Renting a property in the UK comes with certain responsibilities on both sides – landlords are obligated to provide a safe and habitable living environment, while tenants must pay their rent on time and take care of the property. However, situations may arise where landlords fail to fulfill their maintenance obligations, leaving tenants frustrated and concerned about their living conditions. In this blog, we’ll discuss what you can do if your landlord is not carrying out repairs on your home, outlining your rights and the steps you can take in the UK.
Know Your Rights
Before taking any action, it’s essential to understand your rights as a tenant in the UK:
The Right to a Safe and Habitable Home: Landlords have a legal duty to keep the property in good repair and maintain the structural integrity, gas, and electrical systems.
The Right to Quiet Enjoyment: Tenants have the right to “quiet enjoyment” of their property, meaning the landlord cannot disrupt your peaceful occupation.
The Right to Take Legal Action: If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you have the right to take legal action to enforce their obligations.
Steps to Take
Communicate with Your Landlord: Start by informing your landlord in writing about the issues that need repair. Clearly detail the problems and request a timeline for their resolution. Keep copies of all communication as evidence.
Contact Environmental Health: If your landlord doesn’t respond or fails to carry out repairs, contact your local council’s environmental health department. They have the authority to inspect your property and can issue an Improvement Notice to your landlord.
Use the Rent Deduction Scheme: In some cases, you may be able to deduct the cost of necessary repairs from your rent. However, this should only be done after seeking legal advice and ensuring it’s done correctly to avoid eviction.
Apply for a Rent Repayment Order: If the disrepair has significantly affected your quality of life, you may be able to apply for a Rent Repayment Order through the First-tier Tribunal. This could result in a rent refund or reduction.
Legal Action: As a last resort, you can take legal action against your landlord in court. To find out how we can help you please visit here.
Important Tips
Document Everything: Keep a record of all communications, photographs, videos, and any correspondence related to the repair issues. This will be crucial if you need evidence later.
Seek Legal Advice: Consulting with a solicitor or a housing advice agency can help you understand your specific situation and legal options.
Stay Compliant: Continue paying your rent as usual, even if your landlord isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities. Failing to pay rent can result in eviction.
Conclusion
Dealing with a landlord who is not carrying out repairs on your home can be challenging, but knowing your rights and following the correct procedures can help resolve the situation. Communication is key, so start by notifying your landlord in writing and escalate the matter if necessary. Remember, the law is on your side, and you have the right to live in a safe and habitable environment.
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