Frequently Asked Questions
How do to make a complaint about disrepair to a property?
What are the landlord’s responsibilities regarding repairs?
What should the tenant do if the landlord does not make repairs?
Where do I get further information?
How do to make a complaint about disrepair to a property?
If you are concerned about a property you live in, or a property in your street, you can contact the Council.
Before you contact the council
If you are a private tenant and have a problem at your property, you should first complain to your landlord or agent. Complaints should be put in writing and copies of any correspondence should be kept.
If the landlord or agent does not respond, or make efforts to resolve the problem in a ‘reasonable’ period of time: e.g. 48 hours for heating failure, 7 days for loose or detached banister or handrail, 21 days for minor roof repairs, then you should contact the Council.
If the problem relates to a property in your street, and you know the owner, you may wish to approach them informally at first. It is often quicker to resolve small issues without council involvement.
We will do our best to help resolve any problems as soon as possible. However, as legal action must be a last resort as there are a number of steps you can follow that may help you.
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What are the landlord’s responsibilities regarding repairs?
Under section 11 of the Landlord Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for:
the structure and outside of the property;
baths, sinks, toilets and pipes supplying gas and water;
electrical wiring;
the central-heating boiler, water heater and radiators.
Landlords must agree what other repairs they will do, and must carry out the repairs within a reasonable period. They also need to tell the tenant about the arrangements for emergency repairs.
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What should the tenant do if the landlord does not make repairs?
The tenant should first contact the landlord in writing to record the problem, and to ask them to repair it.
The tenant could get the works done themselves, and invoice the landlord for the cost, or deduct it from the rent. However, the tenants should first get the landlords’ consent to do so, and their agreement regarding what repairs are needed.
If their complaints are not responded to, the tenant may consider withholding rent. Tenants should be aware that they will be in breach of contract, and if taken to court they would have to show that the rent is available (or example, being kept in a separate account).
The tenant may also contact the Private Sector Housing Unit. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, an officer may inspect the property and serve notices to put right the situation. If landlords do not follow these notices, the council may do the work and charge for it. For more information, see section, Housing Enforcement Action.
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Where do I get further information?
If you are a landlord and requires more information regarding repairs/enforcement action or if you are a tenant and would like to make complaint about disrepair to the property, please complete our online housing enquiry eform, see under contact us.
Online form
If you have a private sector housing enquiry:
Complete our online housing enquiry eform
Contact Us
Private Sector Housing Unit
Civic Centre
Lampton Road
Hounslow
TW3 4DN
Telephone: 020 8583 3870/3871
Fax: 020 8583 3990
Email : privatesectorhousing@hounslow.gov.uk
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