Many tenants and renters in England face repairs, damp and mould that affect their health and tenancy. This guide explains who is responsible for repairs, how to report problems formally, what evidence to keep, and the official routes you can use if your landlord does not act. It covers practical steps for communicating in writing, contacting your local council's environmental health, and when to make an application to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). The language is plain and aimed at renters, with examples of forms and timescales so you can act confidently and protect your home and health. It also explains immediate steps for serious hazards, how to document damp and mould, and what to expect from inspections or formal hearings.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Generally, landlords are responsible for keeping a rented home in reasonable repair and free from serious damp or mould caused by structural defects, lack of heating, or leaking pipes. Tenants must take reasonable care to avoid causing damage and to report problems promptly in writing. If the landlord does not respond, you can escalate the matter to your local council's environmental health department or apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order requiring repairs or compensation [1].
Common problems: damp and mould
Damp and mould can come from condensation, leaking drains, rising damp or structural faults. Condensation often needs tenant action (ventilation, heating), while leaks, defective gutters, or broken boilers are usually the landlord's responsibility. Take photos with dates, note smells or health effects, and keep copies of messages and repairs requests.
Health and safety thresholds
If mildew or mould is affecting health (for example causing breathing problems), report it as a potential hazard to environmental health. Councils can inspect and issue improvement notices to landlords where standards breach housing law.
How to report repairs and escalate
Start by writing a clear report to your landlord or managing agent giving dates, a description of the problem and proposed access times for inspection. Keep a copy. If there is no reasonable response, contact your local council's environmental health team or consider a tribunal application.
- Contact your landlord or agent in writing and request repairs with proposed access times.
- Keep evidence: dated photos, messages, receipts and a repair log.
- Set reasonable deadlines for action (for example 7–14 days for non-urgent repairs).
- If safety or heating is affected, state this clearly and request an urgent inspection.
Official forms and legal routes
There are official forms available if you need to progress a formal claim or agreement. Common forms include:
- Form N5 — Possession claim form (used by landlords to start possession proceedings; tenants may see this if a court claim begins). See the official form and guidance if you receive a claim [2].
- Form N11 — Agreement to leave (used when landlord and tenant agree a date to end the tenancy; can be used to avoid court if both parties consent) [3].
- First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) applications — you can ask the tribunal for orders about repairs or compensation if other routes fail. The tribunal handles many residential property disputes [1].
What tenants can (and should) do: step-by-step guidance
Follow clear steps so you keep rights and build a record that can be used in complaints or proceedings.
- Report the issue to the landlord in writing and keep a copy of the message and date of delivery.
- Document the problem with photos, videos, and a dated log of symptoms or damage.
- If urgent or affecting health, contact your local council's environmental health department and request an inspection.
- If repairs are not carried out, get written quotes or reports from qualified contractors to support your case.
- If other options fail, apply to the First‑tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for an order requiring repairs or compensation [1].
Key Takeaways
- Landlords are usually responsible for structural repairs and problems caused by leaks or faulty heating.
- Keep dated evidence and written records of all contacts and inspections.
- If the landlord does not act, you can involve environmental health or the First‑tier Tribunal.
Help and Support / Resources
- GOV.UK: Get your landlord to make repairs
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – GOV.UK
- GOV.UK: Find your local council (for environmental health)
