Repairs

What if my landlord doesn't carry out repairs?

Private Landlord

The first step is for you to write to your landlord including the following details in your letter or email:-

• Your name and address
• List of problems with your property
• A reasonable date for your Landlord to respond to you by. We usually suggest at least 28 days. (It is important to keep a copy of the letter or email) 

A  document sample letter is available (32 KB)  for you to use.

 What happens if my landlord does not reply?

• If you do not receive a satisfactory response to your letter, please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01905 722288 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. who will be able to advise you further. They will likely ask you for a copy of the correspondence with your landlord, your landlords contact details, photographs of the repair issue and a copy of your tenancy agreement.
• The Officer may arrange for an inspection to occur at your property and your landlord will be notified of this.
• Once the inspection has been carried out by one of our officers, if the officer deems the property in contains hazards we will write to the landlord on your behalf or undertake further enforcement action.

Social Housing Tenant

If you are a tenant of Housing Association, you should report any complaints to your landlord in the first instance. If the repair is not actioned please contact the Private Sector Housing Team on 01905 722288 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to discuss. You will be asked to provide your repairs reference number given to you by your Housing Association. 

Can I withhold rent?

If a tenant does not pay their rent, the landlord can take them to court for arrears, and they may seek possession on arrears grounds. In some circumstances, if the right procedure is followed, the tenant could do the works and take the cost out of the rental payments. A tenant considering this should always get advice first from the Private Sector Housing Team.

Further Information

• Shelter Repairs Advice Website
• pdf Gas Safety - Poster (1.93 MB)
• pdf Carbon Monoxide - Leaflet (1.55 MB)
• Private Accommodation Standards Team - Contact Details