As a tenant, it is your landlord’s responsibility to maintain the property you are renting in a livable condition and to stop the house from falling into disrepair. But what can you do if your landlord won’t repair your property, leaving you in a difficult situation? Fortunately, tenants have rights and legal options to ensure their landlord makes the necessary repairs.
In this article, we’ll discuss the legal actions tenants can take when their landlord fails to conduct repairs in a timely manner.
Understanding a Landlord’s Responsibility
In the UK, the responsibilities of a landlord towards their tenants are governed by several laws and regulations. The most important of these is the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which sets out the basic standards of habitability that rental properties must meet.
Under this act, landlords are required to ensure that their rental properties are fit for human habitation, safe, and free from hazards. This includes providing adequate heating, ventilation, and insulation, as well as ensuring that the property is structurally sound and free from damp and mould.
Landlords must also ensure that all gas and electrical appliances and installations are safe and in good working order. They must obtain an annual gas safety certificate and an electrical safety certificate every five years.
Additionally, landlords are responsible for maintaining the common areas of the property, such as hallways and staircases, and for ensuring that all tenants have access to the facilities and services listed in the tenancy agreement.
If a landlord fails to meet these standards, they may be in breach of the lease agreement and may be liable for legal action by their tenants.
What Can Tenants Do If Their Landlord Won’t Do Repairs?
Document the Issue
Before taking any legal action, tenants should document the issue with the rental property. This can include taking photos, videos, and writing down the dates and times of when the issue occurred. This documentation can be used as evidence in court if necessary.
Send a Written Request
Once the issue has been documented, the next step is to notify the landlord in writing. This should include a detailed description of the issue and a request for the landlord to make the necessary repairs. Tenants should send this request via certified mail or email and keep a copy for their records.
Follow Up
If the landlord does not respond to the written request or fails to conduct repairs within a reasonable time frame, tenants should follow up with additional written requests. This can be done via certified mail or email, and should include a deadline for the landlord to make the repairs.
Contact Local Housing Authorities
If the landlord still fails to make the necessary repairs, tenants can contact their local housing authority for assistance. The housing authority may be able to conduct an inspection and require the landlord to make repairs. In some cases, the housing authority may even fine the landlord for failing to maintain the rental property.
Contact National Claims
If your landlord is still not adhering to your disrepair, you should contact National Claims to start your housing disrepair claim with one of our claims specialists. We will also ensure that the legal disrepair process is followed to ensure that you get repairs sorted and financial compensation in a timely manner.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Conduct Repairs?
The amount of time a landlord has to make repairs can vary depending on the state and the severity of the issue. In general, landlords are required to make repairs within a reasonable time frame. This can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on the issue.
If the issue poses an immediate health or safety risk, such as a gas leak or a broken window, the landlord may be required to make repairs within 24 hours.
Who Can I Report My Landlord to?
In the UK, tenants can report their landlord to several organizations if they fail to make necessary repairs. These organizations include:
Environmental Health: The Environmental Health department of your local council can conduct an inspection of your rental property and require the landlord to make repairs if necessary.
Shelter: Shelter is a UK-based charity that provides advice and support to tenants who are experiencing housing issues, including repairs.
Conclusion
In summary, tenants have legal options when their landlord fails to make necessary repairs to their rental property. By documenting the issue, sending written requests, following up, and contacting local housing authorities, tenants can hold their landlords accountable for maintaining a safe and habitable living environment.
If all else fails, tenants may need to file a lawsuit against their landlord. Remember, tenants have rights and protections under the law, and landlords must abide by their responsibilities to maintain their rental properties in a safe and livable condition.
Contact us now at National Claims to find out more about the claims process.
Note: You can only make a claim if you are currently living in social housing.
Click below to see why we are one of the most trusted claims management companies in the UK.
