Skip to content 
Photo for illustration. Photo from Pexels.
In serviced accommodation, the owner is usually responsible for the structure and major systems, such as the roof, boiler and wiring. The operator handles day-to-day upkeep, cleaning and minor repairs. A clear split in the agreement, with spending limits and response times, avoids most disputes.
Jump to
Who is responsible for maintenance?
A common split puts structural and major items with the owner, and day-to-day items with the operator. Your agreement should say exactly which applies.
| Item | Usually the owner | Usually the operator |
|---|---|---|
| Roof, walls, windows, drains | Yes | Reports problems |
| Boiler and heating system | Replacement and major repairs | Reports problems, arranges servicing if agreed |
| Wiring and fixed electrics | Yes | Reports problems |
| Appliances supplied by the operator | No | Yes |
| Light bulbs, batteries, minor fixes | No | Yes |
| Damage caused by guests | No | Yes, often recovered from deposits |
Typical split. Every agreement differs.
What should a planned maintenance calendar include?
Planned maintenance prevents most emergencies. Build these into a calendar for every home.
0 of 6 checked
See the HSE guidance on gas safety for landlords.
An annual boiler service avoids winter breakdowns. Photo from Pexels.
How quickly should repairs be done?
Repairs that stop a guest using the home, such as no heating, no hot water or a security problem, need a same-day response. Minor issues can wait for the next changeover.
Urgent
No heat, no hot water, leaks, security or safety issues. Same day.
Important
Broken appliances or fittings guests rely on. Within a day or two.
Routine
Cosmetic issues and wear. At the next changeover or planned visit.
How does Esho Stays handle maintenance?
Esho Stays inspects homes regularly, handles day-to-day maintenance and reports any structural issues to the owner. Our lease sets out the split clearly.
- Esho Stays becomes your tenant under a company lease
- Rent is paid in full every month, even if the property is empty
- We list the home across major booking platforms and our direct network of more than 30 companies
- We handle bookings, guest screening, communication, cleaning and maintenance
- Regular inspections, with cleaning between every stay
- A landlord dashboard showing upcoming bookings and performance
Read our guides to company let agreements and inventories.
Frequently asked questions
Who pays for repairs under guaranteed rent?
It depends on the lease. Usually, the owner pays for structural and major system repairs, and the operator pays for day-to-day upkeep and guest damage. Agree spending limits and how emergencies are approved before the lease starts.
Do serviced accommodation homes need more maintenance?
They usually need more frequent minor maintenance than a long-term let, because more people use them. Regular inspections and cleaning catch problems early, which can mean fewer major repairs overall.
How are guest damages handled?
The operator usually deals with guest damage, using security deposits, booking platform claims or its own insurance. The owner should not have to pay for damage caused by guests under a well-drafted company lease.
What maintenance records should be kept?
Keep gas safety records, electrical inspection reports, alarm test logs, the fire risk assessment, and invoices for repairs. Insurers and the national short-let register expected from 2027 may ask for evidence of safety checks.
Next step
Want maintenance handled for you?
Tell us about your property, and we will explain how our company lease splits responsibilities.
