Landlord and tenant responsibilities for repairs
Your landlord is responsible for:
most repairs in your home
keeping your home safe and free from hazards
As a tenant, you are responsible for:
looking after your home
reporting repairs or damp
letting the landlord or contractors in to inspect or fix problems
Video: Who is responsible for repairs?
Video transcript
Your landlord is responsible for most of the repairs to your home.
This includes:
the main structure of your home
walls
windows
the roof
It also includes the supply of gas, water, electricity and sanitation, including:
pipes
wires
plug sockets
They're also responsible for space heating and heating water. So that’s the boiler that heats your water and your home.
As a tenant, it’s your responsibility to inform the landlord of any repairs that are needed.
It’s a good idea to inform the landlord as soon as possible and keep a record of what you’ve told them and when, just in case you need it later.
Your landlord should do the repairs as soon as they can. But a lot can depend on the nature of the repair, whether parts need to be ordered or contractors arranged.
Our Shelter adviser explains who is responsible for repairs in a rented home.
[Video length: 49 seconds]
Landlord repair responsibilities
Private landlords, housing associations and councils must sort out repairs to:
electrical wiring
gas pipes and boilers
heating and hot water
ventilation and chimneys
sinks, baths and toilets
plumbing and drains
internal and external walls
stairs and bannisters
doors and windows
the roof
These repairs are sometimes called 'section 11 repairs'. This is because they come from section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Your landlord is always responsible even if your tenancy agreement does not say this.
If you live in a flat
The freeholder who owns the building may be responsible for:
common parts, like lifts and stairways
the structure and exterior of the whole property
Tell your landlord about problems so they can report them to the freeholder.
Check your contract for extra repair rights
Your tenancy agreement might give you extra repair rights.
For example, it could say that your landlord has to fix appliances like a fridge or washing machine.
Health and safety in your home
Your landlord should make sure that your home is safe and free from any hazards.
It must be fit to live in for as long as you live there.
Council and housing association tenants
Your landlord has 24 hours to fix an emergency hazard.
They must offer you temporary housing if they cannot make your home safe in that time.
Damp and mould
All landlords must look for the causes of damp and deal with it.
Social landlords must investigate and fix serious damp and mould in set time limits.
Find out more about:
Preventing other hazards in your home
Your landlord should not wait for a repair problem to become a hazard.
Find out about:
How long should repairs take?
Your landlord must carry out repairs within a reasonable period of time.
Timescales depend on how serious the problem is.
Your landlord should also redecorate if needed once the problem is fixed.
Find out:
Tenant responsibilities
You must use your home in a ‘tenant like manner’.
This means:
looking after your home
keeping gardens or outside areas in a reasonable state
making sure your home is well ventilated to help avoid condensation
small jobs likes changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries
You do not have to leave your home in a better condition than when you moved in.
You're not responsible for normal wear and tear in your home.
Reporting problems
Report any repairs to your landlord as soon as possible.
Find out how to:
Letter templates for private renters
Letting your landlord inspect your home
You should allow access to your home if your landlord wants to inspect the condition of the property.
You must get at least 24 hours' written notice of an inspection.
An inspection should be at a reasonable time. Suggest a better time if it is not convenient.
Repairs you are responsible for
You're responsible for:
fixing appliances or furniture you own
damage caused by you, your family or your guests
You might have to pay for damage you cause, even if your landlord has to fix it.
For example, you might be charged if you block a drain or toilet by flushing nappies.
Last updated: 27 October 2025
