The landlord’s opportunity to act
A landlord normally needs to know about a defect before being expected to repair it. What counts as a reasonable response time depends on urgency, risk, access, diagnosis and the work required.
Tenant rights
Tenant Rights and Landlord Repair Obligations
Landlords have legal responsibilities for key parts of a rented home, while tenants need to report defects and provide reasonable access for inspection and repair.
Free initial assessmentSRA No. 519502Individual case review
Housing Condition Claims UK
Understanding who is responsible for what
Repair responsibility depends on the tenancy, the part of the property affected and the cause of the problem. Core duties commonly cover the structure and exterior and installations for water, sanitation, heating, gas and electricity.
Read the compensation guide →- Structure and exterior
- Water, sanitation and drainage installations
- Heating and hot-water systems
- Fitness and safety of the home
Your role as a tenant
Report problems promptly, explain any immediate risk, keep the property reasonably accessible for agreed visits and retain a written record. You should also avoid carrying out major work without advice or permission.
When the home may be unfit
Fitness concerns can involve damp, ventilation, water supply, sanitation, heating, electrical safety, structural stability and other hazards. The overall effect on safe occupation matters, not simply the label attached to the defect.
What happens next01 02 03
Evidence first. Clear advice next.
Tell us what happened
Share the condition, reporting history and effect on the household.
We assess the information
The team considers responsibility, notice, repair time and supporting evidence.
Options are explained
If the matter can be accepted, the next steps and funding terms are explained clearly.
Common questions
Questions about Tenant Rights and Landlord Repair Obligations
How quickly must a landlord repair a problem?
There is no single period for every defect. Urgent safety issues demand a faster response than non-urgent work.
Who proves the landlord knew?
Emails, portal reports, repair references, letters and complaint responses can all help show notice.
Can access be refused?
Tenants are normally expected to provide reasonable access on proper notice, subject to emergencies and the tenancy terms.