Understanding Your Repair Rights and Responsibilities
As a tenant in the UK, it’s important to understand both your rights and your responsibilities when it comes to repairs in your rented home. Knowing what your landlord must legally fix – and what you’re expected to look after – can help you avoid disputes and ensure your home stays safe and comfortable.
Landlord responsibilities:
Your landlord is legally required to keep the structure and exterior of your home in good repair. This includes things like the roof, walls, windows, doors, gutters, and drains. They must also ensure that essential installations, such as heating, gas, water, electricity, and sanitation facilities, are working safely and properly. For a detailed list of what landlords must repair, see our guide on Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK.
Tenant responsibilities:
As a tenant, you have a duty to take reasonable care of your home. This means carrying out minor maintenance, such as changing light bulbs, keeping the property clean, and reporting any problems or damage to your landlord promptly. You may also be responsible for repairing anything you or your guests damage.
Understanding the legal framework:
The main law covering repairs in rented homes is the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. This Act sets out the minimum standards landlords must meet and explains your rights if repairs are not carried out. It’s also useful to know the difference between repairs (fixing something that is broken or damaged) and maintenance (routine tasks to keep things working well). For more on this, read Is There a Difference between Repair and Maintenance?.
Why this matters:
Being clear about who is responsible for which repairs can help you communicate better with your landlord and resolve issues quickly. If you want to understand more about the wider legal context, visit our main Repairs and Maintenance in Rented Homes: Legal Overview page. This will give you a broader understanding of your rights and what steps to take if problems arise.
How to Identify and Document Repair Issues
Knowing when and how to report a repair issue is the first step in making sure your home stays safe and comfortable. Here’s how you can spot problems, document them properly, and keep track of your communications.
Recognising When a Repair Is Needed
Start by looking out for any signs that something in your property isn’t working as it should. Common issues include:
- Leaks or damp patches on walls or ceilings
- Broken heating, hot water, or electrical systems
- Faulty locks, windows, or doors
- Mould growth or poor ventilation
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Unsafe flooring or stairs
If something poses a risk to your health or safety – like exposed wiring or a broken boiler – it should be treated as urgent. For more guidance on what your landlord must fix, see our overview on Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK.
Documenting the Problem
Once you spot a repair issue, it’s important to record it clearly. Take clear photos or videos showing the extent of the damage and the date you noticed it. Write down details such as when the problem started, how it affects your daily life, and any steps you’ve taken to prevent it from getting worse.
Having a detailed record helps show your landlord what needs fixing and can be useful evidence if there’s any dispute later.
Checking Your Tenancy Agreement
Your tenancy agreement should outline who is responsible for different types of repairs. Review it carefully to understand your rights and obligations. If you’re unsure what your agreement says, or if you want to compare it to standard documents, you can find examples on Free Rental / Lease Agreement Templates (15) – PDF | Word – eForms.
Keeping Records of All Communications
Always keep a copy of any emails, letters, or texts you send or receive about repairs. Make notes of any phone calls, including the date, time, and what was discussed. Keeping a clear record makes it easier to follow up and can help if you need to escalate the issue.
By identifying problems early, documenting them thoroughly, and keeping organised records, you’ll be in a strong position to request repairs and protect your rights as a tenant.
Steps to Formally Request Repairs from Your Landlord
When you need your landlord to carry out repairs, it’s important to make your request formally and clearly. Here are the steps to follow to help ensure your concerns are taken seriously and acted upon.
1. Communicate in Writing
Always put your repair request in writing, either by email or letter. This creates a clear record of your communication. Be polite and straightforward, explaining what the problem is and how it affects you. For example, you might write: “I am writing to let you know that the heating in my flat has stopped working.”
2. Include Key Details
Make your request as clear and detailed as possible. Include:
- A description of the problem (e.g. “The kitchen tap is leaking”).
- How urgent the issue is (for example, if there’s no heating in winter, or a water leak).
- When the problem started.
- Any steps you’ve already taken, if relevant.
- Photos of the issue, if possible. Attach these to your email or include printed copies with your letter.
- The address of the property and your contact details.
Clear information helps your landlord understand the issue and respond more quickly. For more on what repairs landlords are responsible for, see Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK.
3. Set a Reasonable Deadline
In your request, ask for the repairs to be completed within a reasonable time. What’s reasonable depends on the urgency. For example, urgent repairs, like a broken boiler in winter, should be fixed within a few days. Less urgent issues, like a dripping tap, may take longer. You might write: “Please can you arrange for this to be repaired within 14 days?”
4. Send and Keep Proof
Send your request in a way that provides proof of delivery. If emailing, keep a copy of the sent email and any replies. If posting a letter, use recorded delivery and keep the receipt. This proof can be vital if you need to show later that you’ve reported the issue.
5. Follow Up if Needed
If you don’t get a response within your suggested timeframe, send a polite follow-up. Remind your landlord of your earlier request and ask when the repairs will be carried out. Keeping a record of all communication can help if you need to take further action.
Taking these steps can speed up the repair process and protect your rights as a tenant. If your landlord continues to ignore your requests, there are further steps you can take, including contacting your local council or seeking legal advice.
What to Do if Repairs Are Not Carried Out Promptly
If your landlord ignores your repair request or takes too long to fix the problem, you have several options to protect your rights and keep your home safe.
Remind Your Landlord
First, send a polite reminder. Make sure your request is in writing and keep copies of all correspondence. Clearly state the issue, how it affects you, and ask for an update on when the repairs will be completed.
Escalate Your Complaint
If your landlord still does not respond, you can escalate the issue. Check if your landlord has a formal complaints procedure – many letting agents and housing associations do. Follow their process and keep a record of your complaint.
