Well-maintained properties protect your investment, keep tenants happy, and reduce long-term costs. Whether you manage one property or a full portfolio, having a structured approach to maintenance and budgeting is essential to preserving income and value.
At Index Property, we help landlords plan, prioritise, and budget for property upkeep so you can avoid unexpected costs and run your business professionally.
Use our Maintenance Budget Planner Tool
Ignoring or delaying repairs can result in:
Escalating costs from minor issues turning into major problems
Increased tenant complaints or early departures
Non-compliance with housing standards and fines
Lower rent and reduced property value over time
Maintaining a safe, habitable, and efficient property is not just good practice it’s a legal obligation under the Housing Act 2004 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Responding to reported issues (e.g. boiler breakdown, leaking taps, broken windows)
Must be handled quickly to meet legal standards and retain tenants
Scheduled work such as boiler servicing, gutter clearing, or roof inspections
Reduces future repair costs and prevents downtime
Annual gas safety checks (CP12)
5-yearly EICR inspections
Smoke and CO alarm testing
Fire safety checks for HMOs
Decorating, deep cleaning, appliance servicing, and general restoration between tenancies
Helps reduce void periods and commands higher rent
A smart landlord doesn’t just react they plan. Here’s how to budget effectively:
| Budgeting Method | Recommended Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| % of Annual Rent | 8–10% of gross rent | Most commonly used baseline |
| £/m² Allowance | £12–£20 per m²/year | Useful for larger portfolios |
| Sinking Fund | Custom pot for big items | Roof, boiler, exterior, appliances, etc. |
You should also account for:
Emergency repair buffer (e.g. 1 month’s rent set aside)
Service contracts (boilers, white goods)
Annual cost increases (inflation, material/labour costs)
Use our Maintenance Budget Planner Tool (below) to create a customised plan for each property.
Pros: Cost saving, faster response
Cons: Legal risk if repairs are non-compliant or unsafe
Pros: Legal certification, insurance, time savings
Cons: Higher upfront costs, must vet quality and reliability
Tip: Always get at least two quotes, and verify references or accreditations (Gas Safe, NICEIC, etc.).
Good maintenance = longer tenancies
Clear reporting procedures and fast response build trust
Log all work completed to avoid disputes over deposit deductions or condition
Consider using a tenant portal or property management software to streamline repair requests and track communications.
Maintenance isn’t a cost it’s an investment in your portfolio’s performance. By budgeting proactively and managing repairs professionally, you reduce stress, protect asset value, and improve tenant retention.
Index Property gives landlords the tools and strategies to stay one step ahead saving money, avoiding fines, and running a smarter rental business.
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