Rent and Credit > How to Request Repairs as a Tenant in the UK

How to Request Repairs as a Tenant in the UK

Wollit Team2 minute read · Updated 11th August 2025

Understanding your tenant repair rights in the UK is essential for maintaining a safe, comfortable home whilst protecting your financial wellbeing. Whether you're dealing with a broken boiler, damp issues, or structural problems, knowing how to navigate the repair process properly can save you money and stress.

What Repairs Is Your Landlord Legally Required to Make?

Under UK housing law, landlords have clear legal obligations for property maintenance. Repairs under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 specifically require landlords to maintain:

Structure and exterior: walls, roof, windows, doors, and foundations
Heating and water systems: boilers, radiators, hot water, and plumbing
Electrical and gas systems: wiring, appliances, and safety equipment
Sanitation facilities: toilets, sinks, baths, and drainage
Common areas: shared spaces in flats and apartment buildings

Landlord responsibilities for repairs extend to essential appliances and fire safety of furnishings provided.

Understanding Your Tenant Repair Rights UK

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a property that meets basic safety and habitability standards. Tenant rights for housing conditions include protection from hazards like faulty electrics, gas leaks, and structural defects. Your landlord cannot avoid these responsibilities by claiming ignorance – once notified of a problem, they have a legal duty to address it promptly.

How to Report Repair Issues to Your Landlord

Reporting repairs as a tenant requires a systematic approach:

Document everything: Take photos and written descriptions, noting when issues first appeared
Contact in writing: Email your landlord with clear descriptions and safety concerns
Set timeframes: Urgent repairs need 24-48 hours response, non-urgent issues 1-2 weeks
Follow up: Phone calls can speed up the process after initial written contact
Escalate if needed: Contact your local council if landlords don't respond appropriately

Creating a paper trail protects your interests and provides evidence if disputes arise later.

What to Do If Your Landlord Refuses Repairs

When landlords ignore repair obligations, disrepair tenant rights provide several escalation options:

Contact environmental health: Your local council can inspect and issue enforcement notices
Seek legal advice: Organisations like Shelter or Citizens Advice offer tenant rights legal advice
Emergency repairs: In extreme cases, carry out urgent repairs yourself and deduct costs from rent (requires legal guidance)

Landlord obligations UK law protects tenants, but following proper procedures is essential for successful outcomes.

Protecting Your Financial Position

Repair disputes can create financial stress, but maintaining good financial health protects your position:

Continue paying rent: Unless legally advised otherwise, consistent payments protect your tenancy
Keep expense receipts: Document additional costs for temporary accommodation or repairs
Check insurance coverage: Some policies cover costs when homes become uninhabitable
Build credit history: Demonstrating reliability through consistent rent and credit payments strengthens future housing applications

Moving Forward: Building Stronger Tenant-Landlord Relationships

Understanding your repair rights empowers confident problem-solving whilst maintaining professional relationships. Most issues resolve through clear communication and mutual respect.

Your rights include living in a safe, well-maintained property, but exercising these rights responsibly protects both your immediate housing situation and long-term financial wellbeing.