When a private rented property requires repairs or maintenance, or if a tenant has concerns about fire, gas, electric, condensation or mould, the tenant should contact the landlord or letting agent.
If landlords of letting agents fail to respond to the tenant's request/concerns, or refuse to carry out repairs, the council's housing enforcement team may be able to help.
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure all gas appliances/fittings and flues are maintained in safe working order - ensuring annual safety checks are carried out by a fully qualified and competent Gas Safe registered engineer.
The landlord must also keep a record of safety checks and issue a copy of the gas safety certificate to the tenant within 28 days of the annual check.
Gas appliances owned by the tenant are the responsibility of the tenant.
For more information, visit the Gas Safe website.
Landlords and tenants can find more information about legal responsibilities for gas safety on the Health and Safety Executive website.
Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure electrical installations and appliances in rented accommodation are safe.
In a House in Multiple Occupation the electrical supply and installation to the property should be tested every five years to ensure it complies with current safety standards.
Testing should be carried out by an electrical engineer registered with one of the organisations recognised by the Government's Competent Person Scheme.
Following testing, landlords receive an Electrical Installation Condition Report which recommends any work which needs to be undertaken.
Should the report make C1 (danger present) or C2 (potentially dangerous) recommendations, the landlord must act on the recommendations.
Landlords and letting agents must ensure all electrical appliances supplied as part of the tenancy are in safe condition.
Appliances include fridges, washing machines, ovens, microwaves, etc.
For more information about the legal responsibilities for electrical safety, visit the Electrical Safety Council website.
Private sector landlords must fit at least one smoke alarm on every storey of a property.
Carbon monoxide alarms must be fitted in any room which contains a solid fuel burning appliance, such as a coal fire or wood burning stove.
Alarms must be tested and working at the start of a new tenancy.
The council has responsibility for enforcing the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations. Landlords who fail to comply with the regulations face a fine of up to £5,000.
Read the Government's guide to the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (England) Regulations
Please note - different fire safety regulations apply to houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). Read our information on HMOs to find out more.
For more information on fire safety visit the Fire Service website.
Condensation can cause a black mould growth in your home.
Taking the following steps can help minimise condensation in your home:
Reduce moisture
Increase ventilation
Keep your home warm and allow air to circulate
Remove mould as soon as you find it
Email: ept@rugby.gov.uk
Telephone: (01788) 533857
Town Hall, Evreux Way, Rugby, CV21 2RR