Basinga Extra

The online parish magazine of Old Basing and Lychpit

CAB Basingstoke – Getting Repairs Done

CAB Logo

If you’re renting privately

This advice will usually apply to you if you rent from a private landlord and you don’t live with them, the council or a housing association.

Man on SofaYour landlord is responsible for most major repairs in your home. Write to them as soon as you notice a problem, as you could be held responsible if it gets worse. It’s best to put it in writing and send to your landlord, keeping a copy yourself.

If a letting agent manages the property for your landlord, write to them and they should talk to your landlord. The letting agent will be responsible for making sure your landlord does the repairs.

If your landlord is responsible for the repairs, they should do them in a ‘reasonable’ amount of time. What counts as reasonable depends on the problem. For example, a broken boiler should be fixed sooner than a leaky tap.

You should get evidence of the problem, for example:

      • photos of the damage, particularly if the problem gets worse over time.
      • any letters, texts, emails or notes of any conversations between you and your landlord or letting agent.
      • receipts if you’ve had to replace damaged items.
      • letters from your GP if the problem has made you ill.
      • a copy of your tenancy agreement.

Keep any evidence you’ve got – you might need it later if you have to take further action to get repairs done.

Unless it’s an emergency, your landlord should give you at least 24 hours’ written notice if they want to visit your home to see the damage or do repairs. If your landlord won’t do the repairs, keep paying your rent. If you don’t, you’ll get into rent arrears and your landlord might then try to evict you. More information is available on the Citizens Advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/repairs-and-housing

If you have a general enquiry, please call the Citizens Advice Basingstoke free Adviceline on 0808 278 7829, Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm. Citizens Advice Basingstoke is an independent charity, helping local people to resolve their problems. We are here to help.

National Citizens advice website www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Registered charity no 900116.