For more detailed steps on escalating repair issues, see our guide on how to complain and escalate repairs issues as a UK tenant.
Involve Third Parties
If your complaint is ignored or unresolved, you can contact your local council’s environmental health department. Councils have the power to inspect your home and order your landlord to make necessary repairs, especially if the issue affects your health or safety. To find the right contact, visit Find your local council – GOV.UK.
You can also seek help from tenant advice services, such as Citizens Advice or Shelter. They can guide you on your rights and next steps.
Understand Your Landlord’s Legal Duties
Landlords in the UK are legally responsible for many types of repairs, including problems with heating, plumbing, and the structure of the property. If you are unsure what your landlord must fix, read our overview on landlord repair responsibilities.
Reporting Bad Landlords
In serious cases, especially where your health or safety is at risk, you may need to make a formal complaint about your landlord. For guidance on reporting bad landlords, visit Bad Landlords in Federal Housing Complaints.
Remember, you should never stop paying rent or attempt repairs yourself without following the correct legal procedures. Taking the right steps ensures you stay protected and increases the chances of getting your repairs done.
Dealing with Specific Types of Repairs
When requesting repairs from your landlord, it helps to know which type of repair you’re dealing with. Some repairs are urgent, while others may be less immediate but still important. The most common categories include appliance repairs, kitchen repairs, and issues like leaks or roof problems. Each type comes with its own set of landlord duties and recommended steps for tenants.
Appliance repairs often cover things like broken boilers, faulty ovens, or malfunctioning fridges that were provided with the property. If you’re unsure who is responsible for fixing these, see our detailed guide on appliance repairs in rented homes for advice on your rights and what to expect from your landlord.
Kitchen repairs can range from damaged worktops and cupboards to faulty plumbing or broken fittings. Since a working kitchen is essential for daily living, it’s important to understand what your landlord must fix. Find out more about typical kitchen issues and your landlord’s responsibilities in our section on kitchen repairs in rented homes.
Leaks and roof problems are also common, especially in older properties or during bad weather. These can lead to damp, mould, or structural damage if not addressed quickly. Learn what steps to take and how to get your landlord to act by visiting our guide to leaks and roof repairs in rented homes.
Understanding exactly what your landlord is responsible for in each situation can help you make a stronger case when requesting repairs. For a full overview of your landlord’s repair duties, see our page on landlord repair responsibilities in the UK.
By knowing the specific type of repair and your landlord’s legal obligations, you can communicate more effectively and ensure your home stays safe and comfortable.
If Your Landlord Refuses Repairs or Sends You a Repair Invoice
If your landlord refuses to carry out necessary repairs, it’s important to know your rights and the steps you can take. Landlords in the UK have a legal duty to keep your home in a safe and livable condition. If you’ve reported a problem and your landlord won’t fix it, do not ignore the issue.
Start by checking your tenancy agreement and understanding which repairs are the landlord’s responsibility. For most structural issues, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems, the landlord is usually responsible. If you’re unsure, take a look at our guide on landlord repair responsibilities.
If your landlord refuses to act, keep a clear record of all your communications. Save copies of emails, letters, and text messages. Take dated photos of the problem and note how it affects your daily life. This evidence can be vital if you need to escalate the issue.
You have several options if repairs are not being done. You might contact your local council’s environmental health department, who can inspect the property and may order the landlord to carry out repairs. For a detailed overview of your next steps, see what to do if your landlord refuses or won’t pay for repairs.
Sometimes, landlords send tenants an invoice for repairs that should legally be their own responsibility. If you receive a repair bill you believe is unfair, do not pay it without checking your rights. Review your tenancy agreement and gather evidence showing the repair is the landlord’s duty. Learn more about how to handle this situation in our guide on what to do if your landlord sends you a repair invoice in the UK.
If you and your landlord can’t agree, seek advice as soon as possible. Free support is available from organisations such as Citizens Advice or Shelter. Acting quickly helps protect your rights and ensures your home remains safe and comfortable.
Additional Resources and Support for Tenants
If you’re having trouble getting repairs done, you don’t have to face it alone. There are many free resources and organisations in the UK that can offer support and advice to tenants dealing with repair issues.
Where to Get Help
- Tenant rights groups: Organisations like Shelter, Citizens Advice, and local tenants’ associations can provide free, confidential advice. They can help you understand your rights, draft letters to your landlord, and explain what to do if your landlord ignores repair requests.
- Local councils: Your local council’s housing department can step in if your landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs. They have the power to inspect your home and, in some cases, force landlords to fix serious hazards.
- Legal aid: If your situation is complex or you’re facing eviction due to repair disputes, you may qualify for legal aid. This can help cover the cost of legal advice or representation.
Financial Support and Grants
If you’re struggling to afford improvements or essential repairs that aren’t your landlord’s responsibility, you might be eligible for financial help. Some councils and charities offer grants or loans for home improvements, especially if you’re disabled or on a low income. To learn more about what’s available and how to apply, see our guide on Home Improvement Grants: UK Legal Overview.
Staying Informed as a Tenant
It’s important to keep up to date with your rights, especially if you’re a sitting tenant or have lived in your home for a long time. Laws can change, and long-term renters often have extra protections. For more details on your rights as a sitting tenant, visit our page on Sitting Tenants’ Rights: Legal Protections for UK Renters.
You can also read more about what your landlord is responsible for in our overview of Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK.
How Contend’s AI Legal Assistant Can Help
If you’re unsure about your next steps or need help with a specific repair issue, Contend’s AI Legal Assistant is here for you. You can get clear, personalised answers to your legal questions, guidance on how to communicate with your landlord, and even help drafting letters or formal repair requests. If your situation is urgent or complicated, Contend can point you towards the right support or resources, making it easier to protect your rights and keep your home safe.