Landlords in England and Wales have clear legal obligations to keep rental properties safe and in good repair. These duties arise under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and apply to most residential tenancies.
Under this legislation, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining:
This includes the fabric of the building and external elements such as:
Landlords must also keep installations in proper working order, including:
Finally, landlords are responsible for ensuring that:
remain safe, functional, and properly maintained.
Even where a tenancy agreement does not explicitly mention these obligations, the law automatically implies them into most residential tenancy agreements. As a result, landlords cannot avoid responsibility by omitting these terms from the contract.
Disrepair can take many forms and often worsens over time if left unaddressed. Common examples include:
Not only do these issues affect the condition of your home, but they can also seriously impact your physical and mental health. For example, damp and mould may trigger respiratory illnesses, while unsafe fixtures or structures can cause injury. In addition, leaks can damage personal belongings and disrupt everyday living.
Unsurprisingly, many tenants feel frustrated when landlords fail to acknowledge or repair these problems despite repeated reports.
While landlords must maintain a safe living environment, tenants also have responsibilities. Generally, landlords are not responsible for:
Understanding the distinction between landlord and tenant responsibilities can help avoid unnecessary disputes.
If you believe your landlord has failed to deal with disrepair, taking the right steps early is important.
You should report the disrepair as soon as possible and keep evidence, including:
Photographs or videos of the issuesCopies of emails, texts, or lettersA diary recording conversations and timelinesMedical letters from your GP if the disrepair affects your health
This evidence can be crucial if the issue escalates into a legal claim.
You can also contact NJS Law for advice. One of our Housing Disrepair Specialists will guide you through the process and explain your options.
We can help you to:
We understand that renters already face rising living costs. That is why NJS Law handles housing disrepair claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there is no upfront cost to you, and you only pay if your claim succeeds.
Do not wait any longer than necessary to resolve ongoing disrepair. Contact NJS Law today by phone or email for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are here to help protect your rights and improve your living conditions.
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.
