In short
Plumbing maintenance covers the water supply, sanitary fittings, drainage connections and water heating issues that affect everyday use of a property. Peachtree Maintenance helps landlords, letting agents and commercial clients investigate leaks, blockages and faulty fittings in London and across the UK. Any gas boiler or other gas work is reserved for appropriately qualified Gas Safe registered engineers.
Landlord repair duties and damp in England
For many residential tenancies, section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires the landlord to keep relevant installations for water, gas, electricity and sanitation in repair and proper working order, together with space and water heating installations. The precise duty depends on the tenancy and circumstances. Reporting, access and evidence of action all matter.
Leaks can contribute to damp and mould, but condensation, ventilation defects and building fabric problems may also be involved. Awaab's Law began applying to relevant social housing tenancies in England in October 2025, initially addressing specified damp and mould hazards and emergency hazards. Further phases extend its scope. Private rented sector extension has been expected, but landlords should check commencement and applicable rules rather than assume the same deadlines already apply.
Gas boiler repairs, gas connections and other gas work must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer qualified for the appliance and work involved. Unvented hot water systems also require appropriate competence. A plumbing repair does not replace a required landlord gas safety check.
Limit damage and identify the source
When reporting a leak, describe its location, whether it is continuous and whether water is near electrics. If safe and you know how, isolate the affected water supply. Do not touch wet electrical fittings. A suspected gas escape needs the gas emergency service, not an ordinary plumbing booking.
The visible stain is not always the source. Water can travel along pipes, floors and ceilings before appearing elsewhere. Access to adjoining rooms or another flat may be necessary. Peachtree records findings and explains when opening up or a specialist investigation is needed before a reliable repair scope can be agreed.
Keep the repair and follow-up connected
Stopping a leak is only one part of reinstatement. Affected materials may need drying, ventilation, inspection or replacement before decoration. Where mould is present, identify and address the moisture source rather than relying on surface treatment alone. Agree who is responsible for checking the affected areas afterwards.
Peachtree provides photo evidence on every job and one point of contact for coordination. Digital certificates and reports are provided where applicable, with plumbing findings recorded for the property file. Monthly consolidated invoicing for agents helps connect individual repairs with wider portfolio administration.
How it works
- 01
Describe the fault
Share the symptoms, property access details and any isolation already undertaken. Flag vulnerable occupants, loss of essential facilities and water near electrical installations.
- 02
Investigate safely
Inspect accessible fittings and establish likely causes. Explain access limitations and identify whether specialist drainage, heating or electrical input is needed.
- 03
Agree and complete repairs
Confirm the proposed repair and any replacement components. Allocate gas and specialist hot water work to appropriately competent engineers.
- 04
Check and record
Check the repaired installation for the relevant fault, document findings and advise on drying, reinstatement or further investigation where necessary.
Frequently asked questions
01Who is responsible for a leaking pipe in a rented property?
Landlords generally have responsibilities for relevant water installations, but responsibility for a particular leak depends on its source, the tenancy and any building management arrangements. Report it promptly with photographs and location details. Disputes about responsibility should not delay necessary steps to limit an active hazard.
02Can you repair a boiler as part of a plumbing visit?
Gas boiler work must be allocated to a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Describe the appliance and fault when booking so the correct trade can be arranged. Electric water heaters and other systems may require different competence, so a general plumbing visit is not automatically sufficient.
03What should tenants do when water is leaking through a ceiling?
Keep clear of the affected area, particularly if the ceiling is bulging or water is near electrics. Report the issue immediately to the landlord or managing agent. Isolate water only if it is safe and the correct valve is known. Seek emergency assistance where there is immediate danger.
04Does a blocked toilet always need replacement?
No. A blockage may sit in the trap, branch pipe or shared drainage rather than the toilet itself. Repeated blockages need investigation into the underlying cause. Avoid repeatedly adding chemical products, and tell the attending contractor if any have already been used.
05Will fixing a leak remove damp and mould?
It removes one potential moisture source, but affected materials still need assessment and suitable drying. Other causes may remain, including inadequate ventilation or building defects. Record the repair and arrange follow-up if staining, musty smells or mould continue rather than assuming decoration will solve the problem.
06Can agents receive reports for each property?
Yes. Findings and photo evidence are recorded against the job so the agent can update the landlord and arrange follow-on work. Relevant digital certificates and reports can be retained alongside those records, while monthly consolidated invoicing supports administration across multiple properties.
Last reviewed 20 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.