Rent Me

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WELCOME TO RentMe.co.uk

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If you are looking for a flat to rent, it can sometimes be easy to miss problems when viewing and then discover them once you have moved in. By then you already had at least a six month contract with your landlord and might worry that you will have to live with a broken shower or a dodgy boiler.

Thankfully this is not the case. Landlords are required by law to keep your flat in working order and there are a set of procedures you can go through to get your landlord to fix anything which goes wrong with your flat. As long as the state of disrepair was not your fault then your landlord should be willing to fix the problem. The following points set out the responsibilities of your landlord.

• A landlord will always be responsible for the structure of the flat, both on the interior and the exterior. This includes the access to any garden. The landlord is also responsible for water and gas pipes and the electrical system, basins, baths and sinks and any fixed heating appliances.

• The landlord is also responsible for repairs to areas such as landings, hallways and lobbies if they own the whole building in which your flat in situated.

• Gas and electrical appliances must always be made safe by your landlord.

If you wish to undertake any repairs or improvements yourself and pay for them you are usually allowed to do this. You need to get written permission from your landlord but they are legally not allowed to refuse if the work is reasonable.

So what should you do if your landlord is being difficult and refusing to carry out repairs which you think are necessary?

• You should request the repair in writing and keep any correspondence.

• Bear in mind that if you have a shorthold tenancy your landlord may be able to evict you if you ask for repairs. Check your contract.

• Never withhold rent in lieu of repairs. This could simply prompt the landlord to take steps to have you evicted.

• Contact the Citizens Advice Bureau if your negotiations with your landlord amount to nothing. You may need the help of a solicitor. If your landlord is a member of the Housing Ombudsman scheme you may also be able to go to them with your complaint.

• If all else fails you can take your landlord to the civil court if you believe a clause in the tenancy agreement has been broken. The landlord may receive a court order to carry out the repairs and you may get compensation.