How to report repairs to a private landlord or agent
You can report a repair problem in person, by phone, message, email or letter.
Keep records of repairs you've reported.
Check your landlord is responsible for fixing the problem before you report it.
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 things that need to be fixed are [list the repairs needed].
The disrepair may cause more damage to the property if it is not fixed soon.
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
Tell your landlord about repairs as soon as you can.
Check your tenancy agreement to find out how to report repairs.
Your landlord might say you are responsible for damage if a problem gets worse because you did not report it.
If you rent through a letting agent, you usually contact them.
You can complain to the agent if you are not happy with how they deal with the problem.
If the agent does not respond or tell the landlord, you could contact your landlord direct. Sometimes this gets the work done quicker.
How soon should repairs be fixed?
Your landlord or agent must carry out repairs within a reasonable time once you tell them about the problem.
There's no set amount of time for how long is reasonable. It depends on how serious the problem is and who lives in the property.
For example, if you report an emergency repair such as a broken boiler during winter it could be reasonable for your landlord to carry out repairs within 24 hours.
Worried about eviction if you report repairs?
Many tenants try to sort out repairs informally with their landlord or letting agent. Doing this can help to keep a good relationship with your landlord.
Some landlords take steps to evict tenants who ask for repairs. This is called a revenge eviction. Sometimes you can stop revenge eviction.
Ask your council for help if your landlord threatens or harasses you because you ask for repairs.
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 done
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.
Use our letter templates
We have more letter templates for private tenants who need repairs done.
Last updated: 8 June 2023
