How to report repairs to a private landlord

Find out how to report repairs to a private landlord.

Check if your landlord is responsible for repairs

Your landlord is responsible for fixing most repair problems in your rented home.

Check who is responsible for repair problems.

You could be responsible for repairs if you have damaged your home.

Find out what to do if you are responsible for repairs caused by accidental damage.

Report gas leaks

Call the Gas emergency number 0800 111 999 immediately if there is a gas leak or you notice any signs of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Report repairs in writing

Report all repair issues to your landlord as soon as possible.

You can report repairs to your letting agent if they manage the property on behalf of the landlord.

You can tell the landlord or agent about the repair problem in person, by phone or text. You should also write to them or email them to confirm the details.

If there's a dispute about repairs not being done, a letter or email helps show you told your landlord about the problem.

If you use the Royal Mail's signed for service, you'll be able to prove the landlord got your letter.

Use Shelter's template letter to write to your landlord to ask for repairs.

Send a reminder if your landlord doesn't respond

Contact your landlord again if they don't reply to your first request for repairs.

Use Shelter's template letter to write again to ask your landlord for repairs.

If there is still no response or you can't find your landlord, find out what to do if your landlord won't do repairs.

Keep records

Make sure you keep a record of all your contact with your landlord about the repair problem.

This can include:

• copies of letters and emails you've sent to your landlord
• dates of any visits to your home from your landlord
• copies of letters and emails received from your landlord
• date and time of phone calls made to your landlord, and what was said

Use Shelter's phone log checklist to keep a record of phone calls.

Why you should report repairs

Your tenancy agreement might say that reporting repairs is a condition of your tenancy.

If you don't report repairs when they're needed, a small problem could get worse and cost your landlord more to fix.

Your landlord could deduct money from your tenancy deposit or decide not to renew your tenancy.

Problems with repairs or conditions in your home could also harm your health.

Find out more about health and safety standards in your rented home.

Eviction if you ask for repairs

Some landlords start legal action for eviction if tenants ask for repairs.

Find out more about revenge eviction if you ask for repairs.

If your tenancy started or was renewed on or after October 1st 2015, you could have extra legal protection from eviction.

Get advice if you reported repairs and your landlord told you to leave or you're worried they might.

Use Shelter's directory to find a local advice centre.

Call Shelter's free national helpline on 0808 800 4444.