When Landlords Fail to Repair: Your Legal Rights as a Tenant

What are my legal rights as a tenant?

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and habitable property. Your landlord has a legal obligation to maintain the property to a certain standard and make necessary repairs when required. Unfortunately, some landlords fail to fulfil their responsibilities, leaving tenants in unsanitary, dangerous, or uncomfortable living conditions.

‍

If you find yourself in such a situation, it's essential to know your legal rights as a tenant in the UK. Here are the key legal requirements that landlords must adhere to:

• The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: This legislation sets out the landlord's obligation to maintain the property's structure, exterior, and certain installations, including water and heating systems. The landlord must also keep the property in a good state of repair and provide essential services such as sanitation.
• The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): This system sets out specific hazards that could affect the health and safety of tenants. Landlords are responsible for assessing and addressing any hazards identified under the HHSRS.
• The Defective Premises Act 1972: This act imposes a duty of care on landlords to ensure that their properties are free from defects that could cause harm to tenants.

If your landlord fails to fulfil these obligations, you may be entitled to take legal action to resolve the issue. Here's how Housing Disrepair Experts can help:

1. Assessing the problem: Housing Disrepair Experts can help assess the extent of the disrepair and determine whether your landlord is liable.
2. Notifying the landlord: Housing Disrepair Experts can draft a letter to your landlord, notifying them of the disrepair and requesting that they make the necessary repairs.
3. Gathering evidence: Housing Disrepair Experts can help you gather evidence to support your claim, such as photographs, videos, and witness statements.
4. Negotiating a settlement: If your landlord agrees to make the necessary repairs, Housing Disrepair Experts can help negotiate a settlement on your behalf.
5. Taking legal action: If your landlord fails to address the disrepair, Housing Disrepair Experts can help you take legal action to get the issue resolved.

In conclusion, when landlords fail to repair, you have legal rights as a tenant in the UK. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's essential to seek advice from Housing Disrepair Experts, who can guide you through the legal process and help you get the resolution you need. Remember, no one should have to live in unsafe or unsanitary conditions, and your landlord has a legal obligation to ensure that your home is habitable.