Landlord ignoring repairs? Learn your tenant rights, what steps to take, when to contact the council and how the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 protects you.

Dealing with a landlord who ignores repairs can be stressful, frustrating and sometimes even unsafe. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed if your heating breaks down, damp is spreading or electrics are faulty. The good news is, you have rights as a tenant — and there are clear steps you can take to make sure your home is safe and comfortable.

If your landlord won’t carry out repairs, you should report the issue in writing, keep evidence, follow up, and escalate to your local council if needed. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026, tenants in England are protected from retaliation.

From May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 strengthens tenant protections in England, making it harder for landlords to avoid repairs or end your tenancy unfairly. In this guide we walk you through what to do if your landlord won’t carry out repairs, in practical, easy-to-follow steps. But first, it’s important to understand what repairs your landlord is responsible for and to be able to identify serious repairs. 

What repairs is your landlord responsible for?

Your safety is a legal priority. Landlords in the UK are legally responsible for keeping your home safe and in good repair. This includes:

• The structure and exterior of the property (walls, roof, windows, doors)
• Heating and hot water systems
• Plumbing, electrics and gas appliances
• Water supply and sanitation
• Hazards that could affect your health or safety

The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 strengthens these obligations by giving local councils more power to inspect, enforce and penalise landlords who fail to act. 

What counts as a serious repair issue?

Tenants are expected to perform minor maintenance, such as changing lightbulbs or unblocking a sink and must not cause damage through negligence. However, some problems aren’t just inconvenient – they’re serious. Take action and formally notify your landlord immediately if your home has:

• no heating or hot water
• damp or mould affecting your health
• electrical faults or exposed wiring
• gas leaks or unsafe appliances
• major leaks or flooding
• broken doors or windows that compromise security

The law expects landlords to address issues promptly and under the 2026 Act, councils now have enhanced powers to step in if your landlord doesn’t. 

Step-by-step: what to do if your landlord ignores repairs

Step 1: Report the problem in writing

Start by reporting the issue in writing. It might feel daunting but keeping things clear and factual makes it easier to get results. Include a detailed description of the problem, when it started and how it affects you, photos or videos (if possible) and a reasonable timeframe for the repair.

Top tip: Don’t forget to keep copies of everything. Written records are your best protection if the issue escalates.

Step 2: Follow up and keep a repair log

If your landlord doesn’t respond, don’t panic – take a calm but firm follow-up approach. Ensure you reference your original message, explain how the issue is worsening or affecting your daily life and set a polite but firm response deadline.

Top tip: Keeping a repair log with dates and evidence will help you stay organised and shows that you’re serious. It’s also something councils and advisors will ask for if you escalate. 

Step 3: Know your rights as a tenant

You’re legally protected. UK law and the Renters’ Rights Act 2026 mean you cannot be evicted for reporting a repair issue, landlords cannot ignore serious hazards and local councils can enforce repairs and issue penalties for non-compliance. This means you can act confidently, knowing the law is on your side. 

Step 4: Know when to involve your local council

If your landlord still won’t fix the issue, your local council’s environmental health or housing team can step in. The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 gives councils stronger powers to enforce standards, so getting them involved is often the fastest way to get results. Councils can inspect your property, serve improvement notices requiring repairs and impose penalties if your landlord fails to comply.

Emergencies and urgent repair situations

Some repairs are urgent for example gas leaks, electrical hazards, flooding or no heating in winter. If it’s a genuine risk to health or safety (such as damp and mould or burst pipes) try to contact your landlord immediately. Arrange temporary repairs, if necessary and don’t forget to document everything and notify your landlord as soon as possible.

When to seek legal or housing advice

Getting advice early prevents stress and helps you act effectively. You should seek expert advice if:

• Repairs continue to be ignored
• Your health is affected
• You fear eviction or retaliation
• Emergency repairs are needed
• The council cannot resolve the issue alone

You have the power to act

You’re not alone. By reporting issues clearly, documenting everything, and escalating appropriately, you can protect your home, your health and your rights under the Renters’ Rights Act 2026.

FAQs

Can my landlord evict me for asking for repairs? 

No. Landlords must have valid grounds for possession. 

How long can a landlord take to fix repairs? 

There’s no strict deadline, but repairs must be done within a reasonable timeframe, depending on the seriousness of the issue.

What if damp or mould affects my health? 

This is considered a serious repair. Report it immediately in writing and escalate to the council if necessary. 

What proof should I keep? 

Keep written communication, photos, videos and a log of interactions.

Can I withhold rent or fix the problem myself?

Withholding rent without proper legal advice can lead to eviction and DIY repairs may not be legally recognised unless done with permission. You can seek advice from Citizens Advice, Shelter or a solicitor before taking these steps. 

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For more information:

• UK Government – Renting and landlord responsibilities, Renters’ Rights Act 2026 
• Shelter – Tenant rights, repairs and private renting changes 
• Citizens Advice – Guidance on landlord disputes and repairs 

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