Can Private & Fully Managed Landlords Use Their Own Contractors For Property Maintenance?

Why Landlords Should Avoid Using Unvetted Contractors: Protecting Your Property and Your Tenants

As a landlord, managing property maintenance is a key part of protecting your investment and ensuring tenant safety. But many landlords unknowingly put themselves at legal and financial risk by using their own unvetted contractors—friends of friends, doing it yourself, cheap labour found online, or tradespeople without full checks.

At Bates & Co, based in Hailsham and now expanding into Eastbourne, we want to explain the serious risks involved, and why working with a letting agent who uses fully vetted, insured, and qualified contractors is the safest and most reliable route.

The Hidden Dangers of Using Your Own Contractors

Using your own contractor might seem more cost-effective or convenient, but if something goes wrong, the consequences can be serious:

• Liability for Damage or Injury: If an unqualified or uninsured contractor damages your property or performs substandard work that results in injury to your tenants, you—the landlord—can be held legally liable. In some cases, this can lead to civil claims or even criminal charges if negligence is proven.
• Insurance Invalidations: Many insurance policies won’t cover work carried out by unlicensed or uninsured contractors. This could mean you’re footing the entire bill for repairs or liability claims.
• Non-compliance with Legal Standards: Contractors who aren’t qualified may not follow the latest health and safety, electrical, or gas safety regulations. This puts tenants at risk and could land you in breach of current landlord compliance laws.

How Bates & Co Keeps You and Your Property Protected

At Bates & Co, we only work with trusted contractors who have passed a strict vetting process. This includes:

• Proof of Insurance – We ensure every contractor has valid public liability insurance.
• Professional References – We check references to verify reliability and past performance.
• Qualifications and Certifications – All our tradespeople must show evidence of their training and any required licenses (e.g., Gas Safe, NICEIC, etc.).
• Portfolio of Work – We review previous jobs to ensure a high standard of workmanship.
• Waste Carrier Licences – For contractors handling waste, we confirm legal compliance with waste removal laws.
• Working at Heights Licence – For any work involving ladders, roofing, scaffolding or elevated access, we ensure the contractor holds an up-to-date Working at Heights certification to protect everyone on site.

By using pre-approved contractors through us, you dramatically reduce the risk of faulty work, costly legal issues, or tenant disputes. It also means peace of mind for you as a landlord—knowing that all maintenance is handled professionally and safely.

Your Legal Responsibilities as a Landlord

Don’t forget: under UK law, you have a legal duty of care to ensure your rental property is safe and habitable. If you allow someone unqualified or uninsured to work on your property, and a tenant is injured as a result, you may be sued—even if you weren’t directly involved.

That’s why so many landlords in Hailsham, Eastbourne, and the wider Sussex area are choosing Bates & Co to manage their properties. We take the hassle and risk out of maintenance and compliance—so you don’t have to worry.

Partner with Bates & Co – A Safer Way to Let

If you're currently self-managing or using a letting agent who doesn't vet their contractors properly, it's time to reconsider. At Bates & Co, we take landlord protection seriously. Our fully managed and guaranteed rent services include reliable, vetted maintenance support to safeguard your property, your tenants, and your reputation.

Thinking about switching agents? We offer a free Property Health Check and can guide you through a smooth management transition.

Based in Hailsham – Now expanding into Eastbourne and Polegate.

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation.

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