You Have The Right To Live In A Property That’s Safe

You have the right to live in a property that’s safe and in a good state of repair.

In this article we will:
- discuss a new housing law that came into effect in 2019,
- discuss the term ‘unfit for habitation’,
- list some living conditions that could be ‘unreasonable’
- list some key things your landlord has to perform to ensure your safety.

Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Act 2018

On 20 March 2019 a new law came into force to make sure that rented houses and flats are ‘fit for human habitation’, which means that they are safe, healthy and free from things that could cause serious harm. This new law is called ‘Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018’

What does ‘unfit for habitation’ mean?

A rented home is unfit for habitation when conditions are so bad that it’s not reasonable for you to live there. ‘Reasonable’ is a tricky term to define as what’s reasonable for you might not be reasonable for your landlord - but by the time you’re looking at a home being ‘unfit for habitation’ it would usually involve the local authority or medical professionals.

How could living conditions be unreasonable?

Conditions might be so bad that it’s unreasonable for you to live there because:
The conditions are affecting your health in a serious way
The conditions are putting you at risk of harm or injury
The condition of your rented property means you can’t make full use of your home.

Here’s a bunch of things your landlord HAS to do:

• ensure your tenants’ safety, all gas appliances and flues need to undergo an annual gas safety check - and always by a Gas Safe registered engineer
• make sure wiring and electrical appliances are safe
• have at least one smoke alarm installed on every storey of their properties and a carbon monoxide alarm in any room containing a solid fuel burning appliance 
   

Here’s the legislation you might need to show your landlord or letting agent: Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.