Troubleshooting rental issues
Find out how to report emergency repairs, resolve simple issues yourself, and how we can help if your landlord does not act.
When to report issues to your landlord
Severe disrepair in your home can be a risk to your health and safety. Any problems should be reported to the landlord as quickly as possible. Your tenancy agreement should state how to report disrepair.
Take reasonable steps to stop the problem from getting worse if you feel safe doing so. See Shelter’s guidance and templates on reporting repairs to a private landlord or agent.
Once you report disrepair, your landlord should inspect the property within 72 hours. If the property needs repairs, they should be completed in a reasonable time, and you should be notified of the works.
How to deal with emergency repairs
If there is an immediate risk to your safety or the property, you should contact your landlord using the emergency contact details. If you are severely injured or require emergency services, you should call 999. If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service number immediately on 0800 111 999.
Simple repairs you can resolve
There may be some small problems in the home that you can resolve yourself. Only do so if it is safe. If the problem continues to occur, then you should report this to your landlord, as it may suggest a further issue. Here are some simple checks you can do before reporting an issue to your landlord.
| What is the problem? | What to check | What to do if the problem keeps happening |
| No heating or no water | Issues with no hot water or heating are often due to your boiler having low water pressure. This can typically be fixed by manually filling the boiler. Visit British Gas’s website to see how to check if you have low pressure and find out how to re-pressurise your boiler. | If you have re-pressurised the boiler, and you still have no hot water or heating, you should report this to your landlord. |
| No electricity | You can check your fuse box. Typically, this is next to your electricity meter. Visit Scottish Power’s website for more information on checking a fuse box. | If there is a faulty appliance causing your electricity to trip, you should not use it again. This will need replacing. If the appliance is a part of your tenancy, you should report this disrepair to your landlord. If you own it yourself, you are responsible for replacing it. |
| Damp or mould near windows in winter | Condensation is something we need to manage in our homes, especially during the winter months. Read our advice on condensation, damp and mould. | If the damp or mould persists, or you are unable to manage the condensation effectively, you should contact your landlord. You can report the steps you have taken to reduce the condensation. It is your landlord’s responsibility to address the underlying building deficiencies. |
How we can help
Liverpool City Council regulates the private rented sector and can serve legal notices to improve housing standards if needed. If there is disrepair in your home, speak to your landlord first.
If you cannot come to an agreement, you can contact email privatesector.housing@liverpool.gov.uk or report housing disrepair online.
If you email us, please attach evidence of the disrepair such as photographs, videos, and messages to your landlord. You must also send a copy of your tenancy agreement. We will contact your landlord, with your permission, to help resolve the problem.