Repairs
If you are an Assured Shorthold Tenant, the landlord/lady cannot pass on responsibility to you for repairs on the 'exterior, structure or installations of the building'.
This includes:
- Repairs to the structure, i.e. roof, windows, walls, floors
- Repairs to the outside of the building, i.e. guttering and drainpipes
- Repairs needed on plumbing, toilets, basins etc.
- Repairs on the installations for the supply of electricity, gas, heating, water heating etc.
You will have to do minor repairs like changing fuses and unblocking sinks.
HOW TO GET REPAIRS DONE
The landlord/lady is not responsible for repairs until they have been told that there is a problem. If you tell them verbally, follow it up in writing, clarifying the details. Keep a copy of this and any other letters you send. Arrange a mutually convenient time for the landlord/lady to come and do the repair.
Unless it is an emergency, you have a right to be given notice of when the landlord/lady or their builders will be visiting. Give the landlord/lady a reasonable amount of time to get the work done. Allow 7 days for non-urgent repairs and 24 hours if there is a risk to health.
If you receive no response after a reasonable amount of time, send a second letter by registered post. In this letter, give the landlord/lady a deadline to get the repair done - and threaten to take further action if this deadline isn't met. Don't withhold rent as a way of trying to make your landlord do the work as you could leave yourself open to potential eviction issues.
For more information about repairs, see the Advice Centre leaflet entitled 'Repairs'.
Website Feedback: Is this page helpful? Good? Bad? Tell us!
