Housing conditions
Repairs
Landlords are required to carry out repairs to their properties within reasonable timescales depending on the seriousness of the problem.
If repairs are needed in your home there are a number of steps you can take to make sure your landlord carries them out:
- Always report the problem to your landlord no matter how small and always give the landlord the opportunity to fix the problem.
- Follow it up in writing, with a date and keep a copy. It may be important that you can prove your landlord was aware of the problem.
If you don't know who your landlord is, notify the letting agent. You have a legal right to know the landlord's name and address. If you don't know check all your documents about your tenancy or get advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau.
When you report the problem, your landlord should tell you who is responsible for the repair, what will be done and how long it will take.
In emergencies relating to gas you should call the Southern Gas Networks emergency line on 0800 111 999. You may have to call the supplier or emergency services. You should also tell the landlord too.
If the landlord ignores you or takes too long to respond you can report the problem to us. Call 01622 602440 to report it.
Common problems
Damp and mould
There are three causes of damp, each needs a different remedy.
- rising damp, which is dampness that comes from the ground
- condensation which could be due to issues with ventilation or lack of insulation
- dampness due to a leak
If your property has a damp problem speak to your landlord first. If they cannot help, you can email us or call us on 01622 602440.
We will write to your landlord requesting a visit to the property. During the visit we will identify any repairs that are needed, and in some cases we may ask your landlord to carry out the repairs.
Advice to limit mould growth
- address the issue, don't let it build up
- bleach: wash the area using a bleach and water solution or a mould removal product and clean the area with fresh water
- close bathroom and kitchen doors during use and keep them closed afterwards
- do keep using heating, you can turn down the temperature of unused rooms
- extract moisture by opening windows for at least 20 minutes in the morning, and after using the shower, bath or after cooking
- fans (extractor fans) should be used if available and be left of for at least 20 minutes after use
- gaps should be left between furniture and outside walls to allow for air circulation
- heated airers or condensing tumble driers can be used but make sure a window is slightly open in the room at the same time
Smoke alarms
The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 require your landlord to fit:
- A working smoke alarm on each floor of the property and
- A carbon monoxide detector in any room with a solid fuel burning appliance. For example open fire places or log burning stoves
If you're a single family and renting a property with two floors or fewer, then battery powered alarms should be fine. Otherwise linked mains/battery powered alarms might be needed.
If your landlord fails to follow the regulations, we'll give them a notice. If after 28 days detectors haven't been fitted, we'll install them and they could be fined up to £5000.
For more information email us.
Electrical safety
From 1st July 2020 landlords must provide the electrical installation condition report (carried out within the previous five years) for the property for any new prospective tenant.
From 1st April 2021 landlords must have provided existing tenants with a copy of the report. If the report requires further action this must be completed within 28 days. If the Council asks for a copy of the report it must be provided within 7 days. Failure to comply with the regulations could lead to further action and a fine of up to £30,000.
More information on electrical installation condition reports (EICR) and to find a competent person.
Read the full regulations on the legislation.