep repair records for at least six years after a tenancy ends. That is the usual time limit for most contract claims in England and Wales.

Gas safety records must be kept for at least two years by law, but keeping them longer does no harm. A digital record avoids the problem of paper files going missing over time.