Repairs

Landlords are required to carry out repairs to their property within a reasonable timescale. The time will depend on the seriousness of the problem.

If repairs are needed in your home, you should:

• report all problems to your landlord, no matter how small
• always give the landlord the chance to fix the problem
• follow it up in writing, with a date
• keep a copy of the written complaint to prove your landlord was aware of the problem

You have a legal right to know the landlord's name and address. If you do not know, you can:

• check all your documents about your tenancy
• get advice from the Citizens Advice Bureau
• tell your letting agent

When you report the problem, your landlord should tell you:

• who is responsible for the repair
• what will be done
• how long it will take

If the landlord ignores you or takes too long to respond, you can report the problem to us by calling 01622 602 440 or using our form.

Gas emergencies

If you have a gas emergency, call the Southern Gas Networks on 0800 111 999. You may have to call the supplier or emergency services. Make sure that you let your landlord know about the gas problem.

Common problems

Damp and mould

There are three causes of damp:

• rising damp that comes from the ground
• condensation, which could be due to issues with ventilation or a lack of insulation
• dampness due to a leak

How to limit mould growth

• address the issue, don't let it build-up
• clean the area using a mould removal product - be sure to follow the instructions on the packet
• 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 off 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

If you have a damp problem

If your property has a damp problem, speak to your landlord first. If they cannot help, you can complete our form or call us on 01622 602 440.

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.

Smoke alarms

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Regulations 2015 (as amended) 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 fuel combustion appliance (apart from cookers)

If you're a single family and renting a property with two floors or fewer, battery-powered alarms can be supplied. Larger properties will need linked mains or battery-powered alarms.

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.

Electrical safety

From 1 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 1 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.

Report a housing standard issue

You can tell us about a problem or ask us a question about:

• fire safety
• a property in disrepair
• paying for property repairs
• Houses of Multiple Occupation
• UK entry inspections of accommodation
• electrical reports
• energy efficiency
• unlawful evictions or harassment

Report an issue