If you rent your home, getting repairs done can be difficult – particularly if you are worried that your landlord may tell you to go, if you dare to complain.
So, if you've got a repairs problem, here's a checklist.
- What sort of tenancy have you got?
Rights vary depending on the type of tenancy and the specific tenancy agreement or lease. But the type of tenancy may also affect whether it is safe
to exercise those rights.
- Do you have security of tenure?
If your tenancy gives you the right to stay in your home, as long as you pay the rent and don't cause a nuisance, you can afford to demand that your landlord fulfils his repair obligations.
If you rent privately, through, say, an assured shorthold or periodic tenancy, you may need to think harder before demanding repairs which could prompt your landlord to issue a retaliatory possession notice.
- What are your landlord's obligations and your own?
All landlords are legally obliged to keep your home habitable and safe.
Repairing obligations include: the structure and exterior of the premises, including drains, gutters and external pipes; water and gas pipes and electrical wiring; basins, sinks, baths, lavatories; fixed heaters and water heaters.
They are also normally responsible for common parts (halls, lifts, staircases etc) and must ensure that any electrical appliances supplied with the property are safe.
- What difference does the tenancy agreement make?
Individual tenancy agreements often spell out landlord and tenant repairing obligations in more detail, but they cannot override the statutory legal obligations outlined above.
- How should I ask for repairs?
If you rent from a local authority, the Right to Repair scheme gives you the right to get certain small urgent repairs done quickly and easily.
- And if I rent privately?
Trickier. First, ask the landlord – provided you are not worried about losing your home. If that doesn't work, options include getting your local authority to put pressure on your landlord and taking him to court.
Banbury Citizens Advice Bureau, 26 Cornhill, Banbury: drop-in service. Hours: 10am-4pm, Mon-Fri, except Tuesday (10am-1pm); appointments only Monday pm. Advice line: 0844-848-7922. Home visiting service: 07802-535582.
