Right to Repairs
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UK Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and official guidance.
What is this right?
Your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of your home in good repair, including:
- Roof, walls, windows, and external doors
- Drains, gutters, and external pipes
- Water, gas, and electricity supply (pipes, wiring, boilers)
- Heating and hot water
- Basins, sinks, baths, and toilets
Since the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, your landlord must also ensure the property is fit for human habitation throughout the tenancy — covering issues like damp, mould, pest infestations, inadequate ventilation, and unsafe electrics.
When does it apply?
- Applies to most residential tenancies — including ASTs, regulated tenancies, and council tenancies.
- The landlord's duty applies to repairs they are notified about — so always report problems in writing.
- The landlord is not responsible for damage you or your guests cause, or for minor decorating.
- If your home has serious hazards (excessive cold, damp, risk of falls, fire), your council's Environmental Health team can inspect and take enforcement action.
What should you do?
- Report the problem to your landlord in writing — email is ideal because it's dated and provable.
- Give your landlord a reasonable time to respond — 24 hours for emergencies (no heating, water leak), 2-4 weeks for non-urgent repairs.
- If the landlord doesn't act, contact your local council's Environmental Health team — they can inspect and serve improvement notices.
- You can take your landlord to court under the Homes Act 2018 — the court can order repairs and award compensation.
- Contact Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice for free guidance.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't withhold rent — this is not a legal remedy and can lead to eviction proceedings against you.
- Don't do major repairs yourself and deduct the cost — the law doesn't generally allow this without a court order.
- Don't ignore damp or mould — these can cause serious health problems. Your landlord must deal with the underlying cause.
Choose a region above to see how devolved laws differ from UK national protections.
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