How to report repairs to a private landlord or agent
You can report a repair problem in person, by phone, message, email or letter.
Use our template to message or email your landlord:
[Use the subject: Request for repairs]
I’m writing to ask for repairs at [your address].
The repairs needed are [list the repairs needed].
The disrepair may cause more damage to the property if it not fixed as soon as possible.
I’m also worried the problem could affect my health and my family because [explain how it could affect your health].
Please contact me to arrange a time for the repairs.
I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible.
You can also send the letter as an email attachment or by post:
Word template: Request for repairs (docx 14kb)
Report repairs straight away
Check your tenancy agreement to find out how to report repairs.
If you rent through a letting agent, this is usually who you should contact.
If the agent does not respond or pass the information to the landlord, you could contact your landlord direct. Speaking to the landlord may help get the work done quicker in some cases.
How soon should repairs be fixed?
Your landlord or agent must carry out repairs within a reasonable time if you tell them about the problem.
For example, if you report an emergency repair such as a broken boiler it could be reasonable for your landlord to carry out repairs within 24 hours.
If a repair problem gets worse because you did not report it, your landlord might say you are responsible for any damage caused.
Worried about eviction if you report repairs?
Some private landlords take steps to evict tenants who ask for repairs.
This is called a revenge eviction. Sometimes you can stop a revenge eviction.
Your landlord must follow the legal process. A section 21 eviction can take a few months.
Keep records in writing
Always write to your landlord to confirm:
what the repair problem is
when you reported it to them
what your landlord said they would do about it
Records can include:
copies of letters and emails with your landlord
dates of any visits to your home from your landlord
the date and time of phone calls from your landlord and what was said
If you need to take more action you may need to show what you did to contact the landlord.
If repairs are not carried out
You may need to contact your landlord or letting agent again if they do not take action.
Write to them to:
remind them of their responsibilities
suggest dates and times when the work could be done
Give your landlord or agent a time to respond.
Find out what you can do next if your landlord will not do repairs.
You may need to contact your council's private renting team.
Use our letter templates
We have more letter templates for private tenants who need repairs done.
Last updated: 26 June 2022
