Warning issued to tenants who could be forced to pay if landlord isn't doing repairs

-Credit:Getty
-Credit:Getty


Renters have been warned against trying to take action when dealing with incompetent landlords. With the ongoing housing crisis, many renters are increasingly finding themselves in sub-par living situations - from mice scurrying in to mould growing up the walls.

But homeless charity Shelter warns against acting on disrepairs as it could leave you having to fork out much more than you originally intended. If your rented home is in disrepair, under you should not do the work yourself or hire a tradesmen, warns the charity.

This is because the onus is on you for the end result. Your landlord could charge you to put right any damage or further problems caused by the work. There’s therefore no guarantee you will be able to recover the costs of the repair from your landlord.

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However, if you choose to do the work yourself, make sure you get it in writing if your landlord agrees to deduct the costs from your rent. In some cases, you can take your landlord to court, and they can be ordered to carry out the repair work and, in some cases, pay you compensation.

You should not repair a dilapidated flat as you could end up financially worse off -Credit:Getty
You should not repair a dilapidated flat as you could end up financially worse off -Credit:Getty

The council's private renting team can give you a nudge to help get your landlord to do the repairs and refer you for a home visit or inspection from the environmental health team if the problem merits it. It may help to ask your local councillor to contact the private renting team on your behalf if you’re having trouble getting the council to do an inspection.

It's not required to tell your landlord that you are planning to report them to the council’s private renting team. However, it could increase your chances of a revenge eviction,