Renting a home in the UK comes with important rights and protections, especially when it comes to safety and repairs. As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that is safe, secure, and in good condition. Landlords are legally responsible for maintaining certain parts of the home and ensuring it meets health and safety standards.
One area of concern, especially in older buildings, is asbestos. If you live in a property built before the 2000s, your landlord may need to arrange for an Asbestos Survey London to check for this hazardous material. Asbestos can pose serious health risks if disturbed, so tenants have the right to request information about whether it is present and what actions are being taken to manage it.
Knowing your rights helps you to speak up when something isn’t right and ensures that your living conditions meet legal requirements.
The Right to a Safe and Habitable Home
All tenants in the UK have the right to live in a home that is safe and fit for human habitation. This means your home must be free from serious hazards, including dangerous electrical wiring, gas leaks, damp or mould, and structural problems.
Landlords have a duty to maintain the basic structure and exterior of the building, as well as essential services such as water, gas, electricity, and heating. They must also ensure that the property complies with safety regulations, including those related to fire prevention and the presence of hazardous substances.
If any part of your home becomes unsafe, it is your landlord’s responsibility to fix it within a reasonable time. Failing to do so may breach your legal rights.
Repairs Your Landlord Must Handle
Your landlord is required to carry out certain repairs, even if the tenancy agreement does not mention them specifically. These include:
Repairing broken boilers, leaking pipes, or faulty wiring
Fixing structural damage such as cracks in walls or broken windows
Maintaining installations for heating, hot water, sanitation, and power
Making sure that any appliances they provide (like a cooker or washing machine) are safe to use
If a repair is needed, you should report it to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible. It’s best to do this in writing so that there is a record of your request.
How Long Should Repairs Take?
The law does not set exact timeframes for every type of repair, but landlords are expected to respond in a reasonable amount of time. Urgent issues that could affect your health or safety, such as a gas leak or broken heating in winter, should be addressed immediately. Less urgent repairs, like a dripping tap or sticking window, can take a little longer.
If your landlord ignores repair requests, you have options. You can contact your local council’s housing department, which has the authority to inspect your home and require the landlord to carry out repairs if necessary.
Fire, Gas, and Electrical Safety
Landlords are legally required to take certain steps to protect tenants from fire and electrical hazards. Smoke alarms must be installed on every floor, and carbon monoxide alarms should be in any room with a solid fuel-burning appliance.
Gas appliances must be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Landlords must provide you with a copy of the gas safety certificate within 28 days of the inspection.
Electrical systems must be inspected at least once every five years by a qualified electrician. This is known as an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR). A copy of this report must be provided to tenants.
If you suspect that safety checks are not being done properly or at all, you have the right to raise concerns and request evidence.
Dealing with Damp and Mould
Damp and mould are common problems, especially in poorly ventilated properties. These conditions are not only unpleasant but can also affect your health. Landlords are responsible for treating damp caused by leaks, poor insulation, or other structural problems.
If the damp is caused by how the property is used—for example, by drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation—the tenant may also have a role in fixing the issue. Still, landlords must ensure that the property is properly maintained and suitable for living in.
If you report damp or mould and nothing is done, your local council can step in. They can carry out an inspection and issue improvement notices if necessary.
What to Do If Your Landlord Doesn’t Act
When a landlord fails to carry out repairs or resolve safety issues, tenants are protected by law. If your landlord does not respond to repair requests within a reasonable time, you should:
Keep a written record of all your requests, including emails or letters
Take photos or videos of the problem to provide evidence
Contact your local council for assistance
If the issue is serious and puts your health at risk, the council may carry out an inspection using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). If they find a hazard, they can order your landlord to carry out repairs or even prosecute them for serious breaches.
Can You Refuse to Pay Rent?
Withholding rent may seem like a reasonable reaction to unresolved repairs, but it’s not usually advisable. Failing to pay rent can lead to eviction, even if your landlord has neglected their duties. Instead, follow the proper process by reporting the issue and involving the local council if needed.
In some situations, you may be able to arrange for repairs to be carried out yourself and deduct the cost from your rent—but only if strict conditions are met. You must notify the landlord, get written quotes, and provide receipts. Legal advice should always be sought before taking this step.
Ending Your Tenancy Due to Unsafe Conditions
If your home is unfit to live in and the landlord refuses to act, you may consider ending your tenancy early. This is a serious decision and should not be taken lightly. You must follow the rules of your tenancy agreement and provide the proper notice.
If the landlord has seriously breached their obligations, you may be able to leave without penalty, but legal advice is recommended. Tenants can also apply to a court for compensation or a rent repayment order if the landlord has committed serious breaches.
Staying Informed as a Tenant
Understanding your rights helps you take the right action when things go wrong. It also helps protect your health, well-being, and financial security. All tenants have the right to live in a property that is safe, well-maintained, and free from serious hazards.
Staying informed allows you to spot problems early, request the right repairs, and know when to involve local authorities if needed. Keeping written records, being clear in your communications, and knowing where to get help all support your ability to live in a safe and secure rental home. If you want to stay updated with posts like this, please follow us on SFM COMPILE.