Repairs in a rented home: what your landlord must fix and where to complain
In a rented home in England the landlord is responsible for repairs to the structure, heating, wiring and plumbing — that is the law and it cannot be shifted onto the tenant. If they drag their feet, your council's environmental health team can step in.
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If you rent in England, one point matters most: the law makes the landlord responsible for keeping the home in repair, and a tenancy agreement cannot override it. Even if the contract says the tenant must fix the heating, that clause is void — the responsibility stays with the owner.
What must the landlord repair?
The landlord is always responsible for repairs to: the structure and exterior; fire safety issues; sanitary fittings — basins, sinks, baths, pipes and drains; heating and hot water; gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation; and electrical wiring. They are also responsible for damage caused by their own repair attempts, and usually for common areas such as staircases in a block of flats.
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A tenant only carries out repairs if the tenancy agreement expressly allows it, and cannot be forced to do work that belongs to the landlord. But the tenant must pay for damage they, their family or guests cause to a neighbouring home or to the property.
How to report a fault
Tell your landlord as soon as you spot a problem. If a fault could affect health — such as faulty wiring or mould — act immediately. The landlord should tell you when the repair will happen. Keep paying rent while you wait: stopping gives grounds for eviction.
What if repairs are not done?
Contact your local council's environmental health department. The council must act if it believes the problem could harm you or cause a nuisance to others. If the home is unfit to live in, contact the council's housing department: it will carry out a Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) assessment and must act on serious hazards. Keep your messages and photos — they are useful as evidence. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules; check the current details on GOV.UK.
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