Repairs in private lets
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
If you are a private tenant and your home needs repairs, your landlord is responsible for most repairs, but you also have some responsibilities. This section explains what you can do if your landlord refuses to carry out repairs that they are responsible for.
Responsibility for repairs
This page explains who is responsible for repairs in private lets.
Furniture and equipment
Find out what the law says about repairing or replacing furniture and equipment if you rent privately.
Risk of eviction?
Things to consider before you take action to force a private landlord to do repairs.
Reporting repairs to a landlord
Report repairs to your landlord in writing. Allowing access and gathering evidence may help.
Contacting environmental health
Bad conditions in your home can put health at risk. Environmental health departments can sometimes force private landlords to carry out repairs.
Landlord refusing to do repairs
Most private landlords carry out repairs that have been reported. If they refuse to do so, take too long, or do them badly, there are several things you can do.
Tenants doing repairs
Private tenants should only do repairs in some situations and must follow procedures. It's risky.
Disruption and poor work
What you can do if the work isn't done properly, or if it causes major disruption.
