Tenant repair rights in the UK - what you’re legally entitled to

In the UK, tenants have legal protections under the Right to Repair legislation, primarily governed by Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Here's a breakdown of what repairs are covered and how tenants can act if repairs are ignored:

Repairs covered Under Section 11

Landlords are legally required to maintain and repair the following:

• external structure: walls, roof, windows doors
• plumbing and sanitation: sinks, toilets, baths, drainage
• water and gas supply
• heating and hot water systems
• electrical wiring and safety systems
• structural damp: if caused by disrepair or poor maintenance

These obligations apply automatically to most private and social tenancies — they don’t need to be written into your tenancy agreement.

Right to Repair Scheme (council and housing association tenants)

If you're renting from a local authority or housing association, you may also be covered by the Right to Repair Scheme, which includes qualifying repairs such as:

• blocked sinks, baths or toilets
• faulty electrical sockets or light fittings
• leaking roofs or pipes
• broken heating systems
• unsafe flooring or stairs.

Local authorities must have this scheme in place for secure, flexible, and introductory tenants.

What to do if repairs are ignored

• report the issue in writing (email or letter)
• keep records: photos, dates and any health impacts
• Escalate: Contact your local council or legal support services like Property Krowd
• Legal action: You may be able to take your landlord to court if they fail to comply.

If you're a council tenant in England, you're protected by the Right to Repair Scheme, which ensures that small, essential repairs are carried out quickly and efficiently. Here's what you need to know:

What repairs are covered?

The scheme applies to qualifying repairs that cost less than £250, including:

• blocked flues to fires or boilers
• blocked sinks, baths or toilets
• leaking roofs, pipes, tanks, or cisterns
• unsafe power sockets or electrical fittings
• insecure windows or doors
• broken extractor fans or entry phone systems

How long should repairs take?

Repairs must be completed within:

• 1 working day for urgent issues (e.g. no heating or hot water in winter, leaking water pipe)
• 3 or 7 working days for less urgent problems
• if the contractor doesn’t show up by the deadline, you can ask the council to send a different contractor. A new time limit starts from the day you report the missed appointment.

Compensation for delays

If the second contractor also fails to complete the repair on time, you may be entitled to:

• £10 compensation
• £2 extra per day (up to a maximum of £50)

Note: If you have rent arrears, the compensation may be used to reduce your debt

When the scheme doesn’t apply

You can't use the scheme if:

• the repair costs more than £250
• your council rents out fewer than 100 homes
• you don’t allow access for inspection or repair
• the council isn’t responsible for the issue.