Repairs in private lets
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
Repairs in private lets are mostly the responsibility of the landlord, but tenants also have some responsibilities, as well as rights.
What is a decent home?
All homes must meet the standard for decent homes to be considered habitable. In theory this applies to all housing, but in practice this standard only applies to council and housing association accommodation.
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
Reporting repairs to your landlord in the right way may help if there are later problems. Find out more about reporting repairs to a landlord.
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
If your landlord is refusing to do repairs there are things you can do. Use our information to see what you can do about landlords refusing to do repairs.
Tenants doing repairs
Private tenants should only do repairs in some situations and must follow procedures.
Disruption and poor work
What you can do if the work isn't done properly, or if it causes major disruption.
Court action for disrepair
If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs, or has started but not finished them, you may be able to take them to court.
