Landlords have a duty to ensure your rented property is safe and habitable. They are always responsible for timely repairs to the following:
- The roof, walls, windows, and overall structure and appearance of the property
- Bathrooms, including bathtubs, toilets, basins, pipes, and drains
- Water and heating systems
- Gas appliances
- Ventilation systems
- Electrical wiring
Your landlord cannot charge you for any of these repairs and is responsible for them regardless of what your tenancy agreement states. However, if your landlord agrees to take on additional repairs, this will depend on the terms of your tenancy agreement.
When can I make a claim for housing disrepair?
You may be able to make a housing disrepair compensation claim against your landlord if they refuse to carry out repairs they are responsible for.
To be eligible, you must have reported the issue to your local council or housing association landlord and provide proof of this, which we can help you gather. If your landlord fails to make the necessary repairs within a reasonable time frame, you may seek compensation.
You can file a housing disrepair claim at any point during your tenancy or within six years of notifying your landlord about the issue. Personal injury claims must be made within three years of the incident.
Faults caused by your own negligence or unreasonable actions are not the landlord’s responsibility. While we specialise in property disrepair claims, we currently do not handle cases involving private landlords. If you have used a letting agent or your landlord is an individual, we may not be able to assist you.