If your accommodation is in a poor state of repair, there may be things you can do to solve this.

The landlord is not responsible for all repairs. In some cases you as a tenant are responsible. You must make sure you take reasonable care of the property, using the premises in a "tenant-like manner".

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (section 11), your landlord must keep in repair the structure and exterior of the property (walls, roof, ceilings, stairs, windows, guttering, drains) and installations for gas, electricity, water, sanitation, heating and hot water (pipes, wiring, sockets, boilers, radiators, sinks, baths, toilets).

Your agreement may give extra repair duties, such as repairing appliances like ovens or washing machines. Check yours. Without this, appliances are usually not the landlord's responsibility unless white goods were provided.

Landlords must also make sure the property is fit to live in. Hazards such as mould that is a health risk can count even if nothing is "broken".

You are responsible for damage caused by not using the property in a "tenant-like" manner. Landlords also don't have to repair your own belongings or rebuild after fire, flood or storm damage.

Private rented sector (assured periodic tenancies): Yes, section 11 applies.

Lodgers or licences (including some university halls and rooms where you live with your landlord): Section 11 doesn't apply, but your agreement will usually include its own repair terms.

University accommodation: This depends on your agreement type and the provider, so check yours or ask us. Halls often have their own repairs policy and timescales under the National Code.

Landlords are usually responsible for repairs to shared parts of a building, such as stairways, entrances and shared bathrooms, and do not always need to be told first.

Landlords usually only have to act once they know about a problem, so report it as soon as possible.

You can tell them verbally, but put it in writing (email or text) and keep copies and dated photos. This is your evidence if there's a dispute.

Give the landlord reasonable notice and access to carry out repairs.

There is no fixed deadline. It must be done within a "reasonable time", depending on how serious the problem is, whether parts are available, and whether you're living there.

Urgent issues like no heating in winter should be fixed faster.

Repairs need to make the property fit to live in, not perfect. Landlords can choose the cheaper option and replace like for like.

You can't be charged directly for repairs your landlord is responsible for, and banned tenant fees rules apply.

You can be charged if you caused the damage.

As soon as you see any disrepair, report it to your landlord or agent immediately, giving them reasonable time to deal with the problem. After giving 24 hours' written notice (except in an emergency), the landlord can access the property to carry out repairs which they are obliged to do, and enter the property to inspect its condition and state of repair. If your landlord refuses, doesn't respond or is unreasonably slow in doing repairs, you should seek advice.

Do not withhold rent if there is a problem. Your main options are below.

Complain to your landlord or letting agent in writing. Social landlords have complaints policies and the Housing Ombudsman can review unresolved complaints. Letting agents may be covered by a redress scheme. A new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman for private landlords is expected from late 2026.

Contact Nottingham City Council's environmental health team (or your local council if you live outside the city). They can inspect for hazards and require the landlord to fix them.

Landlords can no longer simply end your tenancy because you complained. They now need a legal ground and a court order.

Contact NTSU Advice before taking formal action, and we can help you check your agreement type, write to your landlord and understand your options.