Is it the council’s responsibility for garden fence repairs?
Yes, in most cases, it is the council’s responsibility to repair or maintain garden fences in council properties — but it depends on the tenancy agreement and who the fence belongs to.
If the damaged fence is between your property and a public area or part of the original structure provided by the council, it’s usually their duty to fix it. You should report the issue to the council’s housing repairs team and check your tenancy agreement for confirmation.
However, if the fence was installed by a previous tenant, or if it’s shared with a neighbour who owns their property, the responsibility might not lie with the council. In some cases, the council may only carry out repairs if the damage poses a health or safety risk — for example, if the fence is dangerously broken or could cause injury.
If the council fails to act on a repair they’re responsible for, you may have the right to escalate the complaint or seek legal advice.
Your questions, answered.
If the roof is leaking in your council property, it’s vital to act quickly — leaks can cause serious damage to your home and belongings, and even pose health and safety risks.
Step 1: Report the leak immediately
Contact your council’s housing repairs team and clearly explain the issue. Let them know where the leak is, how bad it is, and whether it’s affecting electrics, ceilings, walls, or causing damp and mould. Leaking roofs are usually classed as urgent or emergency repairs, depending on severity.
Step 2: Keep evidence and records
Take photos or videos of the damage, and keep a written record of every contact with the council. If the leak is affecting your health or damaging your possessions, make a note of that too.
Step 3: Follow up if there’s a delay
The council is legally responsible for maintaining the structure of your home, including the roof. If they don’t respond within a reasonable time, you may be able to escalate your complaint, seek compensation, or take legal action.
If the council is not fixing broken windows in your property, they are failing in their responsibility to maintain the safety and security of your home. The council is legally required to ensure that your home is in a safe and habitable condition, which includes fixing broken windows that may leave your property vulnerable to damage or intrusion. You should report the issue in writing to the council’s housing repairs team, outlining the details and the potential risks involved. If the repair isn’t carried out within a reasonable timeframe, you may have the right to escalate the issue through the council’s complaints process or even seek legal action.
If you’re dealing with rising damp in your council property, it’s important to know that the council has a legal duty to fix the issue and keep your home in a safe, liveable condition.
Rising damp occurs when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls and floors. It can lead to peeling paint, crumbling plaster, a musty smell, and even health problems — especially for young children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory issues.
Step 1: Report it to the council
Contact the housing repairs team and describe the signs of damp clearly. Point out any damage to your property or belongings, and mention any impact on your health.
Step 2: Keep records
Take photos, videos, and keep copies of all correspondence with the council. Note any delays or lack of action.
Step 3: Know your rights
The council must investigate and deal with the source of the damp — not just cover it up. If they fail to act, you could be entitled to compensation or may be able to take legal action.
If your council door won’t lock, it’s important to report the issue to the council as soon as possible, as this presents a security risk to your home. The council has a legal obligation to ensure that all locks, doors, and other safety features are in good working order to protect your safety. When reporting the issue, make sure to highlight the potential risks of leaving your home unsecured, particularly if it’s your main entry point. If the council fails to address the repair promptly, you may have grounds to escalate the complaint or take further action. At Legal HD, we assist tenants facing disrepair issues, including security concerns like broken locks.
If you have draughty windows in your council property, it’s important to report the issue as it can lead to uncomfortable living conditions and higher energy bills. Draughty windows are usually a sign of poor insulation, which can make your home colder in winter and hotter in summer. The council is responsible for maintaining the property, including ensuring that windows are properly sealed and functioning.
When reporting the issue, be specific about which windows are affected and how long the draught has been a problem. If the draught is causing condensation, mould, or damp, it’s essential to mention this as well, as these can lead to further damage and health risks.
The council is legally obligated to carry out repairs in a timely manner, and if the draught is significant, they should address the issue as part of their duty to maintain the property in a habitable condition. If repairs are delayed or not completed, you may have grounds to escalate the issue through the council’s complaints process or seek further action.
If you suspect subsidence in your council property, it’s essential to act quickly — this is a serious structural issue that can worsen over time and potentially affect your safety.
Step 1: Recognise the signs
Common signs of subsidence include large cracks in walls (especially diagonal ones near doors or windows), doors and windows sticking, sloping floors, or visible sinking of the building. If you’ve noticed any of these, report it straight away.
Step 2: Report it to the council
Contact your housing repairs team and explain your concerns clearly. Stress that it may be subsidence and provide any evidence you have, such as photos of cracks or shifting walls. This issue should be treated as a priority repair.
Step 3: Keep detailed records
Log all communications with the council, and keep photos, dates, and written descriptions of the damage. If the council delays or fails to act, you may need these records to escalate the issue.
Step 4: Seek help if ignored
If your concerns are being dismissed or repairs are unreasonably delayed, you could be entitled to compensation or legal action.
If the guttering on your council house is damaged or leaking, the council is responsible for carrying out the necessary repairs. Faulty guttering can cause serious problems like damp, mould, or water damage to your property, so it’s important to report the issue as soon as possible. You should explain the problem clearly when contacting the housing repairs team and, if possible, provide photos to show the extent of the damage.
Under your tenancy agreement, the council has a legal duty to maintain the structure and exterior of your home — and that includes the guttering and downpipes. If they fail to fix the issue within a reasonable time frame, particularly if the problem is causing further damage or affecting your health, you may be entitled to escalate your complaint or even take legal action.
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