Property conditions, legislation and guidance

Landlords have a duty to ensure properties are maintained in a good condition.

Tenancy contracts require tenants to ‘look after a property’ and for disrepair to be promptly reported. Tenants must co-operate to allow access for repairs.

A tenant might have to pay for a repair problem they caused even if their landlord is responsible for carrying out the repair.

We recommend tenants put issues in writing and keep a copy of any communications.

Repairs are to be made in a timely manner. Awaabs Law comes into force for Social Housing Landlords in October 2025. Social landlords will be forced to investigate and fix dangerous damp and mould in set time periods, as well as investigate and respond to all emergency hazards within 24 hours. It is expected it will be extended to private landlords in 2026/7. More details yet to be published.