Last fact-checked: 17 October 2026. Applies to private residential rentals in England.
The main Renters’ Rights Act tenancy reforms took effect on 1 May 2026. For Peterborough landlords and tenants, the practical connection to maintenance is straightforward: manage repair reports properly throughout the tenancy. Many core repair duties already existed before May.
The changes include assured periodic tenancies and the end of new section 21 notices for tenancies covered by the reforms. They did not create one new deadline for every private-rental repair. See the government’s overview of the Renters’ Rights Act.
For a landlord managing one house in Werrington or several properties across Peterborough, a clear repair process gives everyone a useful answer to the same question: what happens after a tenant reports a problem?
What changed in May, and what already applied?
It helps to separate tenancy reform from the condition of the building.
| Subject | Position | What it means for maintenance |
|---|---|---|
| Tenancy arrangements | The May reforms moved covered tenancies to an assured periodic system. | Plan upkeep throughout occupation, with clear access arrangements. |
| Section 21 | New section 21 notices are no longer available for covered tenancies. | Handle repair complaints through a proper repair process. |
| Core repair responsibilities | These existed before May 2026. | Continue to inspect reported faults and arrange the necessary work. |
| Fitness for habitation | Existing rules concern whether a home is reasonably suitable to live in. | Consider the effect of a defect on occupants, as well as the repair itself. |
| Private-sector Awaab’s Law | Implementation is under consultation as of this article’s review date. | Follow current duties and check future rules before changing your procedures. |
Sources: May tenancy reforms, existing repair responsibilities, fitness for habitation and the private-sector Awaab’s Law consultation.
Which repairs are usually the landlord’s responsibility?
For most ordinary residential tenancies, the landlord’s core responsibilities cover the structure and exterior, sanitary installations, heating, hot water and relevant gas, water and electrical installations. A leaking roof, failed heating installation or defective fixed wiring can therefore require landlord action.
Responsibility for other items can depend on the tenancy agreement and the facts. Report the problem promptly, even if responsibility is disputed. The GOV.UK private-renting repairs guide explains the main categories.
A useful work order describes the defect without jumping straight to a replacement. “Water collects beneath the sink after use” is more helpful than “replace the kitchen”. An inspection can then establish what needs repairing and whether wider work is necessary.
How should a Peterborough landlord organise a repair?
Use one record for each job, from the first report through to completion. This is a practical management approach, rather than a new statutory checklist.
- Capture the report. Record the address, affected room, date, description and photographs where safe.
- Assess urgency. Identify any immediate danger, loss of essential facilities or relevant household needs.
- Name the person handling it. The tenant should know whether the landlord, agent or contractor will arrange the next step.
- Agree access and the scope. Confirm what will be inspected, who will attend and how further work will be approved.
- Give a useful update. State the next action and expected appointment. Explain changes promptly.
- Record the outcome. Keep the contractor’s findings, completed work, photographs and any outstanding follow-up.
Avoid treating “message received”, “contractor attended” and “repair completed” as the same status. Each describes a different stage.
For example, if a plumber identifies a failed fitting but needs a replacement part, the job record should show the diagnosis, any temporary measures and the next appointment. A receipt for the initial visit does not explain the whole outcome.
How does this connect to selective licensing and Home Safe?
Peterborough City Council’s Housing Standards service covers property condition and local licensing. If your property has a licence, check its conditions and any inspection correspondence alongside the repair list. The council’s Housing Standards pages are the official starting point.
Where a Home Safe report identifies work, keep each item linked to the relevant photograph, repair and deadline stated in the correspondence.
360’s selective licensing support in Peterborough can help turn repair items into a defined scope and organise agreed remedial work. The council makes licensing decisions.
What should landlords review now?
Start with your existing open jobs. Check whether each one has a named contact, a next action and a completion record. Then review how tenants report new problems.
Keep your maintenance list alongside your wider safety and licensing records. These serve different purposes: a completed plumbing repair does not establish that every other property requirement has been met.
The Peterborough landlord compliance checker can produce an action list from the information you enter. It is a planning aid, not a certificate of compliance.
For the broader picture, read the Peterborough landlord compliance guide.
How can 360 Maintenance Solutions help?
360 provides landlord maintenance in Peterborough, including tenant-reported repairs and coordination of relevant trades. Landlords and letting agents can discuss individual jobs or an agreed arrangement for several properties.
Send a clear repair list, property postcode, access details and any inspection report that relates to the work. This helps define what needs inspecting and quoting.
For a water-related fault, see plumbing services in Peterborough. For recurring moisture problems, see damp and mould repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Did the May changes make every repair an emergency?
No. Assess the actual risk and circumstances. An unsafe condition needs a different response from a minor cosmetic issue. Existing repair and fitness duties still matter.
Can a landlord still seek possession after the reforms?
Yes, where a valid legal ground and the correct process apply. Ending section 21 does not remove every possession route. A repair complaint should still be handled on its merits. See the government’s landlord overview.
Do I need to wait for Awaab’s Law before addressing mould?
No. Existing duties apply now. The government’s private-sector consultation does not suspend them.
Does a maintenance visit replace a safety inspection?
No. Arrange the relevant specialist inspection and documentation separately where required.
Need help with repairs at a Peterborough rental? Contact 360 Maintenance Solutions with the postcode, photographs and a short description of the work.
This guide provides general information. Individual repair disputes and possession questions may need housing or legal advice.