Damp walls, broken windows, faulty electrics, and mould are not just unpleasant—they are illegal. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord has a statutory duty to keep your home in good repair. If they ignore your complaints, you have legal remedies.
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes the roof, walls, windows, doors, and the systems that serve the property (heating, water, electrics). Landlords must also ensure the property is fit for human habitation under the Housing Act 2004. Damp, mould, and lack of heating are breaches of this duty.
Disrepair is not just cosmetic damage. It is damage that affects the safety, health, or comfort of the occupant. A small crack in the plaster might not be disrepair, but a hole in the roof that lets in rain certainly is. Mould caused by condensation might be the tenant's responsibility, but mould caused by structural dampness is the landlord's responsibility. The key is whether the defect makes the property unfit for habitation.
Report disrepair in writing. Send an email or letter to your landlord describing the problem, when you first noticed it, and any attempts you have made to get it fixed. Take photographs. Keep records of all communication. If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable timeframe (usually 14 days), you can escalate.
If your landlord ignores your complaint, you have several options. You can contact your local authority's environmental health team, who can serve an enforcement notice on your landlord. You can contact the Housing Ombudsman if your landlord is a housing association. You can also pursue a claim for breach of statutory duty in the county court. A formal statutory letter citing Section 11 of the 1985 Act can sometimes prompt action before you need to escalate further.
Drafting a formal letter that cites the correct legislation and sets a clear deadline for action can be the difference between being ignored and getting results. Using StatutoryLetters.co.uk ensures your letter is legally sound and demonstrates that you understand your rights. Many landlords respond immediately when they receive a properly drafted statutory letter.