This article is an external press release originally published on the Landlord News website, which has now been migrated to the Just Landlords blog.
New research has found that around 50% of tenants have suffered delays in having repair work completed. Furthermore, one in three tenants has experienced a landlord or letting agent refusing to fix a broken item.
The study, undertaken by PropertyLetByUs.com – an online letting agent – indicates that one in ten renters has failed to have repairs fixed altogether.
Half of Tenants Suffer Repair Delays
Additionally, many tenants complain that landlords and agents use poor quality tradespeople to carry out maintenance work.
In September this year, three landlords in Peterborough were ordered to pay a total of £19,550 in fines and costs after failing to conduct repairs at the properties they manage.
Peterborough City Council successfully prosecuted the landlords for failing to comply with statutory notices on their properties.
One of the rental homes had serious mould, damp and inadequate ventilation. It also had an unsuitable electrical installation and did not have adequate external lighting.
Another property was very badly insulated, had faulty windows and an entrance door, and an inadequate central heating system. Inspectors also found exposed electrical wiring and poor bathroom facilities.
Managing Director of PropertyLetByUs.com, Jane Morris, says: “This case should serve as a stark reminder to all other landlords and letting agents that they could face prosecution proceedings and heavy fines if they fail to make repairs to a property and ensure that it meets the required standards.
“There are many tenants that are living in substandard accommodation with hazardous conditions. Too often, tenants are being ignored when they flag up problems to their landlord or agent.”
She explains: “Our research shows that the most common cause of complaints are faulty boilers, leaking roofs, faulty showers, mould and condensation, leaking bathroom and window locks, broken windows, smoke alarms, and pests and vermin.
“Landlords and agents should deal with tenant repair requests quickly and ensure they use qualified and experienced contractors to carry out the work.”1
The firm has compiled guidelines on response times for various tenant complaints:
- Landlords and agents have a duty of care to advise tenants on how to avoid problems becoming worse until a contractor is organised to fix an issue, such as turning off gas taps.
- Gas or major electrical faults are considered urgent and must be fixed within 24 hours or less. This also applies to heating or hot water, especially in the winter.
- Water leaks should be addressed within 24 hours.
- If a cooker breaks, it should be fixed within 48 hours.
- Other broken appliances, including washing machines, should be attended to within 72 hours.
Do not fall foul of lettings law by fulfilling your landlord responsibilities.
1 http://www.propertyreporter.co.uk/landlords/half-of-tenants-experience-repair-delays.html
