Citizens' Survey
Tell us what local issues are important to you. If you're a resident of Bedford Borough, aged 18 or over, take part in our Citizens' Survey and have your voice heard.
What to do if the property you are renting needs repairs:
The landlord has a ‘reasonable time’ to do the repair. This will depend on the type of repair, how long it will take to do and if it is an emergency. Landlords of rented accommodation are required by law to ensure that all such accommodation meets the legal minimum requirements.
We have the power to take action against landlords who let property which is below this standard. A landlord has to ensure that a property is fit to live in and to carry out routine repairs to the property when necessary.
General repair work that a landlord must do includes:
Make sure you have your landlord's details, or the details of their managing agent; their name, address and phone number so that you can report problems. You have a legal right to these details. The landlord has the right to come into your home to check what needs repairing, but they must give at least 24 hours notice, and must come at an agreed time. As quickly as possible if it's an emergency.
If you live in a house in multiple occupations (HMO), for example bedsits with shared bathrooms or kitchens, then the landlord is reasonable for the cleanliness and maintenance of the common parts.
Tenants only have exclusive use of their own rooms, so if you are unhappy with the shared parts, you are justified in complaining to your landlord about this. The landlord must display contact details, any certificates such as gas safety and instructions for the fire alarm on a notice board in the hall so everyone can see it easily.
The Management of Houses in Multiple Occupation Regulations 2006 set out duties of occupiers which is a useful starting point to understand what occupiers are responsible for and what the landlord is responsible for.
It is the duty of all residents of the property to ensure that the agent can effectively carry out his duties.
All residents must:
Contact the housing team on 01234 718099 or email ehadmin@bedford.gov.uk