In the UK, landlords are liable for providing a habitable and easy living space to their tenants. They also must do this without interfering in their privacy, which means that as a tenant, you have the right to sue your landlord if they neglect their responsibilities. One of the easiest ways that tenants can become frustrated when they are spending a lot of money on rent is that there is no help when it comes to repairs.

If your landlord is neglecting to do those vital repairs that you need, then they have left you exposed to danger. You then have the right to sue them for not fulfilling their responsibilities, and you should calculate compensation for housing disrepair so that they have to pay for it no matter what. If your landlord is not doing the repairs that they should be doing, let’s take a look at some of the things that you should consider. 

Image source: Pexels

1. Make a list. With the support of a witness, you need to make a list of the areas that need repair in the home.It can be very unclear sometimes where the lines are between the landlord and the tenant responsibilities. For example, if one of your kids has caused some damage, then that’s on you to repair it, including replastering and repainting a wall if it’s been damaged. However, if the plumbing has broken and caused the leak and therefore all of your belongings have been covered in mould or damp, then that’s up to the landlord to help with.
2. Make sure that you have evidence. If there is disrepair in the home then you need to take pictures of the areas that need to be repaired and send them to your landlord and property agent if necessary. This is the best way to communicate because not only will you have documented pictures, but these will be date stamped. Keep copies of all texts, emails and letters in case you need to refer to these at a later stage, and make sure that you are gathering evidence of any refusal to make those repairs. If you do have to make hefty repairs by yourself, that shouldn’t be in your remit, keep hold of the receipts. The one thing you should never do is withhold rent as a result.
3. Talk to your landlord. You can’t expect your landlord to know something is wrong with the property unless you’ve reached out and told them. As a tenant, it is your responsibility to notify them straight away if you discover a problem. This is especially the case if it’s a significant one that could pose huge damage to your safety, belongings or the property of the landlord. You should contact them or the letting agent in writing so that you have all records of correspondence.
4. Make a timeline. Your tenancy agreement should permit the landlord to inspect the premises and establish the areas of repair and maintenance that are needed. As long as they notify you in writing within 24 hours, it shouldn’t be a problem. The time that’s taken to mend the disrepair depends on the extent of the issue. Make sure that you have a timeline in place with quotes from outside sources so that you can go to the landlord with all of the information.