Your Legal Rights as a Tenant Your Landlord Ignores Repairs

Your Legal Rights as a Tenant

Living in a rental property should come with the peace of mind that your home is safe, secure, and habitable. Unfortunately, many tenants across the UK face situations where their landlords fail to address serious repair issues—ranging from damp and mould to broken heating systems or pest infestations. If you’re one of those tenants wondering what your rights are and what you can do when your landlord ignores your repair requests, this guide will help you navigate the legal steps available to you.

Landlords have a legal obligation under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to ensure that the properties they let out are kept in good repair. This includes maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, ensuring heating and hot water systems work properly, and addressing issues like mould, leaks, and vermin infestations. When these repairs are neglected, tenants may be living in unsafe or unhealthy conditions—and that’s where housing disrepair claims come into play. Our team at Housing Disrepair Team specialises in helping tenants assert their legal rights and secure the compensation and repairs they are entitled to.

Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have several key rights when it comes to the condition of your property:

Right to a Safe and Habitable Home: Your landlord must ensure that your home is fit to live in. This means the property must not pose any risk to your health or safety.
Right to Repairs: Landlords are legally responsible for most major repairs. This includes structural damage, heating and hot water systems, electrical wiring, and protection from damp and mould.
Right to Quiet Enjoyment: Your landlord cannot interfere with your right to live in the property peacefully. This includes avoiding unnecessary inspections or ignoring repair requests that disrupt your daily life.

If your landlord fails to uphold these rights, you have legal avenues available to compel them to act or seek compensation.

Common Issues That Require Action

Many tenants put up with poor living conditions, believing there’s little they can do. However, the law is clear about the landlord’s duties. Some common disrepair issues include:

Damp and Mould: These are not only unsightly but can lead to respiratory issues, especially in children and the elderly.
Pest Infestations: Rodents, cockroaches, and other pests are a health hazard and must be dealt with immediately.
Water Leaks and Damage: Persistent leaks can cause structural issues and mould growth.
Broken Heating Systems: Especially dangerous in winter, lack of heating can be classified as a serious hazard.
Broken Windows and Doors: These can compromise your security and energy efficiency.

If you’re facing any of these issues, it’s vital to document everything and report the problem in writing to your landlord.

What to Do When Your Landlord Doesn’t Act

Report the Problem in Writing: Always communicate repair issues in writing, such as via email or letter, and keep a copy for your records. Be specific about the issue and when you first noticed it.
Give Them Time to Respond: Landlords should act promptly. For non-urgent repairs, this usually means within a reasonable period, generally 14–28 days.
Gather Evidence: Take dated photographs, keep a record of your complaints, and note any responses—or lack thereof—from your landlord.
Contact the Environmental Health Department: If your landlord fails to respond, your local council’s environmental health team can inspect your home and issue enforcement notices to the landlord if necessary.
Seek Legal Support: If the issue persists, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. This could result in the court ordering the landlord to carry out the repairs and possibly award you financial compensation.

How the Housing Disrepair Team Can Help

At Housing Disrepair Team, we are committed to helping tenants stand up to negligent landlords. We offer a no win, no fee service, which means you can pursue your case without worrying about upfront legal costs.

Our team of experts can guide you through the entire claims process—from evaluating your situation and collecting evidence to representing you in court if needed. We understand the stress that comes with poor housing conditions and work tirelessly to ensure your rights are upheld and your home is made safe again.

We’ve helped hundreds of tenants across the UK successfully file claims against their landlords, securing thousands of pounds in compensation and ensuring vital repairs were carried out promptly. If you’re suffering due to landlord negligence, don’t stay silent—reach out to the professionals who can fight for your rights.

Final Thoughts

Every tenant deserves to live in a home that is safe, comfortable, and properly maintained. If your landlord is ignoring your repair requests, you are not powerless. The law is on your side—and with the right help, you can take action.

Don’t let housing disrepair issues affect your health or well-being. Contact Housing Disrepair Team today for a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your right to a safe home.