Housing Hub Living In Your Home

When are landlords responsible for repairs?

Landlords usually hold responsibility for completing most repairs in your rented home. This includes private landlords, councils and housing associations.

How do I report repairs?

Each landlord will have their own way of how they would like repairs reported by a tenant. This may be via a letter, email, message, telephone etc. We would recommend reporting any repairs to the landlord or letting agency in writing.

Once reported, it is important that landlords complete repairs within a reasonable period. How long it takes for repairs to be completed will usually depend upon how serious the problem is. Some housing contracts will state the timeframe in which you can expect repairs to be undertaken.

Issues like heating problems, a broken boiler or a leak, you would expect to be repaired or dealt with fairly quickly as these would be classed as urgent repairs.

Other repairs, for example a broken kitchen cupboard or damaged tiles, could take longer as these could be seen as less urgent.

What if my landlord does not carry out the repairs?

If your landlord fails to carry out repairs, you can take action against them.

First you should contact the landlord and ask for the repairs to be conducted as soon as possible. 

If the landlord fails to conduct the repairs, you can contact Birmingham City Council to help mediate between you and your landlord. 

Private Rented Services
PO Box 16589
Birmingham
B2 2JB

Telephone: 0121 303 5070

Email: prs@birmingham.gov.uk 

Can I take legal action against my landlord if they fail to carry out repairs?

If your landlord fails to carry out repairs, you should check the terms and conditions of your tenancy agreement as you could take legal action against them.

You can take your landlord to court if they will not do repairs after you have asked them.

You are more likely to win your case if you give the court as much evidence as possible. The judge will look at the evidence you and your landlord provide before deciding.

The court could order your landlord to:

• Carry out the repairs
• Pay you compensation, for example if your health has been affected because they failed to conduct the repairs
• Pay some or all of your legal costs

You can contact your nearest Citizens Advice for further advice on taking your landlord to court.

Or you can contact Shelter Housing for further Housing Advice. 

When are tenants responsible for repairs?

There are some occasions where tenants are responsible for repairs. It is said that tenants must keep their home, gardens or outside areas in a reasonable clean and tidy condition. Some tenants may also be responsible for carrying out safety checks on personal electrical items, changing lightbulbs within the property, changing smoke alarm batteries and testing smoke alarms regularly.

Tenants are responsible for fixing anything that they own (including appliances and furniture), damage that has been caused by them or someone they know (including family, friends and guests), and any other minor repairs as set out in their individual tenancy agreement.

Can a landlord charge a tenant to pay for repairs?

Yes - where a tenant (or their guest/visitor) is responsible for causing damage to the property or any item within the property then the landlord can ask for the tenant to pay the costs for the repairs.

Damp and mould your landlord must fix

Your landlord must fix problems that cause damp and mould such as a structural problem or faulty installation. Alongside this, your landlord must also fix damp and mould if it makes your home unfit to live in. 

What causes mould?

Condensation is the most common cause of mould. Condensation occurs when moisture in the air meets a cold surface, like a window or an external wall.

Your landlord should not tell you:

• to paint over mould that keeps coming back
• that the problems are just condensation without checking
• to stop doing everyday things such as cooking or showering

What steps can I take to prevent or reduce condensation?

• Open windows regularly
• Cover pans when you cook
• Dry clothes outdoors or in a dryer
• Close internal doors when you cook or shower
• Use extractor fans in the kitchen and bathroom
• Leave a gap between furniture and external walls
• Wipe condensation from windowsills each morning 

What can I do to report damp and mould in my property?

If your landlord does not tackle the issue of damp and mould and it is excessive, you can contact Birmingham City Council - Environmental Health for further help and support.

If the damp and mould is affecting your health, you should seek medical advice. 

Pests

Issues related to pests are often down to the landlord to resolve. But there are a few things you can do to prevent the issue:

• Clean your house regularly
• Dispose any household waste/rubbish
• Cover garbage cans 

Always remember…

• Report all issues to the landlord immediately following the process outlined in your tenancy agreement, whether this is via an online reporting tool or email. Be sure to follow up on any in-person or telephone conversations with an email, so that you have a clear record if a problem arises.
• If your housemates have caused damage to the property, always report it to your landlord.