Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant
As a tenant in the UK, you have the right to live in a property that is safe, healthy, and fit for habitation. This means your home should be free from serious hazards and in a reasonable state of repair. The law places clear responsibilities on landlords to ensure that rented homes meet these standards.
UK law protects tenants by requiring landlords to keep properties in good repair. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11, landlords are legally obliged to maintain the structure and exterior of your home, as well as key installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and heating. If these essentials are not working properly or are in disrepair, your landlord must address the issue within a reasonable timeframe.
In addition to these legal requirements, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) sets out how local councils assess housing conditions. This system helps identify hazards – such as damp, mould, or unsafe electrics – that could affect your health or safety. Landlords are expected to address any serious risks identified under this system.
Landlords are responsible for more than just emergency fixes. Their obligations cover a wide range of repairs and maintenance tasks, which are outlined in detail under landlord repair obligations. Common examples include:
Keeping the roof, walls, windows, and doors in good condition
Ensuring plumbing (like sinks, baths, and toilets) works properly
Maintaining heating systems and hot water
Repairing faulty wiring or electrical sockets
Dealing with issues like damp, mould, or infestations if caused by structural problems
For a full breakdown of what your landlord has to repair, it’s important to check your tenancy agreement as well as the law. Some minor repairs or day-to-day maintenance, such as changing light bulbs or keeping the garden tidy, may be your responsibility.
If you notice a problem in your home, always report it to your landlord as soon as possible, ideally in writing. This creates a clear record of your request. Your landlord should respond within a reasonable period, depending on the urgency of the issue. For example, a broken boiler in winter should be fixed much more quickly than a dripping tap.
If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs, or ignores your requests, you have options. You can contact your local council, who can assess your home using the HHSRS and may order your landlord to make repairs. In some cases, you may also be entitled to claim compensation.
To understand the broader context of your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities, you can explore our section on repairs and maintenance.
Knowing your rights is the first step to ensuring your home is safe and comfortable. If you’re facing issues with repairs, don’t hesitate to seek advice or take further action.
How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord
Requesting repairs from your landlord is an important first step if something in your home needs fixing. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords in the UK are legally responsible for keeping certain parts of your home in good repair, including the structure, heating, plumbing, and electrical systems. However, your landlord is only required to act once they have been made aware of the problem, so it’s vital to let them know as soon as possible.
Notify Your Landlord in Writing Always make your repair request in writing, even if you have already spoken to your landlord in person or over the phone. Written requests create a clear record of when you reported the issue and what you asked for. You can send your request by email or letter – just make sure you keep a copy for your records.
Describe the Problem Clearly Be specific about what needs repairing. For example, instead of saying “the heating isn’t working,” explain “the boiler has stopped working and there is no hot water or heating since 12 March.” If possible, include photos of the problem to help your landlord understand the issue.
State Why Repairs Are Needed Explain how the problem is affecting your home or health. For example, if a leak is causing damp or mould, mention any damage to your belongings or health concerns.
Request a Response and Timescale Ask your landlord to confirm when the repairs will be carried out. You can also request a reasonable timescale for the work, especially if the issue is urgent (such as no heating in winter).
Keep Records Save copies of all correspondence with your landlord, including emails, letters, and any replies. If you speak to your landlord by phone or in person, make a note of the date, time, and what was discussed.
To ensure your request is clear and effective, include the following information:
Your name, address, and contact details
The date you are making the request
A detailed description of the repair needed
When the problem started
How the issue is affecting you or your home
Any previous attempts to report the issue
Photographs or other evidence, if available
Being thorough in your request can help avoid delays and misunderstandings.
Clear, written communication helps protect your rights as a tenant. If your landlord does not respond or refuses to carry out repairs, having a record of your requests will support you if you need to escalate the issue to your local council or seek legal advice. It also demonstrates that you have given your landlord a fair opportunity to fix the problem.
For a step-by-step guide on how to request repairs from your landlord, including template letters and further advice, see our detailed process page.
What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses or Won’t Pay for Repairs
If your landlord refuses or won’t pay for repairs, you still have important rights as a tenant. The law in the UK requires landlords to keep your home in a safe and liveable condition. This means they must carry out certain repairs, especially if there are problems affecting your health or safety, such as damp, mould, faulty heating, or dangerous wiring.
Remind Your Landlord in Writing If your landlord hasn’t responded to your initial request, send a written reminder. Keep a copy of all your messages, emails, or letters. Clearly describe the problem, when you first reported it, and how it is affecting you. This record can be useful if you need to escalate the issue later.
Understand Your Rights Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally responsible for most major repairs, including to the structure of the property, heating, hot water, and sanitary fittings. If the issue relates to building safety and structural issues, your landlord has a duty to act quickly, as these can pose serious risks.
Consider Next Steps if the Landlord Still Refuses If your landlord continues to ignore your requests or refuses to carry out necessary repairs, you have several options:Make a Formal Complaint: You can follow your landlord’s complaints procedure, if they have one. This is often the first step before taking further action.
