Before we can take any action about a property which has fallen into disrepair, the following steps must have been taken:
a) Inform your landlord you must ensure that the unsatisfactory conditions you wish to complain about fall under the landlords’ responsibility to repair, and that the conditions are not a result of your lifestyle. You must inform your landlord, verbally and in writing listing the defects that require attention.
You may wish to use this example letter template for tenants requesting for repairs to a landlord [DOC, 17Kb]. It is important that you keep a copy of your letter for your records.
Having information to support your complaint will always be useful. This could include:
- records of conversations with your landlord, the date you spoke to them and anything they agreed to do
- copies of any letters or emails you’ve sent to, and received from, your landlord
- photographs of the repair, particularly if the problem gets worse over time belongings or photographs of belongings that have been damaged
- because of the repair problem. For example, clothes or furnishings damaged by mould. It’s useful to keep a note of how much they cost you or
- keep receipts if you have to buy new things to replace them
- a note of any medical visits if you are injured or made ill by the repair problem
- any expert evidence you may have, for example, reports from a surveyor or an Environmental Health Officer.
- a note from a doctor if the problem is affecting someone’s health.
b). Inform your landlord for a second time if no action has been taken by the landlord to the first letter within a reasonable timescale (28 days), then a second letter can be sent to your landlord the second letter gives the landlord a further 14 days to address the issues.