Skip to content
Christ Church Students' Union
Christ Church Students' Union
  •  Account
  • Log in
  • Log in
  • Home
  • Your Union
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Mission, Vision, and Values
    • Trustees
    • Medway Campus
    • Policy and Document Store
    • Comments, Complaints and Feedback
    • Data Protection
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Events
  • The Lounge
  • Student Voice
    • Student Voice Awards
    • Who Represents Me?
    • Your Elected Officers
    • Union Council
    • Elections
    • Course Reps
    • Campaigns
    • Student Networks
    • Golden Apple Awards
    • Student Life Pulse
  • Opportunities
    • Sports
    • Societies
    • Volunteering
    • Unitemps
  • Advice & Support
    • Academic Advice
    • Housing Advice
    • Money Advice
    • Wellbeing Advice
  •  My Account
  • CCSU Home /
  • Help and Support /
  • Housing Advice /
  • Problems with the Property

Problems with the Property

Damp and mould

Damp and mould can be an issue in many properties, particularly as the weather gets colder. You may notice damp or mould patches on the window and the walls, or even on your clothes. Damp and mould are not always considered to be 'disrepair' so it is not always the landlords' responsibility to sort it out. Figuring out what the problem is the key to determining who is responsible for fixing the problem. You can read more about mould and damp, and the action you can take, on Shelter's website here.

Repairs

The landlord is responsible for most repair problems if you live in privately rented accommodation. However, it is up to you to report the problem to the landlord because if your landlord doesn't know about it, he or she cannot arrange for it to be fixed! So you should report a repair problem to the landlord or agent as soon as you notice them. If you report the problem over the phone, or in person, make sure you also put it in writing and keep a copy of the email or letter, in case you need this as evidence at a later stage. You can read more about reporting repairs, and what to do if your landlord won't do the repairs, on Shelters website here.

Health and safety standards

All rented home must meet certain standards so they are safe to live in. It is the responsibility of the landlord to make sure that the gas appliances in your home are safe and checked regularly. Similarly, they have to check that the electrical appliances and wiring are safe in your home. The landlord also has to make sure the furniture and furnishings are safe and fit for use. You can find more information about housing standards in private rented homes on Shelters website here.

If you have a problem with your rented property, you should contact your landlord in writing as soon as possible.

However, if you've given reasonable time for a repair to be carried out and your landlord still isn't fulfilling their responsibilities, you can report them to Canterbury City Council.

They can investigate the following problems:

  • poor housing conditions

  • disrepair

  • fire safety

  • no heating or hot water

  • damp and mould

Canterbury City Council Report your Landlord

In this section

  • Academic Advice
  • Housing Advice
    • Home Safety and Security
    • Housing advice for Private-rented Accommodation
    • Housing Myths
    • Knowing Your Rights
    • Leaving Early and Moving Out
    • Living Together
    • Looking for off-campus accommodation
    • Moving In
    • Problems with the Property
    • Signing a Contract
    • Surrender Your Tenancy
    • Useful Links
  • Money Advice
  • Wellbeing Advice
Useful Links:
  • Home
  • Clubs & Socs
  • Your Officers

Christ Church Students' Union
Anselm, North Holmes Road
Canterbury
Kent CT1 1QU

01227 924924

hello@ccsu.co.uk

Registered Charity Number: 1142619
Registered Company Number: 7618194