CITIZENS Advice Taunton helped 241 private renters with a problem in their home last year.

Their difficulties included problems around disrepair, understanding their tenancy, getting their deposit back and letting agents.

The new figures come as national Citizens Advice reveals landlords are taking longer than they should to complete repairs.

Problems can range from leaky pipes to broken roofs and structural defects on the more serious end of the scale.

New research shows 41 per cent of private renters have waited longer than they should for a repair to be completed.

Of these renters, 57% said they didn’t push the issue with their landlord for fear of being evicted, an Ipos survey revels.

And 51% said they were worried their rent would go up as a result of them continuing to complain.

Jon Shoesmith, chief officer of Citizens Advice Taunton, said: “Repairs which are overdue are not just a nuisance but they can also harm people’s health if a room is damp or the heating is broken.

"As a bare minimum homes should be safe and comfortable but this new research shows that renters aren’t taking landlords to task for fear of the repercussions.

"If your landlord is refusing to carry out repairs or the condition of your home is impacting your health seek help immediately from Citizens Advice Taunton who can advise you on your options."