Which Repairs Cost Landlords The Most?

If you’ve been letting property for any length of time, you’ll know that maintenance is one of the biggest and most unpredictable costs. But in the last 12–18 months, we’ve seen a sharp rise in the price of common repairs – and many landlords across Bristol are feeling the pinch.

Whether you own a single buy-to-let or manage a larger portfolio, understanding which repairs are most likely to hit your bottom line is key to planning ahead (and protecting your income).

What’s Driving Maintenance Costs Up?

It’s not your imagination – repair costs really are rising, and fast. Several factors are behind the trend:

• Materials are more expensive: Timber, metals, insulation, and replacement parts have all gone up in price post-pandemic.
• Labour is in short supply: Skilled tradespeople are booked up months in advance, and their rates have increased to match demand.
• Energy-efficiency pressures: The push to meet higher EPC standards means more landlords are investing in costly upgrades.
• Older housing stock: Bristol’s Victorian terraces and period flats often come with hidden issues like damp, old electrics, and inefficient boilers.

The Most Expensive Repairs Landlords Face

Some repairs just cost more – whether it’s due to specialist labour, access issues, or the scale of work involved. Here are the most common wallet-drainers:

1. Boiler Replacements

Boilers don’t last forever, and when they go, it’s rarely at a convenient time. A new boiler can cost upwards of £2,000, not including pipework or upgrades to meet current safety standards. Add an emergency callout over a weekend, and costs spiral quickly.

2. Roofing Repairs

From slipped tiles to full re-roofing jobs, anything involving a roof tends to be expensive. Scaffolding alone can cost over £1,000, before any actual work begins. Water damage from a leaking roof can also affect ceilings, walls, and electrics.

3. Damp and Mould Treatment

A frequent issue in older homes, damp can lead to mould, tenant complaints, and serious health concerns. Sorting it isn’t cheap – proper ventilation systems, tanking, or replastering can run into thousands.

4. Electrical Work

A full rewire can cost £5,000+, depending on property size. Even smaller jobs like new consumer units or EICR upgrades add up, especially with new compliance standards.

5. Plumbing Failures

Leaking pipes, broken toilets, and drainage issues are common and costly. Underground leaks or soil stack replacements often mean disruptive and expensive repairs.

6. Windows and Doors

Particularly in period properties, replacing sash windows or ill-fitting doors can be costly – not to mention the energy inefficiency and tenant complaints that come with delays.

Hidden Costs That Add Up

Sometimes it’s not the repair itself that stings – it’s everything around it:

• Emergency callouts during weekends or bank holidays
• Loss of rent during major works
• Tenant dissatisfaction, leading to higher turnover
• Insurance excesses and premium increases after claims

Being reactive rather than proactive often ends up costing more.

Prevention is Cheaper Than the Cure

There’s no way to avoid repairs altogether, but you can certainly reduce the impact:

• Annual servicing of boilers and heating systems
• Regular inspections to catch issues early (especially between tenancies)
• Gutter cleaning and roof checks before winter
• Using trusted local contractors with fair pricing and fast response times

At Bristol Property Centre, our property management team is focused on prevention. We catch problems before they turn into major expenses – and we make sure landlords aren’t overpaying when work is needed.

Can You Claim These Costs?

In many cases, yes. Repairs and general maintenance are allowable expenses for tax purposes. That means they can be offset against your rental income.

But be careful: if you’re making improvements (e.g., upgrading to a more expensive boiler or replacing carpets with hardwood), those may be classed as capital expenses. It’s worth getting clear advice from a tax professional.

Keeping clear records, receipts, and invoices is crucial. If you’re ever audited – or if you want to sell the property and show your maintenance history – having everything documented makes life much easier.

Final Thoughts

As a landlord, maintenance costs are part of the job. But with prices climbing, it’s more important than ever to budget wisely, act early, and avoid nasty surprises.

Whether it’s boiler cover, regular inspections, or full property management, the right support can save you thousands.

Need help keeping on top of maintenance? Contact Bristol Property Centre today – we’ll help you protect your property and your profits with practical, proactive support.