For many people spring is their favourite season of the year, because it comes with a huge sense of positivity. The weather starts to change and we can begin opening the doors and windows a little more and uncovering our garden furniture ready for the summer months and enjoying our outdoor space. But as we do this we should also assess our rented property to establish what damage the harsh winter weather has caused. 

When the cold, dark nights seem never-ending and the days are bitter, wet and windy, we see very little of the outside of our home, and any issues can go undetected and start to impact on the inside of our rented property. Even indoor conditions are very different in winter, so when spring comes around it is a good time to check the condition of our home for repair issues, and as the weather is becoming more favourable there are better opportunities for some jobs to be done. If you are living in rented property – through social housing, local authority or a housing association – now is the time to advise your landlord of key work that needs doing. Here are some things to look for: 

• Damp and mould – Condensation forms when there is no natural ventilation in the home, and this is common during winter when we rarely open doors and windows to the outside. Spring is the time to check whether there are any signs of damp and mould in the home, caused by condensation. 

• Leaks and water damage – External or internal pipes can be affected by the freezing weather and leaks can occur, but sometimes these can be slow in occurring and only become detectable at a later date. Now is the time to look around for signs of leaks and water damage.  

• Heating and ventilation – These kind of systems work very hard over the winter months and when spring brings warmer weather we are less reliant on them. Now is the time to get them serviced and for any operational issues to be dealt with, ready for Autumn and the colder months to come around again.  

• Windows and door seals – Harsh weather can lead to seals around windows and doors deteriorating. You may not notice small drafts at first but these can become a bigger problem if left, and by winter may start to make life uncomfortable and your home expensive to keep warm.    

• Signs of pests – This is another slow-moving problem which might be hard to detect, but can become a big problem if you don’t notice it early. Check obvious points of entry for insects and rats and also attempt to identify the source of the problem. Often this can be rubbish or food waste that hasn’t been removed.  

• Roofs and gutters – Even a minor issue here can lead to big problems inside. Cracks and leaks can lead to internal damp. As well as checking for damage you may need to get gutters cleared of debris so they don’t overflow and cause water damage to your walls when it rains. 

• Exterior walls – Again, cracks in exterior walls or sidings can lead to damp and structural damage, meaning it’s vital to identify any problems quickly.  

Report any disrepair issues you find to your landlord

As a tenant you have a duty to look after a rented property and that means you could be liable for damage caused if your negligence has contributed to it, such as leaving rubbish and food waste to build-up, for example. This also means you should be vigilant and report any issues you identify quickly. Your landlord has a much better chance of dealing with a disrepair issue if it is identified quickly, and in most cases the landlord is responsible for carrying out repairs in the home.  

If you have reported a problem to your landlord and they have not responded within a reasonable period of time, you may be able to start a claim for housing disrepair. If this is the case, contact Legal HD today and as the housing disrepair claim specialists, we can help you resolve the issue and secure suitable compensation.