When you’re renting a home, you have every right to expect it to be safe, secure, and fit to live in.
But for many tenants, the reality is far from ideal. Damp patches, mouldy walls, broken heating, and faulty electrics are just some of the issues renters face.
When landlords fail to act, it can leave people living in conditions that affect both their health and quality of life.
Fortunately, tenants have legal protections. If your landlord isn’t maintaining the property properly, there are clear steps you can take to get the repairs you need.
Understanding Your Landlord’s Legal Duties
By law, landlords are required to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes roofs, windows, doors, and walls.
They are also responsible for ensuring that plumbing, heating, gas, and electrical systems are safe and fully functional.
Where disrepair causes or worsens damp and mould, they must also take appropriate action, especially if it’s due to structural defects rather than tenant behaviour.
A property that lacks adequate heating or has persistent damp may be considered unfit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. That means it could form the basis of a legal claim.
Reporting Repairs in Writing
The first thing you should do is report the issue to your landlord or letting agent in writing.
An email is fine, just make sure you clearly describe the problem, how long it’s been going on, and what effect it’s having on your health or day-to-day living. Attaching photographs can help provide context and evidence of the condition.
It’s important to keep copies of everything you send, in case you need to show later that you gave your landlord a fair opportunity to resolve the issue.
Allowing Time for a Response
Once you’ve reported the problem, the landlord is expected to act within a “reasonable” time, although what’s reasonable depends on the seriousness of the repair.
If you have no heating or hot water in winter, a prompt response is expected. A broken extractor fan or dripping tap may take longer.
If the landlord doesn’t respond at all, or makes repeated excuses to avoid carrying out the work, it may be time to take further action.
Getting the Council Involved
Your local council has the power to step in where landlords fail to meet their obligations.
The environmental health team can inspect the property and assess any risks under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
This covers a wide range of hazards, including excess cold, structural problems, electrical faults, and sanitation.
If they find serious risks to your health or safety, they can issue enforcement notices that require your landlord to carry out the necessary repairs within a set timeframe.
Exploring Legal Action
In more serious or long-standing cases, legal advice may be needed.
You might be able to claim compensation for things like damage to personal possessions, health issues caused by poor conditions, or distress and inconvenience.
A solicitor can advise whether your situation meets the criteria for a claim and guide you through the process.
It’s important to seek local legal support to understand local procedures. Leeds residents may want to explore what housing disrepair solicitors Leeds has to offer when considering their legal options
Keep Paying Rent
One common misconception is that tenants can simply stop paying rent until repairs are completed.
This can be a costly mistake. Unless a court has formally agreed to this or you’ve received specific legal advice, withholding rent may lead to eviction proceedings, even if the disrepair is serious.
It’s much safer to continue paying rent while pursuing the proper channels, whether that’s through the council, legal advice, or court action.
You Don’t Have to Live Like This
Living with serious disrepair can take a real toll on your health, wellbeing, and sense of security. But tenants do have rights, and there are systems in place to hold landlords accountable.
Whether you resolve the issue through communication, enforcement, or legal support, taking action is the first step towards a safer, healthier home.
