Report disrepair to your landlord
Reporting problems in writing is an important step before you can take things further. This letter records what is wrong and the date you reported it.
What to look out for
- Always report repairs in writing. A phone call is very hard to prove later.
- Take dated photographs of every problem before you send the letter.
- Small day-to-day tasks are usually the tenant's responsibility; the structure, and installations such as heating and plumbing, are usually the landlord's. Check your tenancy agreement.
- If it is an emergency, such as a gas leak, no heating or no hot water, phone first and send this letter afterwards as a record.
- If the landlord does not act, you may be able to ask your local council's environmental health team to inspect the property.
FAQ
- Can I withhold rent until the repairs are done?
- Withholding rent is risky and can put your tenancy at risk. The safer route is to report in writing, give a deadline, and then take advice — for example from Citizens Advice or your local council.
- What is a reasonable deadline?
- For most repairs a couple of weeks up to about six weeks is reasonable, depending on how serious it is. For anything urgent you can set a much shorter deadline.