Unsafe Walls in Rental Properties

Everyone deserves a safe and secure home.

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that structure of their rental properties are safe and fit for purpose. Unsafe walls in rental properties, including outdoor space should be reported to the property manager or landlord as soon as possible. 

What are unsafe walls? 

Walls – including ceilings, skirtings and flooring that are damaged by:

Signs of underlying structural damage 

• Condensation, damp, or mould
• Water from leaking pipes, roof, guttering, downpipes, drains, doors, windows, heating systems and radiators, and defective bathroom fittings
• Crumbling and broken
• Collapsing 
• Cracks or large marks 
• Mice, rats, and other pests

What is normal wear and tear? 

Small marks or stains on walls, fading from sunlight exposure, scuffs, and peeling – these are all defective, but not deemed ‘unsafe.’

What if the property manager or landlord will not acknowledge the issue?

If property managers or landlords fail to act, tenants can escalate the issue to a formal complaint to the managing agent or landlord.

Most landlords will have a 2-stage process to complaints:

1. They must respond within 10 working days of a complaint being logged.
2. Should the complaint go to stage 2, they must respond within 20 working days.

If there is still no acknowledgement of the tenant’s complaint, they can then contact their local council’s Housing Ombudsman, so they can assess the property using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Legal action can be taken if the property is not fit for human habitation, and the landlord can be taken to court. The court can order the landlord to make repairs or pay compensation. 

How long would this process take?

Investigations can take around six months but can vary, depending on the individual case. When the Ombudsman investigates, they must show they are acting within 6-8 weeks,

According to Gov.UK, the Ombudsman ordered Landlords to pay over £6 million in compensation to residents (April 2023 to March 2024).

Can proptech assist in structural issues?

Absolutely! More agents are investing in property habitation software for benefits that go beyond inventory reporting, which can save time and money for everyone involved and provide confidence that properties are fully FFHH covered – a small price to pay for an invaluable return.

Working with tenants is key for FFHH. It is highly advised to support tenants with information guides to help them ensure that their upkeep of the property is sufficient.

Ensure peace of mind with KPR habitation software

KPR, provides habitation software to ensure peace of mind and helps towards the smooth running of a letting agent’s portfolio, and includes:

• Professionally presented information sheets bearing your company branding offers tenants the tools to ensure that their upkeep of the property is sufficient.
• Automated scheduling and reminders, such as certificate expiration dates, and testing for smoke detectors and CO monitors, ensure every detail is covered.
• Offers tenants the ability to carry out their own Midterm report, saving agents time and minimising visits.
• Secure storage for date and time-stamped documentation and certificates.
• Simple communication between agent and tenant, all in one place.
• Our automation software with reminders ensures that you stay compliant, so you never miss a deadline, and certificate renewals will never be overlooked.
• Our software features a tenant portal with exclusive access to direct communication between tenant and the managing agent and swift repairs reporting using a unique QR code for their property.

KPR also offers a Tenant Portal, allowing them to report any maintenance issues directly to their managing agent using an exclusive QR code unique to their property. This has proven successful in smooth and slick tenant to agent communication, with a swift repairs process.

At KPR we understand the demands of the industry and strive to address the issues agents and property owners face. We have our own in-house development team with knowledge of modem technology and methodologies, which keep KPR software current, and always focusing on the next level.

If you would like to speak with us about how we can assist you and your business. feel free to speak with our helpful team today!

0208 542 2333

hello@kpr.global