Introduction to Kitchen Repairs in Rented Properties
Renting a home means your landlord is responsible for keeping the property in good repair, and that includes the kitchen. The kitchen is one of the most used rooms in any home, so when something breaks or stops working – like your oven, sink, or cupboards – it can have a big impact on your daily life. Understanding who is responsible for fixing these issues is essential for both tenants and landlords.
Kitchen repairs cover a range of problems, from leaking taps and broken appliances to faulty electrics or damaged worktops. Some repairs may be urgent, especially if they affect your safety or ability to cook. Others might be less immediate but still important for keeping the kitchen usable and hygienic.
Knowing your rights helps you take the right steps when something goes wrong. Tenants should be clear about what to report and how to request repairs. Landlords need to know which repairs are their legal duty and how quickly they must respond. Both sides benefit from understanding the rules, which can help avoid disputes and keep the property in good condition.
Kitchen repairs fall under the wider legal framework for rented homes in the UK. If you want to understand how kitchen repairs fit into the bigger picture, you can read more about the general rules on repairs and maintenance in rented homes. For a closer look at what landlords must fix, see our guide on landlord repair responsibilities.
By knowing your responsibilities and rights, you can make sure your kitchen stays safe, functional, and comfortable to use throughout your tenancy.
Landlord Responsibilities for Kitchen Repairs
Landlords in the UK have a legal duty to keep the kitchen in good repair throughout your tenancy. This responsibility comes from both your tenancy agreement and the law, including Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Landlords must ensure the kitchen is safe, usable, and meets basic standards of habitability.
What must landlords repair in the kitchen?
Landlords are required to fix and maintain the structure and installations that supply water, gas, and electricity. In the kitchen, this usually includes:
- Plumbing, such as sinks, taps, and drainage pipes
- Electrical wiring and sockets
- Gas pipes and connections
- Built-in appliances provided by the landlord, like ovens or hobs
- Cabinets, worktops, and cupboards that are part of the property
- Fixtures and fittings, such as extractor fans or built-in lighting
For example, if your kitchen sink is leaking, the extractor fan stops working, or the oven supplied with the property breaks down, your landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing them. However, if you own a freestanding appliance that you brought with you, like a microwave, the landlord is not usually responsible for its repair.
Why are timely repairs important?
Prompt and proper kitchen repairs are essential for your health and safety. Problems like broken plumbing or faulty wiring can make your home unsafe or unfit to live in. Delays can also lead to further damage, such as water leaks causing mould or structural issues. If repairs are not carried out, you could be left without cooking facilities or clean water, which is not acceptable under UK housing standards.
Understanding your landlord’s wider repair obligations
Kitchen repairs are part of your landlord’s general duty to maintain the property. If you want to learn more about what your landlord must fix beyond the kitchen, see our page on What Does Your Landlord Have to Repair.
For a broader overview of landlord responsibilities, including how to report repairs and what to do if your landlord does not act, visit our guide: Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK.
You can also read Shelter’s detailed explanation of landlords’ legal duties under Section 11 for further guidance: Repairs under section 11 – Shelter England.
Tenant Rights and How to Request Kitchen Repairs
When you notice a problem with your kitchen – such as a broken oven, leaking sink, faulty electrics, or damaged cupboards – it’s important to act quickly. As a tenant, you have the right to request repairs from your landlord or letting agent. Here’s how to make sure your request is clear, effective, and properly documented.
How to Report Kitchen Repairs
Start by contacting your landlord or letting agent as soon as you spot a problem. While you can make an initial report by phone or in person, it’s always best to follow up in writing. This creates a clear record of your request and the date you reported the issue. Written requests are harder to ignore and can be useful if you need to prove later that you reported the problem.
For step-by-step guidance on making repair requests, see our detailed guide: How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord: Your Rights and Steps.
What to Include in Your Repair Request
To help your landlord respond quickly, include as much detail as possible in your written request. Here’s what to cover:
- Describe the problem clearly. For example, “The oven is not heating up,” or “There is a leak under the kitchen sink.”
- Explain how it affects you. Mention if you can’t use part of the kitchen or if there’s a safety risk.
