How to Request Repairs from Your Landlord in England

If you're renting a home in England and something in your property needs fixing, you have the right to request repairs from your landlord. It's important to know the correct steps to follow and what support is available if repairs aren't made. This guide explains your rights under English housing law and outlines how to ensure your home remains safe and comfortable.

Your Right to Repairs: What the Law Says

English law requires landlords to keep rented properties in good repair and ensure they meet basic health and safety standards. Specifically, your landlord must:

• Maintain the structure and exterior of your home (e.g., roof, walls, windows, doors)
• Keep gas, water, electricity, sanitation, and heating in good working order
• Fix any damage caused by previous repairs

These duties apply whether you’re an assured shorthold tenant, a council tenant, or renting from a housing association. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 is the key legislation covering these rights.¹

Steps to Request Repairs from Your Landlord

Following the right process helps protect your rights and ensures there is proof of your request. Here’s a simple breakdown:

1. Identify the Issue

Clearly note what needs fixing, when it started, and how it affects your home. Take photos if possible.

2. Inform Your Landlord in Writing

Contact your landlord (or letting agent) as soon as you notice a problem, ideally in writing (by email or letter) describing:

• The problem
• When it started
• Any urgent safety concerns

This provides a clear written record in case you need to escalate the issue later.

3. Use the Model Repair Request Letter

The UK government suggests using a written repair request to your landlord. Shelter provides a helpful template repair letter, but you do not need a special form. Just ensure you keep a copy.

4. Allow a Reasonable Time for a Response

Landlords are expected to deal with repairs within a "reasonable" period. What counts as reasonable depends on how urgent the issue is. Serious hazards such as loss of heating in winter should be fixed more quickly than cosmetic issues.

5. Remind Your Landlord if No Action Is Taken

If you do not receive a reply within a reasonable timeframe, send a polite reminder confirming the date of your original request and ask for an update.

What If Your Landlord Ignores Repair Requests?

If your landlord fails to act, you have several options:

• Contact your local council’s environmental health team
• Make a formal complaint if you rent from a council or housing association
• Apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) if you need repairs resolved or to challenge certain issues²

Reporting to Your Local Council

Your council has a duty to act if rented accommodation fails to meet legal safety standards. Use their online form or call their housing standards team. The council can inspect the property and order your landlord to carry out repairs if needed. More information can be found on the government’s own page for tenant repair rights and council powers.

Relevant Forms and Examples

• Model Repair Request Letter: While there is no fixed government-issued form, Shelter’s template letter is widely recommended. Use it for your initial written request, stating the issue and asking for a response within a set timeframe.
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) Application (Form RR01): If repairs are not made after reasonable notice, renters can use Housing Conditions Application (Form RR01) to apply to the tribunal for an order requiring repairs. Include evidence such as letters, emails, photos, and any council reports.

Example: If heating hasn’t been fixed after a month despite your requests, you could complete Form RR01 and submit it alongside your correspondence to the tribunal.

FAQ: Requesting Repairs from Your Landlord

1. What counts as an 'urgent' repair?
   Urgent repairs are those affecting health and safety, such as no heating in winter, serious leaks, or electrical faults. Landlords are expected to fix these as quickly as possible.
2. How long should I wait before taking further action?
   If the repair is urgent, contact your landlord immediately and allow 24-48 hours. For non-urgent repairs, a week to 14 days is typical. If your landlord does not respond, you can contact your local council or submit a tribunal application.
3. Can my landlord evict me for asking for repairs?
   It is illegal for landlords to evict tenants in retaliation for requesting repairs, known as 'retaliatory eviction.' If you receive an eviction notice after asking for repairs, seek advice promptly.³
4. What happens if I pay for repairs myself?
   You should never withhold rent or pay for repairs without written agreement. You may be able to recover costs, but only if strict rules are followed. Seek advice first.
5. Who enforces repair standards in rental properties?
   Your local council’s environmental health department enforces repair standards. For persistent problems, the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) can make binding decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Always request repairs from your landlord in writing and keep records
• You have legal protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
• If repairs are not made, contact your council or apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)

Following these steps increases the chances of getting essential repairs done safely and efficiently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Shelter: Requesting Repairs from Your Landlord
• Government Guide: Repairs in Rented Housing
• Find Your Local Council (for reporting housing hazards)
• First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) (handle tenancy disputes and repair orders)

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1. Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Full text of Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
2. First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber): Tribunal information and application forms
3. Retaliatory Eviction Protections: Evictions in England - Government guidance

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