Your Housing Rights and Legal Standards
Damp & Mould Control
Landlords have a legal responsibility to provide a home free from damp and mould that impacts your health or makes your living conditions unfit for habitation.
Heating & Hot Water
Constant hot water and a reliable heating system are fundamental tenant rights. Any breakdown should be addressed as an urgent priority repair.
Electrical Safety
All wiring and electrical fixtures must be safe. Your landlord is responsible for periodic inspections and immediate resolution of any hazards.
Structural Integrity
The exterior and structure of the building—including roofs, walls, and external doors—must be kept in a dry and safe state of repair by the landlord.
Sanitary Services
Funtional basins, sinks, baths, and toilets are core requirements. Any damage to these essentials must be repaired by the housing provider.
Reasonable Timescales
Repairs must be completed within a 'reasonable time'. Emergency cases like total water loss usually require response within 24 hours.
THE PROCESS
Steps to Resolve Unresolved Repairs
STEP 01
Formal Notification
The first step is always ensuring your landlord has a formal, written record of the repair. Send a detailed email or letter outlining the issue, its impact on your daily life, and any previous reports made.
STEP 02
Internal Grievance Procedure
If the report is ignored, follow your landlord’s official two-stage complaints process. This creates an audit trail that is essential for higher escalation later if the repairs remain outstanding.
STEP 03
Environmental Health Assessment
When repairs affect your health or safety, contact your local council's Environmental Health department. They can perform an independent inspection and issue a legal Improvement Notice to the landlord.
STEP 04
Ombudsman Referral
If the landlord doesn’t resolve the issue within a reasonable timeframe after your formal complaint, escalate to the Housing Ombudsman. They act as a free mediator to investigate handling of repairs.
STEP 05
Speak with an Advocate
At any stage of this process, the Tenant Support Hub is here to help. Reach out via WhatsApp for immediate support, procedural advice, and connecting with legal partners where necessary.