Renters who live in properties with night storage heaters often have questions about who pays, who fixes faults, and what safety checks are required. This guide explains practical steps for tenants in England to report faults, request repairs, and escalate problems if a landlord does not act. It uses clear tenant-focused language to describe legal duties, reasonable timescales, and official routes such as local councils and the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber). You will find examples of when to expect repairs, what evidence to collect, and which official forms or applications to use when you need an enforcement inspection or a tribunal hearing. Keep records and follow the simple steps below to protect your health and your rights.
Who is responsible for night storage heaters?
In most private rented homes in England, landlords are responsible for keeping fixed heating systems, including night storage heaters, in repair and working order under landlord repair duties.[2] The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector set out legal safety checks for electrical installations that landlords must follow; tenants should ask for the current Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) if they suspect a dangerous installation.[1]
Safety and legal standards
If a heater is not working or is unsafe (for example overheating, emitting burning smells, or has exposed wiring), raise it in writing and give the landlord a reasonable time to fix it. If the landlord fails to act, you can request a council inspection under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and, if needed, use the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) for enforcement.[5] Relevant national legislation includes the Housing Act 1988 and the Rent Act 1977 as part of the statutory framework that underpins property and tenancy rights in England and Wales.[3][4]
How to report a heater fault
- Contact your landlord or managing agent in writing, describe the fault, include photos and the dates it occurred.
- Set a reasonable deadline for repair (for example within 14 days) and keep copies of all messages.
- If the heater is a danger to health or life, call emergency services or your local council hazards team immediately.
- If the landlord does not act, ask the council to inspect under HHSRS or consider a tribunal application.
Official forms and applications
Tenants do not always use a single national form for repairs; the common official routes are:
- Application to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) — used when formal relief or an order for repairs or rent repayment is needed; follow the GOV.UK guidance and use the tribunal's application process to submit evidence and request a hearing.[5]
- Local council enforcement complaint forms — councils use their own housing enforcement forms (search your local council to find the correct online complaint form); use this when you need a council inspection under HHSRS to address serious hazards.[6]
- Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) — this is a safety certificate produced by a qualified electrician; request a copy from your landlord when you suspect electrical faults or after an inspection.[1]
When to escalate and examples
Example 1: If your heater stops working in winter and the landlord responds within two business days to book a repair, allow them reasonable access for a qualified electrician. Example 2: If the landlord ignores repeated written requests for repair and the property is cold or unsafe, ask your council to inspect and consider applying to the First-tier Tribunal for an order if enforcement does not resolve it.[5]
FAQ
- Who is responsible for repairing a night storage heater?
- Landlords are usually responsible for maintaining fixed heating; tenants should report faults in writing and allow access for repairs.
- Can a landlord charge me for repairs to a faulty night storage heater?
- Generally the landlord pays for repairs arising from normal wear or safety issues; check your tenancy agreement and seek advice before agreeing to any charges.
- When should I contact the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)?
- Contact the tribunal if your landlord refuses reasonable repairs and you need a formal order after using council enforcement or following written complaints.
How-To
- Contact your landlord or managing agent in writing, describe the fault and attach photos.
- Set a reasonable deadline (for example within 14 days) and keep copies of all correspondence.
- If the heater presents an immediate risk, call emergency services or report the hazard to your local council for inspection.
- If there is no satisfactory response, apply to the First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber) or ask the council to pursue enforcement action.
Help and Support / Resources
- First-tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)
- Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (Regulations)
- Find your local council to report housing hazards
