Introduction:
When you rent a property in the UK as residential tenant, your landlord is legally obligated to ensure that the property is safe, habitable and free from any form of disrepair. Housing disrepair refers to the condition where a rented residential property is not maintained in a proper manner, which can lead to a range of issues that can affect the health and wellbeing of the tenants. If you are living in a rented property and you are experiencing issues with housing disrepair, it is important to understand your rights and the legal options available to you.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to the condition where a rented property is not maintained in a proper manner, which can lead to a range of issues that can affect the health and wellbeing of the tenants. Housing disrepair can manifest in various forms, such as:
- Damp and mould
- Leaking roofs and pipes
- Faulty heating and hot water systems
- Infestations of pests such as rats and mice
- Defective electrical wiring
- Unsafe or broken staircases
If you are living in a rented property and experiencing any of the above issues, it is important to take action and seek legal advice.
What are your rights as a tenant?
As a tenant in the UK, you have certain rights that are protected by law. Your landlord is legally obligated to ensure that the property is safe, habitable, and free from any form of disrepair. If the property is not maintained in a proper manner, you have the right to take legal action against your landlord.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord is responsible for ensuring that the following are in a good state of repair:
- The structure and exterior of the property
- The water and gas pipes
- The electrical wiring
- The heating and hot water systems
- The sanitation and drainage systems
If your landlord fails to ensure that any of the above are in good repair, you have the right to take legal action against them.
What legal options do you have?
If you are experiencing housing disrepair in your rented property, there are several legal options available to you. These include:
- Reporting the issue to your landlord: The first step is to report the issue to your landlord in writing. This can be in the form of a letter or an email. Your landlord is legally obligated to respond to your complaint and take action to resolve the issue.
- Contacting your local council: If your landlord fails to respond to your complaint, you can contact your local council. They have a duty to ensure that rented properties in their area are safe and habitable. They can issue an improvement notice to your landlord, which legally requires them to take action to resolve the issue.
- Taking legal action: If your landlord fails to take action to resolve the issue, you may be able to take legal action against them. This can include making a claim for compensation for any damage or personal injury that you have suffered as a result of the housing disrepair.
Housing disrepair can have a serious impact on the health and wellbeing of tenants. If you are experiencing any form of housing disrepair in your rented property, it is important to seek legal advice. As a tenant, you have certain rights that are protected by law, and your landlord is legally obligated to ensure that the property is safe, habitable, and free from any form of disrepair.
For help and assistance please email us at housing@alison-law.co.uk.
