Section 11 Claims for Sanitary Issues – Your Rights as a Tenant
Sanitary Issues in Rental Homes – A Legal Obligation for Landlords
Every tenant has the right to a safe and sanitary living environment. When landlords fail to maintain essential facilities like toilets, sinks, and drainage systems, it can cause significant discomfort, health risks, and property damage. Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to ensure that all sanitary fittings are in good working order.
If your landlord refuses to fix these essential issues, you may be eligible to file a Section 11 claim to enforce repairs and seek compensation for the inconvenience caused.
What Sanitary Issues Are Covered Under Section 11?
Landlords are legally responsible for repairing and maintaining:
Toilets – Leaks, blockages, flushing failures, or broken toilet bowls.
Sinks and Basins – Cracks, leaks, or broken plumbing.
Baths and Showers – Malfunctioning water supply, drainage issues, or broken fixtures.
Drainage Systems – Blocked or leaking pipes leading to foul odours or flooding.
Water Supply Failures – Issues that prevent access to clean running water.
If any of these facilities are broken and your landlord has not addressed the problem, you may be entitled to legal action.
Why Unresolved Sanitary Issues Are a Serious Problem
A lack of proper sanitary facilities can lead to:
Unhygienic living conditions, increasing the risk of disease and infections.
Water damage, leading to mould growth and structural issues.
Plumbing leaks, increasing water bills and causing further property damage.
Mental and physical distress, particularly if you cannot access working toilets or running water.
If your landlord fails to act, you have the right to seek legal assistance under Section 11.
How to Make a Section 11 Claim for Sanitary Issues
If your landlord refuses to fix essential sanitary issues, follow these steps:
1. Report the Problem in Writing
Send a formal complaint to your landlord describing the issue, including dates, photos, and any previous repair requests.
2. Allow a Reasonable Response Time
Landlords must respond and arrange repairs within a reasonable timeframe (typically within a few days for urgent sanitary issues).
3. Seek Legal Assistance
If your landlord ignores the issue, you can seek legal support to enforce the necessary repairs.
4. Take Legal Action Under Section 11
A Section 11 claim can ensure your landlord repairs the sanitary facilities and may entitle you to compensation for distress and inconvenience.
How Krowd Advisory Can Help
At Krowd Advisory, we help tenants fight back against landlords who fail to address sanitary disrepair. Our services include:
Assessing your case to determine if you can make a Section 11 claim.
Gathering evidence, including photos and reports.
Taking legal action to ensure essential repairs are completed.
Seeking compensation if your health or well-being has been affected.
Take Action Today
If your landlord is ignoring toilet, sink, drainage, or plumbing issues, don’t wait—take action now. Krowd Advisory is here to help ensure your home remains sanitary and safe.