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Every tenant has the right to live in a property that is safe, secure and suitable for everyday living. While minor wear and tear is common in rented homes, serious repair issues such as damp, leaking roofs, faulty heating or unsafe electrics should not be ignored.

Unfortunately, some repair problems remain unresolved for weeks or even months. Knowing your responsibilities as a tenant, understanding what landlords are expected to maintain and keeping accurate records can make it easier to resolve issues and protect your interests.

What Repairs Are Usually the Landlord’s Responsibility?

Landlords are generally responsible for maintaining the structure of the property and ensuring essential services remain in working order. Although individual tenancy agreements may vary, common responsibilities often include:

• Roofs, walls and foundations
• Windows and external doors
• Plumbing and water systems
• Heating and hot water
• Electrical wiring and installations
• Drains and external pipework

Tenants are usually responsible for taking reasonable care of the property and reporting repair problems as soon as they become aware of them.

Why Reporting Problems Quickly Matters

Waiting too long to report damage can allow a small issue to become much worse. A slow leak, for example, may eventually cause mould, damaged flooring or structural deterioration.

Report Repairs in Writing

Although a telephone call may be appropriate for urgent situations, written communication creates a record that can be referred to later.

Include:

• A clear description of the problem
• The date you first noticed it
• Which rooms are affected
• How the issue impacts your daily life
• Photographs if possible

Keep copies of every email, message or letter you send.

Continue Updating the Landlord

If repairs are delayed, send polite follow-up messages explaining whether the condition has changed or become more serious. A clear communication history helps demonstrate that the landlord has been kept informed throughout the process.

Common Problems That Should Not Be Ignored

Some repair issues affect more than appearance and may require prompt attention.

Damp and Mould

Persistent mould often points to an underlying moisture problem rather than poor housekeeping. Water penetration, leaking pipes or inadequate ventilation may all contribute to recurring mould growth.

Heating Failures

A home without reliable heating or hot water can quickly become uncomfortable, particularly during winter. If vulnerable people, young children or older adults live in the property, explain this when reporting the problem.

Electrical Faults

Sparking sockets, exposed wiring, burning smells or repeatedly tripping circuits should always be treated seriously. Avoid attempting electrical repairs yourself unless you are appropriately qualified.

Structural Damage

Large cracks, unstable ceilings, damaged staircases or loose flooring may create safety risks and should be reported as soon as possible.

Keeping Good Evidence

Strong records make it easier to explain both the repair problem and its impact.

People dealing with ongoing Housing Disrepair should consider creating a simple evidence file that includes photographs, written correspondence and notes about how the condition has affected everyday life.

Helpful evidence may include:

• Dated photographs
• Videos of active leaks
• Copies of repair requests
• Inspection reports
• Receipts for damaged belongings
• Utility bills showing increased heating costs
• Medical records where appropriate

Keeping everything organised can save time if the issue continues.

How Repairs Can Affect Daily Life

Repair problems often have consequences beyond the visible damage.

A damp bedroom may no longer be suitable for sleeping. A leaking ceiling could require furniture to be moved repeatedly, while broken heating may make working from home extremely difficult during colder months.

Children may lose access to bedrooms or study areas, and recurring mould may require constant cleaning that disrupts normal routines.

Keeping a short diary of these difficulties can help demonstrate the practical impact of the disrepair.

Working Towards a Resolution

Most landlords want to resolve genuine repair problems, particularly when they receive clear information and reasonable access to inspect the property.

Allow contractors to attend arranged appointments whenever possible and keep notes of:

• Inspection dates
• Repair work completed
• Missed appointments
• Repairs that failed to solve the problem
• Further issues that developed afterwards

If communication breaks down or repairs continue to be delayed, tenants may wish to seek independent housing advice to understand their available options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I always report repairs in writing?

Yes. Written communication provides evidence of when the problem was reported and what information was shared with the landlord.

What if the same repair keeps returning?

Report it again as soon as possible and explain that previous repairs have not resolved the underlying issue. Updated photographs can help demonstrate the recurring problem.

Can I decorate over damp or mould?

Covering mould with paint rarely fixes the cause. The source of the moisture should be identified and repaired before cosmetic work is carried out.

Should I keep receipts for damaged belongings?

Yes. If clothing, furniture or other possessions are damaged because of unresolved repairs, photographs and receipts may be useful records to retain.

What should I do if the landlord arranges an inspection?

Provide reasonable access where possible and keep a record of the visit, including what was discussed and whether any repair work was recommended.

Conclusion

Delayed repairs can have a significant impact on comfort, health and everyday routines. Reporting problems promptly, maintaining clear written records and documenting how the condition affects your household can help ensure repair issues are properly understood.

By staying organised and communicating consistently, tenants place themselves in a stronger position to work towards a safe, well-maintained home and a satisfactory resolution when repair problems arise.