How to Ask for a Rent Reduction Due to Repairs

When a landlord fails to address necessary repairs in a rental property, tenants can find it difficult to move forward without turning to legal solutions. In such cases, tenants can request a rent reduction or reimbursement because the repairs have not been carried out.

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to keep rental properties in a habitable state. They must ensure that essential things such as plumbing, heating, and structural integrity are repaired as quickly as possible. If these obligations are not met, tenants may have grounds to seek financial redress. According to Citizen’s Advice, around 70% of tenants have experienced problems ranging from damp and structural issues to rodent infestations and broken locks. A significant number of tenants nowadays are also reluctant to complain to their landlords because they are worried about the response.

Steps to Request a Rent Reduction

Before making a rent reduction request, it is essential to gather evidence of the disrepair and the steps taken to notify the landlord. You should take photographs or videos, collect receipts for repairs, and keep a detailed record of any correspondence with the landlord. Unless there is a clause in your rental agreement allowing you to carry out repairs, you should not hire someone yourself.

If things are not resolved, a formal request can be submitted to the landlord, outlining the repairs that are required, the failure of the landlord to act, and the issues this is causing the tenant. This is normally done in writing, preferably via email or a recorded delivery letter. This establishes a clear timeline of communication. The letter should reference the landlord’s legal responsibility under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which mandates that they maintain the structure, exterior, heating, and sanitation facilities of the property.

Get the Legal Advice

In many cases, a more formal approach like this usually gets the landlord to act. Unfortunately, there are still some ‘bad actors’ out there, and it may be that the next step is to get legal advice. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 gives renters the right to take action if their property is unfit for living due to neglected repairs, and that includes reducing the rent until the situation is resolved. Of course, you should give the landlord a reasonable time frame (typically 14 to 28 days) to respond. If they do agree to a rent reduction or reimbursement, this should be confirmed in writing to avoid disputes later.

Be Proactive

While it can be extremely frustrating, you should try to be as proactive as possible when it comes to disputes with your landlord, whether you’re dealing with them directly or through a leasing company. Get into the habit of documenting every little thing, however insignificant it might seem at first, and always correspond through direct letter or email so you have a record of communications. That will not only give you peace of mind if matters don’t improve, but you’ll also have everything to hand that you need to make a potential claim for rent reduction.

How Housing Disrepair Solicitors Can Help

At SilverOak Solicitors, our team of experienced housing disrepair solicitors will evaluate your claim and offer insight into the most effective course of action. Contact us at 020 8578 7778 to speak with one of our housing disrepair experts about your case today.