- Provide supporting evidence. Attach photos or videos if possible.
- State when you first noticed the problem. This helps show how long the issue has existed.
- Request a timeframe for repairs. Ask when you can expect the work to be done.
You can find practical templates and forms to help structure your request at Free Work Order Forms & Templates: All Formats, Editable.
Keeping Records of Communication
Keep copies of all emails, letters, or texts you send and receive about the repair. If you speak to your landlord by phone or in person, make a note of the date, time, and what was discussed. This record will be useful if repairs are delayed or if you need to escalate the issue.
Some local councils, like the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, offer guidance and online tools for reporting repairs. Even if you don’t live in that area, their advice can help you understand the process and what to expect.
Know Your Rights
Landlords have a legal duty to keep your kitchen in good repair. If you’re unsure about what your landlord is responsible for, read our guide on Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK. This will help you understand your rights and what you can reasonably expect from your landlord.
By following these steps, you can make sure your repair request is clear, well-documented, and more likely to be resolved quickly.
Common Kitchen Repair Issues Covered
When you rent a home, your landlord is responsible for keeping the kitchen in good repair. This includes fixing many common problems that can affect your day-to-day life. Understanding what your landlord must repair helps you know when to ask for help and what you can expect.
Typical Kitchen Problems Landlords Must Address
Some of the most common kitchen repair issues that landlords need to handle include:
- Leaking taps and pipes: Dripping taps or leaking pipes under the sink can lead to water damage and mould. Landlords must fix these promptly.
- Broken sinks and worktops: Cracked or damaged sinks, as well as chipped or broken work surfaces, should be repaired to prevent further damage and maintain hygiene.
- Damaged cupboards and units: If kitchen cupboards, drawers, or doors are broken or coming off their hinges, it’s the landlord’s duty to repair or replace them.
- Faulty extractor fans or ventilation: Proper ventilation is important in kitchens. If extractor fans stop working, your landlord should arrange for repairs.
- Unsafe or damaged flooring: Loose tiles or damaged floor coverings can be a trip hazard and should be fixed.
Appliance Repairs in the Kitchen
Repairs for kitchen appliances such as ovens, hobs, fridges, and washing machines can sometimes be confusing. Whether your landlord is responsible depends on who owns the appliance and what your tenancy agreement says. If the appliance was provided by your landlord, they are usually responsible for repairs or replacement if it stops working due to normal wear and tear. For more detailed information, see our guide on appliance repairs in rented homes.
Why Reporting Issues Early Matters
It’s important to report kitchen problems to your landlord as soon as you notice them. Early reporting helps prevent small issues from becoming bigger, more expensive problems. For example, a minor leak can quickly turn into serious water damage if left unfixed. Always keep a record of when you report issues, in case you need to follow up later.
Knowing your rights around kitchen repairs is part of understanding your landlord’s wider responsibilities. To learn more about what your landlord must do to keep your home safe and in good repair, visit our page on landlord repair responsibilities in the UK.
What to Do If Repairs Are Not Done Properly or Promptly
If your landlord is slow to carry out kitchen repairs, refuses to fix problems, or the work is done poorly, you have several options. Acting quickly and following the right steps can help protect your rights and keep your kitchen safe and usable.
1. Contact Your Landlord in Writing
Start by notifying your landlord about the problem in writing. Clearly describe the issue, how it affects you, and request a repair. Keep a copy of your message – email is ideal, but a letter works too. This creates a record of your request and the date you reported the problem.
2. Document the Problem and Your Actions
Take photos or videos of the kitchen issue, such as broken cabinets, faulty appliances, or water leaks. Keep records of all communication with your landlord, including dates and details of any conversations or promises made. If repairs are started but not finished properly, document the incomplete or poor-quality work.
3. Remind and Set a Deadline
If you don’t get a response, send a reminder. Give your landlord a reasonable deadline to carry out the repairs – usually 14 days is fair, unless the issue is urgent (like a gas leak or major water leak, which should be fixed immediately).
4. Escalate the Issue
If your landlord continues to delay or refuses to do the repairs, you may need to take further steps. For detailed guidance on how to complain or escalate, see our advice on how to complain and escalate repairs issues as a UK tenant.
