Disrepair
Every tenant has the right to a safe place to live, with fully functioning essential services.
Your rights on getting disrepairs fixed
If you’re a tenant, your tenancy agreement will normally set out the landlord’s obligations on repairs to their property.
But landlords have many obligations whether they are listed or not.
For example, they must keep in good repair:
The law also regards it as standard that the property must be fit to live in and free from certain hazards – for example, damp and mould.
If your accommodation has repair issues or poses hazards, the first step is to report them to your landlord in writing, and ask that they are fixed within a reasonable period of time. If they aren’t, it may be possible for you to take legal action against your landlord to remedy the problems.
It is important that you seek advice before taking action. If your landlord is in breach of their obligations, and this poses a serious risk to your health or safety, Lawstop will advise you on your rights and help you obtain a legal remedy to get the work carried out.
For example, they must keep in good repair:
- The structure and exterior of the property, including drains, gutters and external pipes
- Installations for water, gas and electricity
- Sanitation, i.e. sinks and lavatories
- The supply of heating and hot water
The law also regards it as standard that the property must be fit to live in and free from certain hazards – for example, damp and mould.
If your accommodation has repair issues or poses hazards, the first step is to report them to your landlord in writing, and ask that they are fixed within a reasonable period of time. If they aren’t, it may be possible for you to take legal action against your landlord to remedy the problems.
It is important that you seek advice before taking action. If your landlord is in breach of their obligations, and this poses a serious risk to your health or safety, Lawstop will advise you on your rights and help you obtain a legal remedy to get the work carried out.