Shared spaces such as hallways, stairwells, communal kitchens or gardens should be kept safe and in repair. If you are a tenant or renter in England and your landlord refuses to fix hazards or maintain shared areas, you have clear rights and practical steps to protect your home and safety. This guide explains who is responsible for repairs in shared parts of a building, how to report and document problems, which official forms to use, when to contact your local authority or the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber), and how to escalate without delay. Read on for straightforward action steps, timelines to expect, and examples of evidence that will strengthen your case.
Who is responsible for repairs in shared areas?
In most standard residential tenancies the landlord is responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of the building and the communal areas in repair. Key legal references for tenancy responsibilities in England include the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977[1][2]. If your lease or licence says the landlord is responsible for shared parts, they must act to remedy hazards like broken lighting, blocked fire exits, exposed wiring, or severe damp that affects safety.
First steps: document, notify, and request repairs
- Keep a written record of the problem, including dates, how it affects safety or use, and any conversations with the landlord.
- Send a written repair request or form to your landlord and keep a copy; include photos, a clear description and the date you reported it.
- Allow a reasonable time for the landlord to respond—typically 14 days for non-urgent repairs, faster for immediate hazards.
When to contact your local council
If the landlord does not act within a reasonable time, report the issue to your local council’s environmental health team who can inspect and, where necessary, enforce repairs on grounds of health and safety[4]. Councils can issue improvement notices and, in some cases, arrange emergency remedial works.
Official forms and when to use them
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – online application (no central form number). Use this if a landlord refuses to carry out repairs and you need a legal order for action or compensation; for example, apply when repeated written requests and council intervention have failed[3].
- Use your local council’s online reporting form for privately rented property problems. Councils usually provide an online complaints form for environmental health to record hazards such as damp, mould or unsafe communal areas[4].
Escalation: tribunal and legal routes
If the landlord still refuses, you can apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) to request an order for repairs or compensation. The tribunal can make legally binding decisions on disputes about repair obligations; before applying gather dated photos, communications, evidence of council involvement and a clear timeline. The tribunal process and guidance on how to apply are available from the official GOV.UK pages[3].
FAQ
- Who pays for repairs in shared areas?
- Usually the landlord is responsible, unless the tenancy agreement clearly and legally transfers responsibility; check your contract and seek advice.
- How long should I wait after reporting before taking further action?
- Allow a reasonable time—commonly 14 days for non-urgent issues—but act faster for immediate safety risks by contacting your council.
- Can I withhold rent if the landlord refuses to repair shared areas?
- Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction; seek advice and consider other legal remedies such as reporting to the council or applying to the First-tier Tribunal instead.
How-To
- Document the issue: take dated photos, note dates and conversations, and keep any receipts.
- Send a clear written repair request to the landlord and keep proof of sending.
- If there is no reasonable response within 14 days, report the problem to your local council using their online form.
- If informal action and council involvement do not resolve it, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) with your evidence.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are normally responsible for repairs to shared areas and must act on hazards.
- Keep detailed records, photos and copies of all communications to strengthen any case.
- Use council enforcement and the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) when necessary.
Help and Support / Resources
- Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) - GOV.UK
- Report a privately rented property: problems such as damp and mould - GOV.UK
- Find your local council - GOV.UK