5. Involve Local Authorities or Support Services
If your kitchen remains unsafe or unusable, you can contact your local council’s environmental health department. They can inspect the property and, if necessary, order your landlord to make repairs. You can also seek help from tenancy support services or housing charities if you need advice or support.
6. Know Your Rights and Next Steps
It’s important to understand what your landlord is legally responsible for. For a full overview, see our guide to landlord repair responsibilities: what tenants need to know in the UK. If your landlord refuses or won’t pay for kitchen repairs, you may need to consider other options, such as withholding rent or arranging repairs yourself in certain cases. Learn more about your options if your landlord refuses or won’t pay for repairs.
By keeping clear records, following up in writing, and knowing where to turn for help, you can make sure your kitchen is repaired properly and your rights as a tenant are protected.
Handling Repair Costs and Invoices
When it comes to kitchen repairs in rented homes, understanding who pays for what is crucial. Generally, landlords are responsible for keeping the kitchen in good repair. This includes fixing things like broken cupboards, faulty plumbing, or damaged worktops. Tenants, on the other hand, are expected to look after the property and cover the cost of any damage they cause through misuse or neglect.
If your landlord arranges a repair and then sends you an invoice, don’t panic. First, check what the repair was for. If it was due to normal wear and tear or a fault with the property’s structure or fittings, the landlord should usually cover the cost. Tenants are not responsible for these types of repairs. However, if the damage was caused by you, your guests, or through improper use, you may be expected to pay.
If you receive an invoice and are unsure whether you should pay, review your tenancy agreement. It should outline who is responsible for different types of repairs. If the charge seems unfair or you believe the repair was the landlord’s duty, you have the right to dispute it. Start by contacting your landlord in writing, explaining why you think the charge is incorrect. Keep copies of all correspondence.
Should you need detailed steps on how to respond, see our guide on what to do if your landlord sends you a repair invoice in the UK.
If the issue isn’t resolved, you can seek further help. You might contact your local council’s housing department or get advice from a tenants’ rights organisation. For a broader understanding of landlord and tenant responsibilities, the Repairs and Maintenance Responsibilities section of our essential renting guide may also be helpful.
Remember, you should never withhold rent to cover disputed repair costs unless you have followed the proper legal process. Always try to resolve disagreements directly and keep a clear record of all communications.
Additional Resources and Related Topics
If you’re dealing with kitchen repairs in your rented home, you may also face other repair issues or have questions about your rights as a tenant. Here are some useful resources and related topics to help you navigate common concerns:
Dealing with Other Repairs:
Kitchen problems often go hand-in-hand with other maintenance issues. For example, leaks from pipes or the roof can cause damage to your kitchen or other parts of your home. To understand your rights and your landlord’s duties in these situations, see our guide on Leaks and Roof Repairs in Rented Homes: Tenant and Landlord Rights.
Understanding Landlord Responsibilities:
It’s important to know exactly what your landlord is required to fix, not just in the kitchen but throughout your home. For a full overview of what landlords must repair and how to handle disputes, see Landlord Repair Responsibilities: What Tenants Need to Know in the UK.
Getting Your Deposit Back:
Repairs and maintenance can sometimes affect your rental deposit, especially if there’s disagreement about damage or the standard of repairs. If you’re concerned about getting your money back at the end of your tenancy, read our guide on How to Get Your Rental Deposit Back: A Tenant’s Guide. This resource explains your rights and the steps you can take if you think your deposit is being unfairly withheld after repairs.
Further Help and Legal Advice:
If your landlord is not carrying out repairs or you’re unsure about your rights, you can seek help from local councils, Citizens Advice, or housing charities. You may also need legal advice if the situation does not improve.
How Contend Can Help:
Contend’s AI Legal Assistant is here to support you every step of the way. You can get clear, personalised answers to your questions about kitchen repairs, landlord duties, or deposit disputes. If you need to take action, Contend can help you draft letters to your landlord or guide you on the best next steps for your situation. Whether you’re unsure about your rights or need help preparing for a formal complaint, Contend makes legal help accessible and straightforward.