As a foreign student in Britain, you certainly would like to have your new stay not only a pleasant but also a secure one. Because you are paying the rent and taking good care of the home, it is only natural that your landlord should be ready to repair the things that are damaged. Yet, there are cases when, upon reminding them multiple times, they do not do it. The tap is dripping, the heater is still malfunctioning, and the wall can even become damp. It may leave you confused and even angry, especially when you are not at home.
Don't panic, mate. This manual will make you understand in easy and simple terms what should be done in case your landlord refuses to repair the broken things. It will show you whom to address, what to dictate, and when to seek assistance. When you eventually find yourself thinking about changing to a place where things are sorted, you might consider our student accommodation listings as a safer and cleaner option.
What should I report first?
If something goes wrong, you may ask yourself what you should report to your landlord first. There are some things that can be put off for a couple of days, but there are also things that have to be fixed immediately. If something makes living unsafe or uncomfortable, you should report it as soon as possible. Prepare a small list so that you do not forget what is broken.
You should report such problems immediately:
No heating or hot water
Leakage of water from the roof, pipe, or tap
Mould or damp odour coming from the walls
Broken windows or locks
Sparking of an electric plug or tripping
Don’t just tell them by mouth. Always send a message or an email. Be polite and clear. Indicate what is broken, when it started, and if possible, add a photo. Keep a copy of every message. It will be useful later if someone asks for proof.
In that way, you show that you are diligent and serious. It also helps the landlord to realise the problem more and reminds him that you need a fix soon.
Is the issue an emergency?
Some problems can be put off, and problems cannot be put off. An emergency is something that can injure you or your home severely. You must know the difference so that you can act fast.
These are emergencies that you should deal with at once:
Gas smell or a fire alarm sounding
Major water leak or flooding
Electrical problems or a burning smell
A broken door or window makes you unsafe
No heat or hot water during a very cold period
In situations like these, keep calm but do something fast. If necessary, get in touch with the gas company or the emergency services. You can inform the landlord later, but if it is dangerous, don’t wait. After it is safe again, record the event and take photos. Thus, if you need to explain it to the council or the student office later, you will have the evidence.
Always prioritise your safety. Everything else can wait until you are safe.
How do I keep records?
It may seem that keeping records is a lot of work, but it is not. It simply means saving things and jotting down small notes. This will come in handy if you need to prove that you made the effort.
This is how you go about it:
Take good photos or short videos
Save all texts, emails, and messages
Note down the dates when you talked or called
If you pay for any repairs, keep the receipts
Gather all your materials in one folder or on your phone
These papers show that you have done your part. If you at any time will have to talk to the council or housing office of your university, they will realise from the papers that you are telling the truth. It is better to have a lot of evidence than none.
Making records may seem boring, but it is a great help later. When you show people what happened and when, they believe you more and thus things get fixed quicker.
When should I call the council?
If you have informed your landlord several times and no change has been made, it is time to call your local council. The councils in the UK are actors when people’s homes are not safe. The Environmental Health department, which does the checking, can give direction to the landlords to put things right.
You can get in touch with the local authority if:
There is mould that makes you ill
Heating is not working in winter
Wires or sockets looking dangerous
The roof is leaking, and water keeps coming in
If the council considers your home to be unsafe, they have the power to send a letter to your landlord requesting the repair. They also have the authority to impose a fine on those landlords who do not comply. Don’t be afraid to get in touch with them. They are there for people like you. Landlords generally don’t take long to sort things out when the council is involved.
Can I Fix Things Myself?
There are times when you think the waiting time is too long and say, "I will just do it myself." This is okay for minor things like changing a bulb or tightening a screw. But if it comes to major works, you should be careful. You definitely don’t want to make it worse or put yourself in danger.
If you absolutely have to do the fixing, then follow these steps:
Write to your landlord once more, informing him
Give them some days, maybe a week, to reply
Get the price of the job from a tradesperson
Keep the receipts if you pay for anything
Don’t stop paying your rent or its money unless you have been given legal advice. That can cause you trouble later. Before you spend money, you can contact a student support department or the Citizens Advice service.
You are allowed to do the fixing if you are sure and it is safe. Always think before you act.
What Are My Rights As A Tenant?
If you rent a flat in the UK, you have certain rights. Your landlord is required to make sure that the place is safe, clean, and in proper working order. That means that basic things like heating, water, and electricity have to be in working order.
The rights that you are given:
Living in a clean and safe place
Access to water, gas, and electricity, which are in working condition
Being dealt with fairly by your landlord
Getting the repairs done within a reasonable time
Being safe from unfair eviction
If your landlord is rude or neglects the fixing of the issues, you may inform the council and seek help from the housing office. You are the one who gives the rent, so you have the right to a good, working home. The rules are there to protect students, including foreign ones.
Do not hesitate to exercise your rights. You are not asking for too much. You are just asking for what is right.
Who Else Can Help Me?
Living away from home and handling life can be tough, especially when something is not right in your room. But you are not alone in this fight. There is always someone to support students with housing issues.
Among those who can help you are:
Your university housing or welfare team
The local council housing department
Citizens Advice office
Student unions or law centres
They are well-versed in the rules and can lead you through them. Some of them can even communicate with your landlord on your behalf. The process of getting support early is much less stressful and makes things easier.
Remember that there is nothing wrong with asking for help. It means that you are taking responsibility for your well-being.
What if Nothing Changes?
Sometimes, despite all your messages, calls, and reports, nothing changes. In such a scenario, it might be a good idea to think about leaving when your contract expires. Don’t stay where you’re not happy.
These are your options:
Continue paying your rent until the contract ends
Start looking for a new place in advance
Keep all your records and messages safe
Tell your university housing office about what happened
Sometimes, the right choice is to move out. You should not feel guilty about it. You have the right to be respected and to live in a functioning home. When you get a new place, make sure the landlord has clear rules about repairs. Therefore, you can focus on your studies instead of the leaking pipes.
How Can I Avoid This Next Time?
Don’t be in a hurry to sign another contract. You should carefully check out the place and ask questions about how repairs are handled. A good landlord will give you the answer to your questions and show that he cares.
You can find it out by:
Knowing who does the fixing and how long it takes
Checking gas and electric safety with official papers
Looking for damp or stains on the walls
Asking if the rent includes repairs
The checks only take a few minutes, but they save you from worrying for months. Pick homes that are taken care of and have the right documents. Always go through your agreement very carefully and keep a copy with you.
By choosing wisely, you'll be able to relax and concentrate on your studies.
Conclusion
Life in a foreign country is not a piece of cake, and things being out of order will only complicate the situation. But even when your landlord is unwilling to do anything about it, you can now have a plan in place. You need to speak to them in a simple way, have all the facts to show, then call the council in case of a problem and keep your head. Keep in mind, you are entitled to a safe and comfortable home. But in case nothing becomes good, then it is totally fine to go somewhere where they are treating you well.
A nice home is what enables you to rest, study, and have fun during your stay in the UK. So, be wise in your next choice. StudentTenant.com is a student accommodation platform that offers listings of homes where landlords care and solve problems quickly. Always remember that during your studies, you deserve to have a warm, safe, and happy place.