How to Report Housing Disrepair as a Renter in England

If you're renting a home in England and discover issues with the property—such as damp, mould, broken heating, or leaks—your landlord is legally responsible for making many types of repairs. This guide explains the steps to formally report housing disrepair, outlines your rights and responsibilities, and details how to seek support if your landlord does not act.

Your Repair Rights as a Renter in England

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep the structure and exterior of your home in good repair, as well as facilities for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating, and hot water. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 strengthens your rights to challenge unfit living conditions¹.

Types of Disrepair Landlords Must Fix

• Leaks from roofs or windows
• Broken boilers or heating systems
• Damp, mould, or pest infestations
• Unsafe electrical wiring
• Sanitation issues in the kitchen or bathroom

How to Report Disrepair to Your Landlord

Your first step should always be to alert your landlord—ideally in writing. Written notice is required by law for many repairs and protects your rights if problems persist. Some landlords use formal maintenance request systems.

Step-by-Step: Notifying Your Landlord

• Describe the problem clearly (e.g. "There is a water leak under the kitchen sink"), including when it started.
• Request a repair in writing (email, letter, or online portal) and keep copies of all correspondence.
• Ask the landlord when the repair will be completed.

If your landlord doesn't respond within a reasonable time or refuses to fix urgent issues, you have further options.

Escalating: Reporting Disrepair to Your Local Council

If informal steps fail, renters can contact their local council's Environmental Health department. This is especially important for problems that threaten health or safety, such as dangerous electrics or severe mould. Councils can inspect the property and issue a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) report.

Action Steps

• Find your council at Find your local council – GOV.UK
• Complete the council's online complaint form or send an email reporting the ongoing disrepair
• If invited, allow the council inspector access to assess the property

If the council confirms a health or safety hazard, they may serve an "improvement notice" on the landlord using an official Housing Act Notice (no specific renter form required). You can read more about council enforcement on the official repairs page.

Using Official Forms: Compensation and Further Action

If repairs are not made, you may be able to claim compensation or force repairs through the courts. For this, renters often use:

• N1 Claim Form – Used to start a money claim in the County Court, for example if you wish to seek compensation for inconvenience, illness, or damage due to disrepair.
  Example: After several letters and council visits, your landlord still fails to fix persistent damp. You complete an N1 Claim Form to request compensation for damage to your belongings.
• N244 Application Notice – Used if you need to ask the court for an urgent decision or to take specific action (e.g. an injunction for emergency repairs).
  Example: In the middle of winter, your landlord ignores your broken boiler, leaving you without heating. You may complete an N244 Application Notice to apply for an urgent order.

Be sure to read guidance on official forms before starting a court claim: Make a court claim for money (GOV.UK).

Who Handles Disrepair Claims?

Court claims related to housing disrepair are generally overseen by the County Court. The First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property also handles some types of disputes but is not the main route for disrepair cases in England².

FAQ: Reporting Disrepair in England

1. What should I do if my landlord does not respond to repair requests?
   After sending written requests, contact your local council to report the issue. If they confirm health or safety risks, they can require your landlord to act.
2. Can I stop paying rent if repairs aren't made?
   Withholding rent is rarely advised and could risk eviction. Always seek help from a legal adviser before considering this step.
3. How long must I wait before the council can get involved?
   There's no fixed time, but if your landlord ignores your written report for a reasonable period (often 2-4 weeks for non-urgent repairs), you can involve the council sooner for serious hazards.
4. Am I responsible for minor repairs?
   Tenants are expected to use the property responsibly (e.g., changing lightbulbs, keeping it clean), but landlords handle most repairs unless you've caused the damage.
5. What laws protect my right to a safe home?
   The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 are the main laws covering repairs and safety in England.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Always report repair problems to your landlord in writing first and keep records.
• If the landlord fails to act, the council can help resolve health or safety risks.
• Legal processes exist for compensation, but support is available to help guide you.

Staying proactive and informed about your rights helps ensure safer housing and fair treatment as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Repairs in private renting – GOV.UK (official government guidance)
• Find your local council for Environmental Health contacts
• Citizens Advice – Repairs in rented housing (national helpline and guidance)
• Housing Ombudsman Service for social housing complaints
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) – Residential Property

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1. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (see: full legislation text); Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (see: full text)
2. County Court civil claims: official guidance; housing tribunals: First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

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