What should the tenant do if the landlord does not undertake their repairs obligation?
The tenant should first contact the landlord in writing to record the problem, and to ask them to repair it. Where the landlord is in clear breach of a contractual obligation and in repairs are inexpensive, a tenant can do the work and charge the cost to the landlord by withholding future rent. It is essential that the correct procedure must be followed. The landlord must be given written notice of the defects, a reasonable time to undertake the repair and be warned of the intention to use future rents to set off the costs. It is strongly advised to seek advice before using this method. Withholding of your rent is a breach of contract, and if taken to court they would have to show that the rent is available (for example, being kept in a separate account). The tenant may also contact the Private Sector Housing Unit. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, an officer may inspect the property and serve notices to put right the situation. If landlords do not follow these notices, the
