One of your main rights as a private tenant is to live in a property that is safe and in a good state of repair.
Your landlord is always responsible for repairs to:
- The property’s structure and exterior
- Basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains
- Heating and hot water
- Gas safety, appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
- Electrical wiring and safety
- Damp and mould problems caused by disrepair
As a tenant, you will likely be responsible for looking after the property, keeping it in a reasonable state, such as well-ventilated to avoid condensation and mould and minor internal repairs. Check the terms of your tenancy agreement for further information on what repairs you are expected to undertake.
You can read more about private sector repairs and your rights on the following pages:
- Government guidance to private sector repairs
- Shelter advice for tenants about repairs
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018)
You must report any repairs to your landlord or lettings agent in the first instance. Shelter provide a repairs request template to help you do this.
Or you could use the government’s repairs checker to find out how to get repairs done.
When repairs are not carried out
If repairs are not carried out, we may be able to help. We can do an inspection of the property you rent under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
We have powers under the Housing Act 2004 to ensure your landlord carries out the work needed to resolve any health and safety hazards, such as an improvement notice or immediate remedial action.
If you have reported a repair to your landlord which hasn’t been completed, or would like further advice on this issue, please contact the private sector housing team.
Tel: 01827 709388 or email [email protected].
Housing associations tenants
If your landlord is a social housing association, we’d advise you to exhaust their complaints procedure before reporting any disrepair to Tamworth Borough Council.