How to get things fixed - Private Renters in Camden
How to get things fixed
Your landlord is legally responsible for keeping your home in a safe and liveable condition. This includes the structure of the building, installations for water, gas, electricity and heating, and common parts of shared buildings.
Most landlords will take reports of disrepair seriously from their tenants. Unfortunately, there will be some that fail to act.
How to report a repair
- Report repairs to your landlord or agent in writing — this creates a record. Email is usually best.
- Keep copies of all correspondence.
- Give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to carry out the repair, depending on how urgent it is.
- If there is a risk to your health or safety — for example, a gas leak, no heating in winter, or serious damp — the repair should be treated as urgent.
If your landlord does not carry a repair after the above
- Contact Camden Council's Private Sector Housing service. We have the power to inspect your home and require your landlord to carry out repairs.
- We can serve a notice on your landlord requiring them to fix the problem within a set time.
- If your landlord does not comply, we can take enforcement action, including imposing financial penalties.
- Do not stop paying your rent
New financial penalties from 1 May 2026
From 1 May 2026, when Camden Council takes enforcement action against a serious hazard ('category 1' hazard) and it would have been reasonably practicable for your landlord to have fixed the problem, we can also impose a financial penalty of up to £7,000 at the same time as the enforcement notice. This is in addition to any fine for failing to comply with a notice.
Awaab's Law
Awaab's Law currently requires social housing landlords to deal with damp and mould hazards within set timeframes. The Government has consulted on extending Awaab's Law to private rented sector landlords. We will update this page when the position is confirmed.
Tenant responsibilities
- Minor maintenance (changing lightbulbs, smoke alarm batteries)
- Safety checks on electrical equipment you own
- Keeping your home reasonably clean
- Fixing appliances and furniture you own
- Any damage caused by you, your family or guests
- Allowing access for repairs
Taking your own action
The Home (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, introduced a duty on landlords to make sure that rented houses and flats are ‘fit for human habitation’ - safe, healthy and free from things that cause serious harm.
If your property is not fit you can take your landlord to court, which can make them:
- Carry out repairs, and/or
- Pay compensation to you
For further useful help around getting problems fixed with your property visit Shelter’s website or Citizens Advice.
