Improvements and repairs to property
Property in disrepair - contact your landlord if your home needs repairs, has damp or mould
If you think your home needs repairs or improvements you should always contact your landlord first. We can advise you in follow-up discussions in writing.
If you have reported your repair concern to your landlord, and allowed a reasonable time for them to reply or complete a repair, but:
- they have not carried out any necessary repairs
- and your issue is to do with the structure of the property, damp and mould, amenity provisions (kitchen and bathroom facilities) or the main utility installations (gas, water, electrics)
you can contact us for support.
We cannot deal with matters that are to do with cosmetic issues (paint, wallpaper etc.), soft furnishings, furniture or moveable appliances. For such matters, further advice can be provided by Citizens Advice Bureau Eastleigh.
Your landlord is usually responsible for:
- the exterior and structure of the building
- the water, gas and electricity supply
- toilets, bathrooms and drainage; and
- installations for food safety, ventilation, and heating for rooms and water
The Ministry of Justice in collaboration with the Department of Leveling Up, Housing & Communities have developed an online tool to help tenants in the private rented sector find advice & support when they have disrepair issues. The online tool will take individuals through a guided pathway to establish what the issue is and offer them tailored information, guidance and signposting. This aims to help them understand their rights and responsibilities, and identify an appropriate next step when trying to resolve issues before their problems escalate.
The Health and Safety Rating System
Your landlord or their agent must tell you of any serious hazards that exist in your home and around it. There is a ‘housing health and safety rating system’ of 29 potential hazards, including noise; mould and damp; harmful substances like asbestos; overcrowding, poor lighting and pests.
Following an assessment by a qualified and competent office any defects or potential risks identified will be determined as either Category 1 hazards (significant) or Category 2 hazards (lower risk). The Council has a statutory duty to take action in relation to Category 1 hazards. For the lower risk category 2 hazards it is discretionary and will be determined based on the individual circumstances of the case.
If you want to know more, check out this government guidance on the HHSRS.
Gas safety
All gas installations and appliances must be checked and maintained every 12 months by a suitably qualified installer.
Electrical safety
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 landlords are required to have the electrical installation inspected and tested at least every 5 years. They are required to provide a copy of the new electrical installation condition report (EICR) to tenants within 28 days of the inspection and a copy of the current EICR at the start of any new tenancy.
Landlords are required to undertake any further investigation or remedial work identified on the EICR within 28 days of inspection, or by the time specified in the report if less than 28 days.
Please see the Government guidance for more information.
Damp and mould
The Government has issued specific guidance for understanding and addressing the health risks of damp and mould in the home for landlords of rented accommodation. Learn more