How Often Things Should Be Replaced in a Rented Home

When you live in a rented home, it can be difficult to know when certain items, fixtures, and safety features are due to be replaced. Unlike an owner-occupied property, tenants do not always control the timeline for maintenance, and yet their comfort and safety depend on regular renewal and servicing. Some replacement cycles are mandated by law, while others fall under “best practice” or are guided by the natural lifespan of everyday items. This article walks through both the legally required schedules and the realistic timelines for replacing furnishings, appliances, and household essentials in a rented property.

Safety & Compliance: The Legal Essentials

The most important replacement and inspection schedules are those required by law. In England, landlords must carry out annual gas safety checks on all gas appliances, pipes, and flues in the property. A Gas Safe registered engineer must conduct the inspection, and tenants should receive a copy of the Gas Safety Record. This isn’t optional—it’s a statutory obligation designed to prevent gas leaks, carbon monoxide poisoning, and potential explosions.

Another legal requirement is the Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). This inspection examines the fixed wiring, consumer unit (fuse box), and sockets. It must be carried out at least once every five years, though if an electrician recommends an earlier retest, landlords must comply. The report must be shared with tenants and, if requested, with the local council.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are also covered by law. Landlords must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey used as living accommodation and test them on the first day of each tenancy. They must also install a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a fixed combustion appliance, such as a boiler or wood burner. Tenants are expected to check the alarms regularly, but landlords must replace them if they fail. Typically, smoke alarms last around ten years, while carbon monoxide alarms last seven to ten years.

Finally, landlords have a duty to manage Legionella risk. While there is no set replacement schedule for equipment, landlords must ensure that hot water systems, storage tanks, and pipes do not allow dangerous bacteria to thrive. In practice, this means keeping hot water cylinders at a high enough temperature and flushing out unused taps or showers.

Kitchen Items and Appliances

The kitchen is the hardest-working part of most homes, and items here wear out more quickly. Large appliances such as fridges and freezers usually last between 10 and 15 years, though energy efficiency drops over time, and perished seals or noisy compressors may indicate the need for earlier replacement. Washing machines typically last 7 to 10 years, while tumble dryers can stretch to 12 years if well maintained. Smaller appliances such as kettles, toasters, and microwaves generally need replacing every 5 to 8 years, often sooner in busy households.

Cookware also has a limited life span. Non-stick pans may only last two to five years before their coating deteriorates, and chopping boards should be swapped out every few years to prevent bacteria build-up in deep scratches. Even low-cost items like shower curtains or baking trays can become unhygienic quickly, and it is better to replace them regularly rather than risk mould or contamination.

Bathroom Fixtures and Soft Furnishings

Bathrooms experience constant humidity and heavy daily use, so fixtures and textiles wear quickly. Shower curtains and liners are notorious for attracting mould and mildew and may need to be replaced every 6 to 12 months. Bath mats, which are exposed to water and constant foot traffic, usually last 1 to 2 years before their backing deteriorates.

Silicone sealant around baths, sinks, and showers should be refreshed every 3 to 5 years, though landlords should intervene sooner if mould, cracks, or gaps appear. This not only maintains hygiene but also prevents water damage and costly repairs. A well-maintained bathroom is often the difference between a fresh, habitable property and one that quickly feels tired.

Bedrooms and Furnishings

Sleep quality and hygiene depend on replacing soft furnishings at sensible intervals. Mattresses should typically be replaced every 7 to 10 years, though sagging, squeaking, or visible wear may require earlier replacement. Pillows are best renewed every 1 to 2 years as they lose shape and accumulate allergens, while duvets can last 5 to 10 years depending on their filling and care.

Curtains and blinds generally endure 7 to 10 years of use, although cords, tracks, and mechanisms may fail earlier. Landlords supplying furnished properties should budget for these replacement cycles, as worn or dirty textiles make a strong negative impression on tenants and can easily be considered a lack of upkeep.

Living Areas and General Decor

Sofas, armchairs, and upholstered chairs often last between 7 and 15 years, with high-quality furniture extending to the upper range. However, cushions, padding, and covers may require replacement or professional cleaning much earlier. Carpets typically last around 7 to 10 years, but in high-traffic settings such as shared houses or HMOs, their lifespan may be reduced to just 3 to 5 years. Paintwork in busy spaces should be refreshed every 3 to 5 years, while lower-use rooms may manage 5 to 7 years between coats.

Lighting also has its own cycle. LED bulbs now last between 5 and 10 years, far outstripping older halogen or incandescent bulbs. However, the units that hold alarms and detectors require periodic replacement regardless of whether they still appear functional—smoke alarms after 10 years, carbon monoxide alarms after 7 to 10 years.

Heating, Hot Water, and Utilities

While landlords are legally obliged to carry out annual gas safety checks, it is also best practice to arrange annual boiler servicing. This not only ensures safety but also prolongs the lifespan of the appliance and keeps it running efficiently. Most boilers last around 10 to 15 years before requiring full replacement. Thermostats and radiator valves typically last a decade, though mechanical failures may shorten that timeframe.

Electric heaters and storage units can remain safe for 15 to 20 years, but cracked casings, faulty controls, or outdated wiring are reasons for earlier renewal. Landlords should never allow tenants to live with faulty or unsafe heating systems, as this breaches housing safety standards.

Windows, Doors, and Security Features

Windows and doors are expected to last longer than soft furnishings, but seals and fittings do wear out. UPVC seals generally last 10 to 15 years before they lose flexibility, allowing draughts and dampness to creep in. Locks and handles may need replacing at any time if they become faulty, and landlords should act promptly to maintain security. A broken lock or insecure window is more than an inconvenience; it could compromise tenant safety and invalidate insurance.

Wear and Tear vs. Damage

One of the most common disputes between landlords and tenants arises over whether an item has deteriorated due to “fair wear and tear” or through damage. Wear and tear refers to the natural decline that occurs with regular use—flattened carpets, faded paint, or slightly scuffed furniture. Damage, on the other hand, results from negligence or misuse, such as burns, stains, or broken fixtures. Landlords must expect and budget for wear and tear, whereas tenants can be held responsible for damage, often through deductions from their deposit.

Who Is Responsible for Replacements?

Responsibility for replacements depends on the item in question. Landlords are required to replace or repair anything they provided that becomes unsafe, fails statutory checks, or wears out through natural use. Tenants are responsible for minor consumables such as light bulbs, batteries in smoke alarms (unless sealed), and personal items they bring into the home. For items that are still usable but outdated, a shared conversation is often best; sometimes both landlord and tenant benefit from upgrading, such as with carpets or furniture nearing the end of its lifespan.

Practical Maintenance Schedule

For tenants and landlords alike, keeping a simple cadence in mind helps prevent problems:

• Monthly: Tenants should test alarms and look for signs of leaks, mould, or pests.
• Quarterly: Deep-clean seals and descale showerheads.
• Annually: Landlords must arrange a gas safety check; boilers should be serviced at the same time.
• Every 3–5 years: Refresh paint and check flooring, seals, and furnishings.
• Every 5 years: Ensure an EICR is carried out on the property’s electrics.
• Every 7–10 years: Replace mattresses, CO alarms, and often large appliances.
• Every 10 years: Replace smoke alarms and carpets in main rooms.