Repairs in social housing
This content applies to England only.
Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland
This section explains the rights you have if your home needs repairs and you rent from a council or housing association.
If you are having problems because of disrepair, a local advice centre may be able to help you. Use our directory to find one. You could also
download our free guide to
getting repairs done.
Responsibility for repairs
Explains who is responsible for repairs and maintenance in council or housing association lets.
Reporting and allowing access
Explains to tenants the rules about reporting repairs needed to the council or housing association and allowing access to the property.
Right to repair scheme
This page explains how the right to repair scheme for council tenants works.
Disrepair affecting health
What you can do if conditions in your council or housing association home are damaging your health or causing a nuisance to other people.
Disruption and poor work
What you can do if the council or housing association arranges repairs that are disruptive, or the work is done badly.
Refusal to repair
What you can do if your council or housing association refuses to carry out repairs, takes too long, or does them badly.
Withholding rent over repairs
Advice for council and housing association tenants considering withholding their rent over repairs.
Court action for disrepair
Explains if you can take your housing association or council landlord to court if they refuse to carry out repairs.
Complaining to the Ombudsman
Explains how and when to complain to the Ombudsman, and what they can do.
