Landlord Ignoring Repairs? Your Rights in Northern Ireland

If your landlord is ignoring your repair requests in Northern Ireland, you may feel frustrated or unsure of what to do next. As a renter, you have legal rights to a safe and well-maintained home, protected by the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. This guide will explain the steps you can take, official forms to use, and where to get support if your landlord fails to carry out repairs.

Your Landlord’s Duty to Repair

Legally, landlords in Northern Ireland must keep your property safe and in good repair. This usually includes:

• Maintaining the structure and exterior (e.g., roof, walls, windows)
• Keeping installations for water, gas, electricity, heating, and sanitation working safely
• Carrying out repairs within a reasonable timeframe after being notified

Your tenancy agreement may outline more details, but your rights are also protected by law, even if not written into your contract.

Steps to Take If Your Landlord Ignores Repairs

If your landlord doesn't respond or refuses to repair after you've requested it, you can try the following action steps:

1. Report the Repair in Writing

• Contact your landlord (or their agent) in writing (letter, email, or text) describing the problem and requesting a repair.
• Keep a copy of all correspondence, dates, and any responses.

2. Give a Reasonable Timescale

• Allow your landlord a reasonable period to respond—what is reasonable depends on the urgency (e.g., 24 hours for no heating in winter, 28 days for minor issues).

3. Contact Your Local Council’s Environmental Health Department

• If your landlord does not act, contact your local council's Environmental Health Department. They can inspect your home and require your landlord to carry out necessary repairs, especially if your health or safety is at risk.
• Find your local council in Northern Ireland

4. Make a Formal Complaint

• If informal steps fail, you can submit a complaint to your council. They may require you to use a complaint form depending on the council.
• If your landlord is a registered social landlord or housing association, use their official complaints process first. For private landlords, proceed through Environmental Health.

5. Taking Further Action: The Residential Tenancy Tribunal

If necessary repairs remain unaddressed and the council cannot resolve the issue, you can apply to the Residential Tenancy Tribunal for Northern Ireland for a decision.

• The Residential Tenancy Tribunal hears disputes about repairs, rent, deposit returns, and other tenancy issues.
• Prepare to submit all your supporting evidence: written requests, photos, council reports, and correspondence.

Official Forms and How to Use Them

• Residential Tenancy Tribunal Application Form (RTT 1)
  • When to use: If you need a formal tribunal ruling because your landlord has failed to carry out required repairs and informal steps have failed.
  • Example: If your landlord refuses to fix severe damp despite council involvement, complete the RTT 1 form and submit it to the Tribunal.
• Local Council Environmental Health Complaint Form
  • When to use: If you need the council to inspect your home or issue a repair notice to your landlord. Forms vary—check your local council’s website under ‘housing’ or ‘environmental health’.
  • Example: You can use a council’s online form or download a PDF to report electrical hazards, severe mould, or no heating.

Can I Withhold Rent?

Withholding rent is not recommended; you risk eviction if you stop paying. Always seek advice or use formal complaint routes before considering this, as the law does not automatically give you the right to stop paying rent if repairs are owed.

Your Rights Under Northern Ireland Law

Your right to safe, well-maintained housing comes from the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006. This law explains landlord obligations and what steps councils and tribunals can take to enforce repairs. For more, see Repairs in Private Tenancy Homes (NI Direct).

1. What steps can I take if my landlord ignores my repair requests in Northern Ireland?
   Start by reporting the repair in writing, allow a reasonable time for a response, contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department if ignored, and consider applying to the Residential Tenancy Tribunal if needed.
2. What is the Residential Tenancy Tribunal, and how can it help?
   The Residential Tenancy Tribunal is an official body that resolves disputes between landlords and tenants, including repairs. You can apply using the RTT 1 form.
3. Should I stop paying rent if repairs are outstanding?
   No, withholding rent can put you at risk of eviction. Instead, document the problem, use official complaint routes, and seek advice.
4. How quickly should repairs be done?
   ‘Reasonable time’ depends on the repair’s urgency. Emergency repairs (e.g., heating in winter) should be done within 24–48 hours. Less urgent repairs can take up to 28 days.
5. Where can I find official help if my landlord refuses to fix problems?
   Contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department or seek guidance from government-backed housing advice services.

Key Takeaways

• Your landlord has a legal duty to carry out necessary repairs in Northern Ireland.
• Start with written requests, then escalate to your council and finally the Residential Tenancy Tribunal using the correct forms if needed.
• Do not withhold rent—always use legal channels to resolve repair disputes.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Repairs in Private Tenancy Homes (NI Direct): Government advice on tenant repair rights
• Residential Tenancy Tribunal for Northern Ireland: Submit disputes and get Tribunal forms
• Find Your Local Council: For Environmental Health contacts and complaint forms
• Housing Rights NI – Repairs Advice: Free confidential tenancy advice for private renters

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1. Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006
2. Residential Tenancy Tribunal for Northern Ireland
3. NI Direct – Repairs in Private Tenancy Homes
4. RTT 1 Form: Rental Dispute Application

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