Repairing Standard: statutory guidance for private landlords

Annex D5: Installations for sanitation

D.96 The Repairing Standard requires that installations for sanitation are in a reasonable state of repair and in proper working order.

D.97 Installations for sanitation mean:

• A sink provided with a satisfactory supply of both hot and cold water for food preparation and cleaning cooking and eating utensils;
• A toilet available for the exclusive use of the occupiers in a suitable room and with a convenient hand wash basin with a satisfactory supply of both hot and cold water;
• Either a fixed bath or a fixed shower with a satisfactory supply of hot water; and
• An appropriate space with a water supply and drainage for the installation of a washing machine.

D.98 Reasonable state of repair means in a usable condition, which includes:

• Connecting pipework can handle the normal intake and discharge of water without leaking;
• Facilities can be used without leaking;
• Facilities are safe to use;
• Baths, basins, sinks, and shower trays free of substantial cracks or surface damage; Cisterns fill within a reasonable time and do not overflow;
• Toilets flush, and sinks drain quickly; and
• Taps work properly to allow control of the flow of water.

D.99 Proper working order means that the facilities are able to be used for the purpose intended. That is, the tenant is able to carry out washing, bodily functions, cleaning, cooking or laundry as appropriate. Installations should have an adequate supply of water for these purposes, and satisfactory provision for disposal of foul water, see paragraphs C.14 and D.36 of this guidance. The location of sanitary facilities must have adequate ventilation to prevent persistent condensation and mould, see paragraphs B.16-B.19 of this guidance.

D.100 Landlords are not required to provide washing machines, or other appliances such as tumble driers and dishwashers. However, if any appliances are provided, they should be in good working order and repaired or replaced if faulty; see Annex E.

D.101 Landlords are not required to provide both a bath and a shower, the minimum standard is that at least one of these is available. Some tenants will require a bath or require a shower, in order to provide child care, or because of a disability. If a property lacks either a bath or a shower it must be suitable for the use of the tenants at the point that it is let. It is not the landlord’s responsibility to ensure this, the tenant must ensure it meets their needs (or can be adapted to meet their needs through provisions in para D.102 below).

D.102 Under the Equalities Act 2010, landlords have a duty to permit reasonable adjustments to properties for disabled people.