Landlord's repair responsibilities

Your landlord is responsible for most repairs in your home. This applies to private landlords, councils and housing associations.

Their responsibilities include repairs to:

• electrical wiring
• gas pipes and boilers
• heating and hot water
• chimneys and ventilation
• sinks, baths, toilets, pipes and drains
• the structure and exterior of your home, including walls, stairs and bannisters, roof, external doors and windows.

These are sometimes called 'section 11 repairs' because they come from section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

Your landlord should also redecorate if needed once the problem is fixed.

Your tenancy agreement sets out any extra responsibilities your landlord has.

Your landlord is always responsible for these repairs even if your tenancy agreement says something different.

If you live in a flat and your landlord owns the whole building, they could also be responsible for:

• common parts, like lifts and stairways
• the structure and exterior of the whole property

How long does your landlord have to do the repairs?

Your landlord must carry out repairs within a reasonable period of time.

Timescales depend on how serious the problem is.

Check your contract for extra responsibilities 

Your tenancy agreement might give your landlord additional responsibilities for repairs. 

For example, there could be a term stating that the landlord is responsible for repairing faulty appliances such as a fridge or washing machine that they supplied.

Landlord’s responsibility for health and safety

Your landlord should make sure that your home is safe and free from any hazards.

Unless you have a fixed term tenancy which began before 20 March 2019, your landlord must make sure your home is fit to live in throughout your tenancy. 

Damp and mould

Your landlord must deal with damp and mould problems that are caused by disrepair or make the property unfit to live in.

Rats, mice and other pests

Your landlord must carry out any repairs needed to stop pests getting in to your home.

Gas safety

Your landlord must arrange gas safety checks every year.

Electrical installations and appliances

Your landlord must make sure that wiring, plug sockets and any electrical appliances they provide are safe.

Your landlord does not repair / maintain aerials on any of our properties. (Aerials / Sky / Cable TV should not be erected / installed without written consent from your landlord).

Fire safety

Your landlord must install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms where needed.