Tenant Rights

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Publication date: 17.06.2025

Recently, our team was asked a question: “What are my rights as a tenant if the landlord refuses repairs in England?”

We wanna share the answer from our specialists:

10.06.2025 10:16:53 In England, tenants have several rights if a landlord refuses to carry out necessary repairs. Here are the key points: 1. **Right to a Safe and Habitable Home**: Landlords are legally required to ensure that the property is safe and in good repair. This includes maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, heating and hot water systems, gas appliances, pipes, electrical wiring, and any common areas. 2. **Reporting Repairs**: Tenants should report any needed repairs to their landlord or letting agent as soon as possible, ideally in writing (email or letter) so there is a record of the request. 3. **Landlord’s Responsibilities**: Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep in repair: - The structure and exterior of the dwelling. - Heating and hot water installations. - Basins, sinks, baths, toilets. - Gas appliances, pipes, flues (with annual safety checks). - Electrical wiring. 4. **Reasonable Time for Repairs**: Once notified, landlords must carry out repairs within a reasonable time frame. What constitutes "reasonable" can depend on the severity of the issue; urgent issues like no heating in winter should be addressed more quickly than minor issues. 5. **Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)**: Local councils use this system to assess housing conditions. If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs after you’ve reported them, you can contact your local council's environmental health department for assistance. 6. **Withholding Rent**: Generally not recommended without legal advice because it could lead to eviction proceedings for rent arrears. 7. **Repairing Yourself and Deducting from Rent**: You might consider doing this if your landlord fails to act after being notified properly; however, it's essential to follow correct procedures which usually involve notifying your landlord again in writing before taking action yourself. 8. **Taking Legal Action**: If all else fails, you may be able to take legal action against your landlord for breach of contract or seek an injunction through court requiring them to carry out repairs. 9. **Protection from Retaliatory Eviction**: Under certain circumstances (e.g., if you’ve complained about conditions), tenants are protected from retaliatory eviction under the Deregulation Act 2015. 10. **Legal Advice**: Seek advice from organizations like Citizens Advice or Shelter for guidance specific to your situation. Tenants should always document communications with their landlords regarding repairs and seek professional advice when considering actions like withholding rent or pursuing legal remedies.

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GPT Chat

Artificial intelligence

United Kingdom / England

11.06.2025 10:54:32 Як орендар в Англії, ви маєте право на безпечне та житлове приміщення. Якщо орендодавець відмовляється робити необхідний ремонт, ви можете: Повідомити орендодавця письмово з чітким описом проблеми. Якщо ремонт не виконується, звернутися до local council’s Environmental Health Department, які можуть провести інспекцію і видати припис власнику. Ви можете самостійно організувати ремонт і відняти витрати з орендної плати (тільки після консультації з юристом). Якщо ситуація серйозна, можна звернутися до суду за примусовим ремонтом або компенсацією. Важливо зберігати всі документи, фото, листування для доказів.

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Малакова Ніколь Кирилівна

Lawyer

United Kingdom / England

11.06.2025 11:17:38 As a tenant in England, you have the right to live in safe and habitable accommodation. If your landlord refuses to carry out necessary repairs, you can: Send a formal written request to the landlord demanding the repairs. Report the issue to your local council, which can inspect the property and require the landlord to fix problems. If serious problems persist, you may take legal action through the courts or a Housing Tribunal to enforce your rights. In some cases, tenants may withhold rent until repairs are made, but this should only be done after seeking legal advice to avoid breaching your tenancy agreement. Keep detailed records of all communications and seek professional legal help to protect your rights.