Contact Your Local Council: If the problem affects your health or safety, or if your landlord won’t deal with serious hazards, you can ask your local council’s environmental health department for help. The council can inspect your home and may order your landlord to fix the problem. This is especially important if there are risks like unsafe electrics, severe damp, or lack of heating.
Seek Further Advice or Legal Action: If the council doesn’t resolve the issue or if you need more support, you may want to get advice from a housing charity or seek legal help. In some cases, you could take your landlord to court to force repairs or claim compensation.
Keep Paying Your Rent Even if repairs are outstanding, it’s important to keep paying your rent. Stopping payment could put you at risk of eviction. Instead, focus on following the correct steps to get the repairs done.
Alternative Housing Options If your home remains unsafe and your landlord won’t act, you might consider looking into council housing or other local authority support, especially if you are at risk of homelessness due to disrepair.
If you’re unsure about the process or need more detailed guidance, read our advice on how to complain or escalate repairs issues. This resource explains how to make a formal complaint, involve the local council, and what legal steps you can take if your landlord still won’t carry out repairs.
Remember, you have the right to live in a safe and well-maintained home. Don’t hesitate to take action if your landlord refuses to meet their legal responsibilities.
Dealing with Specific Repair Issues
When you’re renting a home, certain repair problems can cause serious inconvenience or even put your health at risk. Common issues include leaks, faulty kitchen fittings, and broken appliances. Understanding how these specific problems relate to your landlord’s legal responsibilities can help you take the right steps if they refuse to act.
Landlords in the UK are legally required to keep the structure and exterior of your home in good repair, as well as ensure installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating, and hot water are working properly. These obligations are set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Here are some typical repair issues and how they are covered:
Leaks and Damp: Persistent leaks, whether from the roof, plumbing, or windows, can lead to damp and mould. Your landlord is usually responsible for fixing these issues, especially if they affect the structure or cause damage to ceilings, walls, or floors. For more detailed guidance, see our section on leaks and roof repairs.
Kitchen Faults: Problems like broken cupboards, faulty sinks, or damaged worktops can disrupt daily life. Landlords are generally responsible for kitchen repairs if the issue involves fixtures and fittings provided with the property.
Appliance Issues: If your tenancy agreement includes appliances such as washing machines, ovens, or fridges, your landlord is typically responsible for appliance repairs, unless your contract states otherwise.
If your landlord is slow to respond or refuses to carry out repairs, follow these steps:
Report the Problem in Writing: Always inform your landlord or letting agent about the issue in writing (email or letter), describing the problem and asking for it to be fixed. Keep copies for your records.
Gather Evidence: Take photos or videos of the problem and keep notes of any conversations or failed attempts to get the issue resolved.
Check Your Tenancy Agreement: Review your agreement to confirm what repairs your landlord is responsible for, especially for items like appliances or furniture.
Remind Them of Their Legal Duties: Politely remind your landlord of their obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which requires them to keep the property safe and in good repair.
Contact Your Local Council: If your landlord still won’t act, your local council’s environmental health team can inspect your home and order your landlord to make essential repairs if there’s a risk to your health or safety.
Consider Further Action: If the problem isn’t resolved, you may be able to take legal action or seek compensation. Always seek advice before withholding rent, as this can put you at risk of eviction.
For more information on your rights and what to expect when dealing with specific repair problems, explore our related guides on appliance repairs, leaks and roof repairs, and kitchen repairs. Taking prompt, well-documented action is the best way to ensure your home stays safe and comfortable.
Financial Considerations and Support
When your landlord refuses to pay for repairs or tries to pass the costs onto you, it’s important to understand your financial rights and the support available. Here’s what you need to know:
Generally, landlords are legally responsible for most repairs to the structure and exterior of your home, as well as for keeping installations for water, gas, electricity, and heating in good working order under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. If your landlord tries to make you pay for repairs that are their duty, you should not accept these charges without seeking advice. For more details on what to do if your landlord sent you an invoice for repairs, see our dedicated guidance.
Your deposit is protected by law under a government-approved Tenancy Deposit Scheme, which ensures your money is safe and can’t be unfairly withheld. If your landlord refuses to return your deposit or makes deductions for repairs that are their responsibility, you have the right to challenge this. Learn more about your rights regarding rental deposits, including how to dispute deductions and what to do if your deposit hasn’t been properly protected.
If your home becomes unsafe or uninhabitable due to outstanding repairs, you might find it difficult to keep up with rent or need to move temporarily. You may be eligible for help with paying rent if you’re struggling financially because of repair issues. This could include Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, or local council support. If you’re receiving Housing Benefit and your landlord isn’t fulfilling their repair obligations, you may also have grounds to take legal action to ensure your living conditions are safe and suitable.
Remember, if your landlord fails to carry out essential repairs, you have legal protection and access to support. Don’t hesitate to seek advice or explore your options if you’re facing financial difficulties as a result of your landlord’s inaction.
