Your Rights to Social Housing Repairs in England

Living in social housing means your landlord—such as your local council or a housing association—is responsible for making sure your home is safe and in good repair. If something breaks or becomes unsafe, it’s important to know your rights under English law and the steps you can take to ensure repairs are made promptly.

What Are Your Landlord's Repair Responsibilities?

Your social landlord is legally required to keep your home in a safe and good condition. This includes:

• Keeping the structure and exterior of your home in repair (roof, walls, windows, doors)
• Maintaining water, gas, electricity, sanitation (toilets, basins, baths), and heating systems
• Ensuring communal areas stay safe and in good condition

These responsibilities are set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018¹.

How to Report Repairs in Social Housing

As soon as you notice a problem (for example, a leaking roof or broken boiler), notify your landlord or housing provider. Most councils and housing associations have dedicated repairs phone lines, online forms, or even mobile apps for reporting issues.

• Describe the problem clearly and note when it started
• Request a written confirmation or keep a record of your report

What Is a 'Reasonable Timeframe' for Repairs?

The law doesn’t specify exact deadlines, but urgent repairs (like no heating in winter, or a water leak) should be addressed promptly—often within 24-48 hours. Less urgent issues may take longer. Your tenancy agreement or landlord’s repair policy may provide more details, or you can check your landlord’s website for guidance.

What If Your Landlord Fails to Carry Out Repairs?

If your landlord doesn’t fix serious problems, you have additional rights. You can:

• Make a formal complaint using your landlord’s complaints process (check their website for details)
• Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team if repairs affect your health or safety. Learn more about council involvement in repairs.
• Escalate unresolved complaints to the Housing Ombudsman Service, which acts as the official complaints tribunal for social housing in England

Environmental Health can inspect your home and order repairs through a notice if hazards are found under the Housing Act 2004.²

Key Forms for Social Housing Repairs and Complaints

• Complaint form to landlord or housing association: Most have their own online or downloadable complaint forms (no standard number) – use this if repairs are not promptly addressed. For example, submit the form if your heating hasn't been repaired after multiple requests.
• Housing Ombudsman Complaint Form: Use the online complaint form after completing your landlord's complaint process without a satisfactory result.
• Environmental Health Referral: Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team if repairs affect your health or safety. Start with the gov.uk report form to direct you to your council.

Understanding the Social Housing Complaint Process

If you remain unsatisfied after following your landlord’s complaints procedure, you may refer your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman Service. This official body investigates complaints about social housing landlords, including repairs, delays, or inadequate responses.

The Housing Ombudsman Service is England’s official complaints and dispute resolution body for social housing renters.

Key Legislation Protecting Renters

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Sets basic repair obligations
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Gives renters the right to take legal action if their home is unfit
• Housing Act 2004: Empowers councils to take action on hazards

Keeping basic records, such as emails or photos, strengthens your position if you need to escalate your case. For more, see the gov.uk guidance on social housing repairs.

FAQ: Social Housing Repairs and Your Rights

1. How soon must my landlord fix urgent repairs?
   Urgent repairs, like no heat or water leaks, should be addressed within 24-48 hours. Always report problems quickly and keep records.
2. Do I have to let my landlord inspect the property?
   Yes, but they must give you at least 24 hours’ written notice and visit at a reasonable time unless it's an emergency.
3. What if repair delays are affecting my health?
   Contact Environmental Health at your local council if repairs pose health or safety risks. For ongoing issues, escalate to the Housing Ombudsman.
4. Is compensation available if repairs are late?
   You may be entitled to a rent reduction or compensation in certain cases; check your tenancy agreement or discuss with your landlord, or seek guidance from the Housing Ombudsman.
5. Can I arrange repairs myself and deduct the cost?
   This is only advisable with specialist advice and written communication. Speak to your landlord first and, if needed, seek independent advice before taking any action.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Housing Ombudsman Service – handle complaints about social housing across England
• Gov.uk: Social housing repairs and maintenance – official guide to rights and processes
• Your local council’s Environmental Health – for significant hazards and enforcement
• Citizens Advice: Repairs in rented housing – for free, impartial advice

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1. Landlord and Tenant Act 1985; Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
2. Housing Act 2004

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