• Who is responsible?
• What should I do if I believe that repairs need to be carried out?
• How long should it take to get repairs done?
• What if I have an urgent problem with a gas leak or gas safety?
• What if I have contacted the Landlord and he/she will not or can not offer a reasonable solution to the problem?
• I have been thinking about withholding my rent to try to force the landlord to do repairs. Is this a good idea?
• Other things that are useful to know

Who is responsible?

Generally the landlord is responsible for repairs to:

-The structure and exterior
-Basins, baths and sinks
-Heating and hot water systems

The landlord is not generally responsible for repairs arising from damage caused by a tenant.

What should I do if I believe that repairs need to be carried out?

The first thing to do is to inform your landlord or letting agent. Explain as clearly and simply as possible what the problem is and try to get some idea of when and how the problem will be dealt with.

If it is necessary for people to have access to the house or flat in order to carry out the repair: try to make clear arrangements of how access is to be made. A tenant has to allow reasonable access and a landlord should give reasonable notice of when access is required (unless the works are so urgent that immediate access is necessary).

How long should it take to get repairs done?

This is a difficult question to answer, but if the works are very urgent, for example serious water leaks, loss of electrical supply, hot water and central heating breakdowns, the landlord should try to respond on the day the complaint is made. It is not always possible to fix even urgent things on the same day, but if the landlord appears to be taking the problem seriously and is trying to solve the problem then the landlord should be given a reasonable opportunity to get things done.

For more routine maintenance problems it may be reasonable to allow a period of weeks for the landlord to organise repairs.

What if I have an urgent problem with a gas leak or gas safety?

Telephone the gas board straight away and take their advice. Do not wait to contact the Landlord first if you think there is a gas leak or urgent gas safety issue.

What if I have contacted the Landlord and he/she will not or can not offer a reasonable solution to the repair problem?

Contact Private Sector Housing on 01449 724716. We may be able to help get the Landlord to carry out repairs. Give your name and address and telephone number and a brief description of the repair problem. If the line is busy you will be asked to leave your details on an answer phone. You may wish to call personally to the office to make a complaint. The main reception is open from 08.30 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

I have been thinking about withholding my rent to try to force the Landlord to do the repairs. Is this a good idea?

Generally, withholding rent tends to make problems worse. You may end up being evicted for non-payment of rent. You are advised not to withhold rent, but if you feel that you must, please seek professional advice before doing so. It is recommended that you speak to a solicitor or a professional housing adviser first.

Other things that are useful to know?

Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994. By law Landlords are responsible in certain circumstances for making sure that the gas installation and appliances are maintained in good order and checked for safety at least every twelve months. A record of checks must be kept and a copy must be given to tenants. Only CORGI registered engineers can carry out work on gas installations and appliances.

The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988 (As amended in 89 and 93). These regulations, amongst other things, place obligations on Landlords to ensure that any furniture and furnishings supplied meet the fire resistance requirements as laid down in the regulations.

If you live in a bed-sit or shared accommodation this service will also try to help if there are problems with fire safety, bad management, overcrowding and shortage of adequate cooking, washing and toilet facilities.

For more information please contact the Council using the details below:

Contact Details

Department: Private Sector Housing
Address: Mid Suffolk District Council Offices, Council Offices, 131 High Street, Needham Market, Ipswich, IP6 8DL
Telephone: 0845 606 6174