Repairs & standards

Minimum standards for rented housing

The Housing (Standards for Rented Houses) Regulations set out minimum requirements that every rental property must meet. These include:

• Structural condition — the property must be in a proper state of structural repair, free from damp and with a sound roof
• Heating — a fixed heating system capable of heating each room, in good working order
• Sanitary facilities — a bath or shower, a wash basin, and a toilet, all in good working order and with hot and cold water
• Cooking facilities — a 4-ring hob, an oven, and a fridge-freezer (or fridge and separate freezer)
• Laundry — access to a washing machine or plumbing for one
• Fire safety — smoke detectors, a fire blanket in the kitchen, and a carbon monoxide alarm if there are solid fuel appliances
• Ventilation and lighting — adequate natural or mechanical ventilation, and lighting in all rooms
• Electricity and gas — safe electrical wiring and gas installations, with a BER certificate displayed

Landlord obligations for repairs

Your landlord is responsible for:

• Keeping the structure and exterior in good repair (roof, walls, windows, external doors)
• Maintaining the plumbing, heating, and electrics in good working order
• Repairing or replacing appliances they provided (boiler, cooker, washing machine)
• Ensuring the property meets minimum standards at all times during the tenancy

You are responsible for keeping the property in reasonable condition, not causing damage, and reporting issues to your landlord promptly.

What to do if repairs aren’t done

1. Notify your landlord in writing — describe the issue clearly by email or letter, and keep a copy
2. Give reasonable time — allow your landlord time to arrange repairs (urgent issues like no heating in winter should be dealt with quickly)
3. Follow up in writing — if nothing happens, send a second written request referencing the first
4. Contact your local authority — the environmental health officer in your local council can inspect the property and issue an improvement notice to the landlord
5. File a dispute with the RTB — you can refer a complaint about the landlord’s failure to maintain the property

Important: Do not withhold rent because of repair issues. Continue paying rent and use the RTB dispute process to seek a resolution or compensation.