In most cases, the tenant will be responsible for keeping the property in good repair. If you are taking a lease of property which is not in a good state of repair when the lease is granted, you may find that you are legally obliged to remedy that disrepair. It is for this reason that we always advise that you obtain a survey. If disrepair is found before the lease is granted, it is possible to limit your liability by reference to an agreed schedule of condition which records the condition of the property at the start of the lease.
Landlords also expect the property to be regularly re-decorated and they may require carpets to be renewed and plant and equipment to be replaced. It is important for you to understand the extent of your repairing and redecoration obligations at the outset. Depending upon the nature of the property and the length of the lease, it may be possible to negotiate more limited repair/decoration liabilities.