As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and habitable environment.
Housing disrepair refers to issues that affect your home. Problems like leaks, mould, or structural damage can all qualify as disrepair.
Understand what qualifies as a valid issue, who is responsible, and how to address your housing disrepair concerns effectively.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Examples of poor housing conditions
- Landlord and tenant responsibilities
- Understanding the severity of the problem
- Type of repairs
- Your tenant rights
- What to do if disrepair is unresolved
What are examples of poor housing conditions?
Poor housing conditions include problems that make a home unsafe or uncomfortable to live in. If your home has one or more of the following issues, you might be dealing with housing disrepair.
Household leaks
Water leaks, especially from the roof, are a common disrepair issue. These can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor roof maintenance. Leaks can also lead to mould and damp problems if not addressed promptly.
Landlord’s responsibility
Roof leaks, damaged plumbing, or structural issues are typically the landlord’s responsibility to repair. This includes fixing any leaks caused by poor roof maintenance, broken tiles, or faulty drainage systems.
Tenant’s responsibility
Tenants should report leaks as soon as they are noticed. Failing to report leaks promptly may lead to further damage, in which case the tenant could share some responsibility.
Mould and damp
Mould and damp can be caused by various factors, some of which may be the tenant’s responsibility and others the landlord’s.
Landlord’s responsibility
Mould caused by structural issues such as a leaking pipe or poor roof conditions is typically the landlord’s duty to resolve.
If the property has rising damp or penetrating damp, the landlord should deal with the repairs.
Tenant’s responsibility
Tenants must maintain proper ventilation to avoid mould growth. For example, failing to use extractor fans in the bathroom or drying clothes indoors without proper ventilation can cause condensation and mould.
Keeping your home uncluttered is important, as clutter can restrict airflow, trap moisture, and create an environment where mould thrives.
Heating problems
A home should have a reliable and safe heating system, especially in colder climates.
Landlord’s responsibility
The landlord must ensure the heating system is working and properly maintained. This includes fixing broken radiators, boilers, or heating systems that fail due to normal wear and tear.
Tenant’s responsibility
Tenants should use the heating system properly and report any malfunctions promptly. Failure to do so may make them partially responsible if the problem worsens.
Structural cracks
Structural damage, such as cracks in the walls or foundation problems, can make the property unsafe to live in.
Landlord’s responsibility
Most structural issues, like cracks from subsidence or poor construction fall under the landlord’s responsibility.
They must ensure that the property is structurally sound and safe to live in.
Tenant’s responsibility
Tenants should report any cracks or other structural issues as soon as they are noticed.
Neglecting to report problems could result in the tenant being partially responsible for further damage.
Defective windows
Windows that are broken, draughty, or not properly sealed can make your home uncomfortable and unsafe.
Landlord’s responsibility
It’s the landlord’s job to maintain and repair windows, especially if the issue is due to wear and tear, faulty construction, or damage caused by external weather events.
Tenant’s responsibility
If a window is damaged due to tenant negligence—like breaking the glass or damaging the window mechanism—it may be the tenant’s responsibility to repair it.
Pest infestations
Pest problems, like rats, can make a home uninhabitable if not addressed.
Landlord’s responsibility
The landlord is generally responsible for ensuring the property is pest-free and for taking steps to prevent infestations. This may include addressing issues like holes or gaps in the building’s structure that allow pests to enter.
Tenant’s responsibility
If an infestation is caused by tenant negligence, such as leaving food out, failing to keep the property clean, or having a cluttered home that provides hiding places for pests, the tenant could be held responsible for pest control costs.
Keeping your home clean and free of clutter helps prevent pests from thriving and ensures you’re not liable for unnecessary infestations.
Electrical issues
Electrical problems, such as faulty wiring, broken sockets, or malfunctioning lights, can pose serious safety risks and affect the comfort of your home.
Landlord’s responsibility
It is the landlord’s responsibility to maintain and repair electrical systems, ensuring they are safe and meet required standards. This includes fixing any issues caused by normal wear and tear, faulty installation, or external factors like storms.
Tenant’s responsibility
If electrical damage occurs due to tenant negligence—such as tampering with wiring or overloading circuits—the ten
ant may be held responsible for repairs.
