Landlords should set aside a quarter of rental income for maintenance

As the Renters’ Rights Act approaches its commencement date, a property management company has outlined how much landlords should be setting aside for repairs and maintenance.

Aduivo says landlords may need to spend close to a quarter of their rental income (23.6%) on maintenance.

Landlords are also required to carry out regular safety checks, including an annual gas safety inspection and testing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Annual maintenance and repair costs are estimated at £3,832

The firm analysed ten of the most common repair and maintenance jobs to estimate annual costs, then compared these with average rental income.

According to Aduivo, the typical UK rental property earns £1,354 per month, or £16,248 per year, while annual maintenance and repair costs are estimated at £3,832, nearly a quarter (23.6%) of a landlord’s yearly rental income.

The findings reveal that inspecting and replacing electrics tends to be an annual job, costing on average £691 per year. Heating systems are similar, with annual upkeep around £680, while plumbing issues are likely to set landlords back £632 a year.

Less frequent maintenance jobs include boilers, which typically need replacing every two and a half years at an average cost of £714, working out to £286 per year. Walls require repainting on a similar schedule, at an average annual cost of £251.

Around once every three years, landlords must maintain or replace the roof (£313 per year), kitchen white goods (£279 per year), carpeting (£262 per year), windows (£234 per year), and locks or security (£203 per year).

Property upkeep isn’t optional

Aduivo recommends that landlords allocate approximately a quarter of their rental income for maintenance.

The firm says whilst costs may vary from year to year, setting aside these funds helps landlords manage their expenses more effectively.

Colin Stokes, founder and MD of Adiuvo, said: “As a landlord, property upkeep isn’t optional, it’s an essential part of protecting your investment and ensuring tenants remain safe and satisfied.

“Our research shows that landlords should be setting aside almost a quarter of their annual rental income for maintenance and repairs. It’s money that will inevitably need to be spent, but acting promptly can prevent that figure from climbing even higher.”

Property118 commercial reality check

Cost pressure is real and landlords feel it more sharply than most commentators admit. Maintenance is essential, yet the burden is heavier when margins are already thin. The answer is not to absorb the strain but to convert it into structure, foresight and commercial calm.

What landlords should do next

Prioritise financial headroom. Ringfence a predictable monthly reserve so repairs never destabilise personal finances. A steady buffer restores control and removes the anxiety of sudden costs.

Build a realistic three-year works plan. List expected cycles for boilers, electrics, repainting and roof checks. Add timings and forecasted spend. A written plan reduces uncertainty and helps landlords prepare on their own terms.

Strengthen compliance without stress. Keep gas, electrical and alarm documents organised and ready. Reliable records protect income and minimise friction when rules tighten.

Advantage through professionalism

Landlords who respect their own time and create disciplined systems experience far less emotional wear. Planning converts pressure into predictability. Predictability converts uncertainty into confidence.