Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Repairing covenants in leases: standard of repair, original condition, rent level, inherent defects, fair wear and tear, decoration, material compliance, and repair versus replacement

Published by a LexisNexis Property Disputes expert

Practice notes

What is the appropriate standard of repair for a tenant?

This Practice Note explains:

what a repairing covenant obliges a tenant to do,
the meaning of 'well and substantially repair',
the significance of the initial state and condition,
whether a higher rent implies a higher repairing standard,
if repair equates to good condition,
allowances for fair wear and tear,
what a tenant must do to meet repairing obligations,
whether to repair or replace.

Absent clear wording to the opposite effect (for example, a schedule of condition), a covenant to repair requires the tenant to carry out works which, having regard to the property's age, nature and location, render it reasonably fit and suitable for occupation by a reasonable incoming tenant of the type likely to take it on comparable terms to the present lease. A promise 'well and substantially to repair' does not oblige the tenant to achieve perfection or a pristine state; rather, the property must be put into a condition that an intending occupier of the kind of building concerned would regard as reasonable and appropriate, assessed and judged by reference to the intended use of the premises...

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Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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