What To Do If You Are Facing Housing Disrepair Issues As A Tenant

Sometimes there are structural issues like cracked walls, damaged windows, or broken doors that make the home insecure. In winter, heating problems become especially serious, leaving families without warmth for long periods.

An initial survey carried out by a housing charity found that around 28 per cent of rented homes in England failed to meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. 

It also revealed that 15 per cent of private rented properties had serious hazards, such as dangerous electrics or severe damp, that could put tenants at risk. These figures show how widespread the issue of housing disrepair really is.

What Are Your Rights Under Your Tenancy Agreement

In the UK, tenants have clear rights when it comes to housing standards. The law requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. They must make sure heating, plumbing, and electrical systems work properly and are safe to use. Tenants also have the right to live in a home that is free from serious health hazards such as black mould or faulty gas appliances.

Your tenancy agreement may have additional details, but even if it is not written down, the law still gives you basic rights to a safe and habitable home. Landlords are also responsible for dealing with problems like leaking roofs or broken windows unless the damage was caused by the tenant’s own actions.

Reviewing What The Initial Survey Found

An initial inspection or survey by a professional property surveyor often highlights the scale of disrepair problems. 

Recent studies showed that over one million rented homes in England suffer from damp or mould. In some cases, properties were found to have no working smoke alarms or secure locks, putting tenants at risk of fire and burglary.

The survey results often give local councils the power to demand landlords fix urgent problems. They can issue legal notices ordering repairs to be carried out within a set time limit, especially if the disrepair poses a health hazard.

Actions Landlords Must Take

When a tenant reports a repair issue, landlords are legally required to investigate and carry out the necessary work within a reasonable time. 

For urgent problems such as no heating in winter or a major water leak, repairs should be made as quickly as possible, often within days. 

For less urgent issues, landlords may have a little longer, but they cannot ignore requests or delay repairs without good reason.

If landlords refuse or fail to act, tenants can contact the local council. The council can inspect the property and, if needed, force the landlord to make repairs. Councils can also fine landlords who repeatedly ignore repair requests or provide unsafe housing.

Can You Make a Claim?

Yes, tenants can make a claim if the landlord fails to carry out repairs after being informed of the problem, known as housing disrepair claims. The first step is to report the disrepair in writing and give the landlord a reasonable time to fix it. If they do not, you can take legal action for compensation.

Compensation can cover inconvenience, health problems caused by damp or mould, damage to belongings, and sometimes part of the rent paid while living in poor conditions. A solicitor who specialises in housing disrepair claims can help gather evidence, such as photos, medical reports, and copies of all communication with the landlord.

In many cases, claims are settled before going to court. If not, the court can order the landlord to make repairs and pay compensation. With around one in six rented homes in England currently failing to meet basic living standards, knowing your rights and how to claim them is increasingly important for tenants across the UK.