Requesting Repairs from Your Landlord in Northern Ireland

If you’re renting a home in Northern Ireland and something needs fixing, it’s important to know how to properly request repairs from your landlord. Whether it’s a leaky roof or broken heating, you have legal rights to live in a safe, well-maintained property. This guide explains the steps you should take, your landlord’s responsibilities, and what to do if repairs aren’t carried out.

Your Landlord’s Repair Responsibilities

By law, landlords in Northern Ireland must keep your home in good repair and ensure it meets basic housing standards. Under the Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006, landlords are usually responsible for:

• Maintaining the structure and exterior of the property (e.g. walls, roof, windows, doors)
• Ensuring installations for water, gas, electricity, heating, and sanitation are in working order
• Fixing problems with shared areas in flats, like stairwells

Renters are responsible for minor maintenance, like changing light bulbs or keeping the property clean and tidy. Make sure you check your tenancy agreement for specific obligations.

How to Request Repairs

Follow these steps to ask your landlord for repairs:

• Report the problem quickly. The sooner you tell your landlord, the sooner they can act. Even if the issue seems small, it can get worse over time.
• Request repairs in writing. It’s best to email or post a letter, so you have a record. Describe the issue clearly, mention how it’s affecting your home, and ask for it to be fixed by a reasonable date.
• Take photos if possible. This helps show the extent of the problem.
• Keep copies of all communications with your landlord about the repair.

You can use the Sample Letter: Requesting Repairs from Your Landlord provided by NI Direct to help structure your email or letter. This is not an official form, but an approved template to make your request clear.

If you’re not sure who to contact, your landlord’s details should be in your tenancy agreement or you can ask your letting agent.

What Happens Next?

Your landlord should respond within a reasonable time and arrange for the repairs. How quickly depends on how urgent the problem is. For example, no heating in winter or a burst pipe should be dealt with as soon as possible. Less urgent issues (like minor leaks) may take longer to fix.

If Your Landlord Does Not Make Repairs

If your landlord doesn’t respond or refuses to carry out repairs, you have options:

• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health department. They can inspect the property and may order your landlord to carry out necessary repairs if the property is unsafe or fails standards. Find your council’s details on NI Direct: Local Councils.
• Keep evidence of the problems and your communications.
• Do not withhold rent unless you have received legal advice, as it could risk eviction.

The official tribunal for private tenancy disputes in Northern Ireland is the Rent Assessment Panel (Northern Ireland). They can help with rent disputes and, in some cases, resolve conflicts related to repairs.

Official Forms and Practical Examples

• Example Letter: Asking Your Landlord for Repairs
  Use this template from NI Direct when writing to your landlord. Practical example: If your boiler breaks down, you can copy the template, fill in the details, and send it by email or post to document your request.
• Housing Complaint Form (Local Council)
  If your landlord ignores your written request, use your council’s "Housing Complaint" process. Each council has its own form—visit your local council’s website via NI Direct councils contact for the correct method. Example: If damp/mould is not fixed after your letter, submit this form and provide supporting evidence.

There’s currently no single national repair complaint form, so always check your council’s website for the correct procedure.

FAQ: Repairs and Maintenance in Northern Ireland

1. What if my landlord ignores my request for repairs?
   If your landlord does not respond or refuses to fix the problem, contact your local council’s Environmental Health department. They can inspect the property and may require your landlord to make repairs if the property is unsafe or unfit for living.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren't done?
   Withholding rent is risky and not recommended unless you have taken legal advice. Not paying rent could result in eviction proceedings against you, even if the landlord hasn’t done repairs.
3. How long should my landlord take to fix a repair?
   "Reasonable time" depends on the issue's urgency. Emergency repairs (e.g. no heating in winter, structural dangers) should be addressed as soon as possible; routine repairs may take longer. If in doubt, contact your local council.
4. Do I have to pay for repairs?
   Landlords are responsible for most major repairs, unless the damage is due to your neglect or actions. Check your tenancy agreement for details about minor maintenance (like garden care or changing light bulbs).
5. Where can I get advice if my landlord won’t help?
   You can speak to your local council’s housing team or contact free advice services (listed below).

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• NI Direct: Renting Privately – Official information and guides for private renters in Northern Ireland.
• Housing Rights – Free advice for tenants, including repairs and housing standards. Call 028 9024 5640.
• Contact your local council for environmental health and housing complaints.
• Tribunal: Rent Assessment Panel (Northern Ireland)
• Department of Justice: Housing Rights and Private Rented Sector

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1. Private Tenancies (Northern Ireland) Order 2006: Landlord repair duties
2. NI Direct template: Requesting repairs from your landlord
3. Contact local councils: NI Direct: Local Councils
4. Tribunal info: Rent Assessment Panel (Northern Ireland)

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