With the UK experiencing increasing spells of extreme heat, the humble water supply has never felt so critical – not just for hydration, but for cooking, hygiene, and health. It’s something we all take for granted… until there’s a problem.

As an owner, you might not give much thought to the water supply in your rental property – until you’re hit with unexpected legal risks or a call from a distressed resident. That’s where we come in.

Why this matters to you as an owner

Water might seem a resident’s responsibility (and often it is) but legally, you are required to ensure that a reliable water supply is safely maintained throughout the tenancy. If this goes wrong, you could be personally liable.

This is especially important when supporting residents who may be elderly, disabled or medically vulnerable – where water access is not just about comfort,
but safety.

What the law says

Section 11 of the Landlord & Tenant Act 1985:
Requires you to maintain the water supply infrastructure throughout the tenancy.

HHSRS – Housing Health & Safety Rating System (Housing Act 2004):
Failure in water supply or sanitation is a Category 1 Hazard meaning local authorities can step in with enforcement action.

Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018:
A property without reliable water is unfit for living. Letting such a property is unlawful.

Your risks – during and after a tenancy

While residents usually pay the water bills, this doesn’t remove all your risks:

If a resident leaves without settling the final water bill, and you haven’t updated their information with the water provider, you could be chased for the debt.
Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, if you haven’t notified the water company of a new tenancy, you may be liable under the Tenant Default Scheme.

How to protect yourself

At Maxine Lester, we help you stay ahead of these risks by taking the following proactive steps for every owner:

We ensure utility responsibilities are confirmed in writing with each new tenancy
We notify water providers at move-in and move-out through the MUVO platform (see below)
We track and record key information including meter readings and forwarding addresses
We include tenancy exit forms that prompt Residents to share their new address
We provide guidance if any issues arise during or after a tenancy

These might sound like small things but they can make a big difference between peace of mind and a legal headache.

What makes our approach different?

Many agents still don’t touch this but at Maxine Lester, we go further. We understand that you want a letting agent who truly manages the details, so you don’t have to. That’s our promise: Expert. Honourable. Personal.

We use MUVO, a digital platform designed specifically to inform utility companies when residents move in or out, reducing errors and protecting you from being wrongly billed. It’s another way we make sure your property is managed properly – with zero fuss.

Here’s what our owners say

“They spotted an issue with a final bill we’d never have known about, and sorted it before it came back to us – that’s why I trust them.” – Sarah R, Owner, St Ives

“No drama. Everything’s handled, even the things I wouldn’t think about. That’s why I stay with Maxine Lester.” – Tom W, Owner, Cambourne

Take the worry out of water

Whether it’s ensuring your water system is compliant or shielding you from unpaid utility bills, we’re here to make life simpler and safer.

Want to make sure you’re covered?

Speak to the Maxine Lester team today about how we manage these risks for you – and how we can help you let with total confidence.

The importance of water: what every owner needs to know