Landlords’ maintenance and repair costs soar

UK landlords spend an average of £1,374.07 annually on property maintenance, with Edinburgh topping the list at £2,952. Repair costs have surged by 121% since 2022, driven by theft damage (£1,128 annually), fire damage, and heatwave-related issues. Southampton faces the highest theft repair costs (£1,875.50), followed by Leeds and Liverpool.

Common repair expenses include roof damage (£906), broken windows (£677), and mould (£621). Disputes over repair responsibilities have risen, with nearly 60% of landlords in conflict with tenants.

Landlord insurance, while not mandatory, is recommended to mitigate financial risks from theft, fire, or weather damage. Currently, 3.8% of landlords lack insurance, leaving over 107,000 at risk of significant costs.