Housing Act 1985

14 (1) This paragraph applies where the dwelling-house is a flat. E+W

(2) There are implied covenants by the landlord—

(a) to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling-house and of the building in which it is situated (including drains, gutters and external pipes) and to make good any defect affecting that structure;

(b) to keep in repair any other property over or in respect of which the tenant has rights by virtue of this Schedule;

(c) to ensure, so far as practicable, that services which are to be provided by the landlord and to which the tenant is entitled (whether by himself or in common with others) are maintained at a reasonable level and to keep in repair any installation connected with the provision of those services;

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

(3) [F2 There is an implied covenant] that the landlord shall rebuild or reinstate the dwelling-house and the building in which it is situated in the case of destruction or damage by fire, tempest, flood or any other cause against the risk of which it is normal practice to insure.

[F3 (3A) Sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) have effect subject to paragraph 15(3) (certain obligations not to be imposed, where landlord’s title is leasehold, by reason of provisions of superior lease).]

(4) The county court may, by order made with the consent of the parties, authorise the inclusion in the lease or in an agreement collateral to it of provisions excluding or modifying the obligations of the landlord under the covenants implied by this paragraph, if it appears to the court that it is reasonable to do so.

Textual Amendments

F1 Words repealed by Housing and Planning Act 1986 (c. 63, SIF 61), s. 24(2)(3), Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 41(2), Sch. 12. Pt. I

F2 By Housing and Planning Act 1986 (c. 63, SIF 61), s. 24(2), Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 41(3) it is provided that in Sch. 6 para. 14(3), for the words from the beginning to “requirement” there is inserted “There is an implied covenant”

F3 Sch. 6 para. 14(3A) inserted by Housing and Planning Act 1986 (c. 63, SIF 61), s. 24(2), Sch. 5 Pt. II para. 41(4)