By law, your landlord is responsible for fixing most major repair problems in your home. This applies to private landlords, housing associations, and councils.
A tenancy agreement cannot remove or reduce your landlord’s legal repair duties, even if your contract says otherwise.
What your landlord must repair
Your landlord is legally responsible for repairing:
- The structure and exterior: roofs, outside walls, foundations, external doors, windows, gutters, and drains
- Plumbing and water: basins, sinks, baths, toilets, and waste pipes
- Heating and hot water: boilers, radiators, heat pumps, and immersion heaters
- Gas and electrical safety: electrical wiring, sockets, light fittings, and council- or landlord-provided gas appliances
- Shared communal areas: entrance doors, hallways, staircases, and shared kitchens or bins
Your landlord must also ensure your home is free from serious health and safety hazards, such as severe damp and mould.
Your responsibilities as a tenant
You must look after your home by doing basic everyday tasks. You are responsible for:
- Reporting repairs to your landlord or letting agent as soon as you spot an issue
- Giving reasonable access for repairs or safety checks (your landlord must give at least 24 hours’ written notice before visiting)
- Carrying out minor household maintenance, such as changing standard lightbulbs or testing smoke alarms
- Paying for repairs if you, your family, or your guests cause damage to the property
You do not have to pay for repairs caused by normal wear and tear (the gradual ageing of fixtures and fittings through everyday use).
What to do if your landlord will not carry out repairs
Follow these steps if something needs fixing:
- Report the issue in writing: Email or write to your landlord or letting agent so you have a paper trail. Describe the problem clearly, explain how it affects your daily life, and attach dated photographs.
- Allow reasonable time for the work: Urgent repairs (such as no heating in winter or a severe water leak) should be dealt with within 24 to 48 hours. Non-urgent repairs typically take up to 28 days.
- Follow up in writing: If your landlord does not reply or refuses to carry out the work, send a follow-up message referencing your initial report.
Do not stop paying your rent: Even if your landlord refuses to carry out repairs, you do not have the legal right to withhold rent. Stopping rent payments puts you at risk of eviction for rent arrears.
Report unresolved repair issues to the council
If you have reported the problem in writing, allowed reasonable time, and your landlord has not acted, our private sector housing team can help.
We can inspect your home under national housing health and safety standards. If we find serious hazards, we can serve a legal improvement notice on your landlord ordering them to complete the repairs.
- Call: 01843 577437
- Email: housing.conditions@thanet.gov.uk
You can also read Shelter’s step-by-step guidance on reporting private rented repairs