What is Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair occurs when a rented property requires repairs to ensure it’s safe and habitable for tenants. By law, landlords must maintain their properties to meet basic living standards, including:

• Damp and Mould: Ensuring the property is free from damp and mould issues.
• Heating Systems: Providing a functional heating system.
• Drains and Gutters: Maintaining proper drainage to prevent leaks and flooding.
• Utilities: Guaranteeing safe access to gas, electricity, and water.
• Vermin Control: Addressing infestations caused by property conditions.
• Facilities: Ensuring toilets, sinks, and washing facilities are in good working order.
• Structural Integrity: Keeping the property’s structure sound and secure.

If you report an issue and your landlord doesn’t act within a reasonable time, it may qualify as housing disrepair.

Issues Landlords Are Responsible For

• Heating Problems: Landlords must repair faulty heating systems.
• Roof Damage: Leaks or plants growing on the roof must be addressed to prevent further damage.
• Damp and Mould: Often caused by broken gutters or rising damp, this is a landlord's duty to fix.
• Hazardous Stairs: Missing handrails or loose flooring on stairs must be repaired to prevent accidents.
• Vermin Infestations: If caused by disrepair or present when you moved in, landlords must resolve them.
• Plumbing Issues: Broken pipes or leaks should be promptly repaired.
• Structural Repairs: Cracks in brickwork or damp caused by rotten window frames need immediate attention.
• Flooring Hazards: Unsafe floors that pose a trip or slip risk must be repaired.

Responsibilities of Tenants

While landlords handle major repairs, tenants have their own responsibilities, including:

• Basic Maintenance: Replacing batteries, lightbulbs, and HVAC filters.
• Cleanliness: Preventing pest infestations through proper hygiene.
• Drain Care: Avoiding blockages caused by flushing foreign objects.
• Damage by Occupants: Repairs caused by tenants, their guests, or pets are the tenant’s responsibility.
• Wall Damage: Fixing holes from shelves or decorations.
• Appliance Care: Misuse of provided appliances shifts the repair burden to tenants.

Need Help with Housing Disrepair?

Get in touch to discover our range of products designed for quick, safe, and easy solutions to disrepair issues.

✉️ info@maxam.co.uk
☎️ 0800 0922 923

Let MAXAM help you keep homes safe and functional!