As a tenant, you have a right to a safe and habitable property. Unfortunately, some landlords will neglect repair requests, leaving tenants stuck in unsafe or uncomfortable living circumstances. If you’re in this situation, know your rights and the options available to you if you encounter this situation.
What is the Landlord’s Responsibility for Repairs?
In the UK, landlords have to fix problems in their properties. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 imposes a legal duty on landlords to maintain the property in good repair. This covers issues such as:
- Broken plumbing
- Electrical issues
- Damp or mould
- Heating problems
If your landlord is unable to get the repairs done, they are probably in breach of Contract under UK Law.
Landlord not doing repairs can I withhold rent
If your landlord fails to do any kind of repair, you may be asking yourself, “Can I withhold rent?” Although withholding rent seems appealing, it is not a straightforward process and can lead to a Possession Order if you’re not careful. Instead of withholding rent, why not try writing a letter to your landlord explaining what repairs are needed and giving him a reasonable time to complete the repairs?
That being said, you should keep in mind that if your landlord refuses to make repairs that would make the occupancy of the unit intolerable, you should always seek legal advice before considering withholding the rent.
3. What Repairs Are Tenants Responsible For?
Although most repairs are a landlord’s responsibility, tenants also have responsibilities. Here are the duties of a tenant:
- Keeping the property clean
- Reporting any minor issues that could become bigger problems
- Not causing damage through carelessness
Landlords are responsible for keeping the structure and systems of the property (like plumbing, electrical systems, and heating) in repair. Duties regarding repairs of landlords and tenants are outlined in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
4. What to Do if Your Landlord Won’t Make Repairs
If your landlord refuses to make repairs, follow these steps:
Keep a Record of the Problems
Take photographs or videos of the problems, and create a list of what needs to be repaired. Keep this record as evidence.
Write a Letter
Send a formal letter to your landlord requesting repairs. Keep a copy of the letter.
Get Some Help
If your landlord still refuses to carry out the repairs, contact your local council or a housing charity to see if they can assist you.
What is a Housing Disrepair Claim?
If your landlord will not make necessary repairs to the condition of your dwelling, you can claim housing disrepair. This is a legal process that could result in you receiving compensation for all issues you have encountered. Housing disrepair claims happen relatively often when landlords do not carry out their legal responsibilities, which puts tenants in a challenging position.
One service that can assist in housing disrepair claims is ClaimCentral. ClaimCentral provides a straightforward way for tenants to report on their housing issues.
Here are some of the ways they can help:
Professional Support: ClaimCentral’s experienced team is a specialist in housing disrepair claims and takes you through the claims process. They support tenants to know their rights and can take the proper steps to get repairs done.
Claim Central Free Consultation: If you don’t know if you have a valid claim, ClaimCentral offers a free initial consultation. They will look at your case and tell you the best options for moving forward, including negotiating with the landlord or making a claim.
Legal Representation: if your landlord is unwilling to complete repairs, ClaimCentral can connect you with the legal representation you need to recover compensation owed to you. ClaimCentral can help with all aspects of a housing disrepair claim, from reporting issues to negotiations and taking litigation if necessary.
When you are ready to get started with ClaimCentral, visit www.claimcentral.co.uk, where you can complete a contact form, and they will be in contact with you about your case. They are there to assist you as a tenant to fix disrepair matters quickly and effectively.
Taking Legal Action
If you have tried everything above and your landlord has still not carried out the repairs, then you may have to take legal action. You can apply to the courts to order your landlord to carry out repairs. You should consult a solicitor before taking this step, particularly if you are unsure of your rights under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Can You Get Compensation?
If your landlord’s lack of repairs has resulted in damage or stress, it is possible to claim compensation for:
- Costs for damaged personal belongings
- Distress caused by poor living conditions
- Extra expenses, such as staying in temporary accommodation
Conclusion
When your landlord won’t make necessary repairs, it isn’t enjoyable. You certainly don’t have to cope with it by yourself. Keep a note of the issues, send an official letter and then, if you need to, ask for assistance from local authorities or from providers like ClaimCentral. If your landlord won’t fix it, it’s time to take action and ensure that you get what you paid for repairs.
By knowing your rights and the repairing obligations of your landlord, you can protect yourself and take the proper steps towards achieving a solution. Don’t be afraid to reach out to ClaimCentral and be supported and legally advised in resolving the problem you are experiencing about housing disrepair.
Also Read : No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair Compensation
