Repairs

Valuable Information for those seeking Repairs to their Rental Home

In order to be able to rent out a home, some examples of things the landlord must put right and have in reasonable condition are as follows:

• The structure and exterior of the property (e.g. leaking roofs, damp, rotten window frames)
• The central heating
• The hot water supply

Tenants are generally responsible for decoration inside the property

If a landlord is reluctant or refuses to carry out repairs the individual can write to the landlord, keeping a copy, or record the time and date of any conversation and what was said. If no action follows the tenant can complain to their local Council's Environmental Services Department. This department has the right to make the landlord carry out certain repairs, following an inspection of the property. They also have the right to have the work carried out by their own staff or contractors and send the bill to the landlord.

It is extremely important that you do not withhold your rent or use that money to pay for the repairs before first seeking professional advise.

Another course of action would be to take the landlord to Court. The Court has the right to not only order the repairs to be carried out but also to award the tenant compensation. The Advice Centre can advise further on the process to be followed. It is important to take legal advice before taking any Court action.

In cases of local authority housing, the tenant can also complain to the Ombudsman. Their contact details can be found on this website at the Other Organisations contacts page.

The Advice Centre would like to remind any tenants living under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement that, should the landlord be sufficiently angry with the situation, he will have the power to evict the tenant when the Agreement expires. It is, therefore, important to receive advice on repairs before acting and the Advice Centre can help individuals further with this. Contact an adviser for an appointment.