In a very important case, (Warren v. Keen [1953] 3 W.L.R. 702), Denning L.J. explained the definition of “tenant like manner”[am4show have=’g1;g5;’ guest_error=’guest’ user_error=’renewal’ ]
“…what does “to use the premises in a tenantlike manner” mean? It can, I think, best be shown by some illustrations. The tenant must take proper care of the place. He must, if he is going away for the winter, turn off the water and empty the boiler. He must clean the chimneys, when necessary, and also the windows. He must mend the electric light when it fuses. He must unstop the sink when it is blocked by his waste. In short, he must do the little jobs about the place which a reasonable tenant would do. In addition, he must, of course, not damage the house, wilfully or negligently; and he must see that his family and guests do not damage it: and if they do, he must repair it. But apart from such things, if the house falls into disrepair through fair wear and tear or lapse of time, or for any reason not caused by him, then the tenant is not liable to repair it.” [Denning L.J.]
Tenant like manner also includes changing a washer on a tap. [Wycombe Health Authority v. Barnett (1982) 5 H.L.R. 84.] & [para 13.020 Woodfall Landlord & Tenant] although that case pre-dates section 11 Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (landlords repairing obligations) and may not survive in the modern lettings.
[/am4show]
