Repairs & your rights

Lesson 9 of 13 in our free Housing & Renting guide: a 5-minute money game with the key points below.

Shown for England. Some rules here are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland: the lesson shows your nation's version.

This lesson is in the full version.

Free with a code from your uni, college, council, landlord or employer (worth £600/year). Lesson 1 of Housing & Renting is free for everyone.

Questions you'll answer

The landlord ignores your written repair request for weeks. Best next step?

Broken boiler → Landlord. Heating and hot water = landlord.
Changing a lightbulb → Tenant. Small stuff like bulbs is usually you.
Leaking roof → Landlord. Structure and exterior = landlord.
Sink blocked by your own cooking fat → Tenant. If you caused it, you may have to sort it. Bin the fat!
Annual gas safety check → Landlord. Landlord must arrange it every year.
Faulty wiring → Landlord. Electrical safety is the landlord's job.
Myth: “Damp and mould are always the tenant's fault.” — Condensation can be part of it, but damp often comes from building problems the landlord must fix.
Fact: “Landlords usually need to give at least 24 hours' notice before visiting.” — Except in genuine emergencies.
Fact: “Asking for repairs in writing gives you a record if things escalate.” — Dates, photos and messages are your evidence.