If you’re wondering what to do when your landlord ignores repair requests, you’re not alone. Many tenants across the UK face frustrating delays when something in their home breaks or becomes unsafe, and not every landlord takes quick action. The good news is, you have clear legal rights and practical steps you can take to get the issue resolved.
For tenants in England, Scotland, and Wales, the best first step is to speak to a specialist service as soon as possible. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is designed specifically to support renters when a landlord fails to take appropriate action. TPS offers solicitor-backed legal help and advice for dealing with disrepair, harassment, and housing disputes – including urgent repair cases.
Your Rights When a Landlord Fails to Carry Out Repairs
As a tenant, your landlord is legally responsible for keeping the property in a safe and liveable condition. This includes:
- Maintaining the structure and exterior of your home
- Keeping installations for water, gas, electricity, and sanitation in good working order
- Ensuring heating and hot water systems are functional
These duties apply regardless of what your tenancy agreement says. The rules are in place to protect renters and ensure all homes meet basic living standards. If something goes wrong, you have the right to ask for repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
What To Do When Your Landlord Ignores Repair Requests
Start by reporting the problem in writing. Even if you’ve already spoken to them, follow up with an email or letter. Clearly list the issues, when you first noticed them, and how they’re affecting you. Keep a copy of your message so you have a record of your effort.
Next, give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to respond. For smaller problems, a week may be fair. If there’s an urgent issue, like no heating in winter or a burst pipe, they should act much faster.
If there’s no reply, or nothing gets fixed, follow these steps:
- Keep communicating in writing. Continue to send polite, straightforward updates. Add dates and any worsening conditions.
- Take photos or videos. Document the damage, especially if it’s getting worse. Time-stamped photos can be helpful.
- Gather witness statements. Neighbours, flatmates or family members who’ve seen the issue can support your case.
- Contact your local council’s environmental health department. They can inspect your home and issue a repair notice to the landlord if serious risks are found under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
- Consider using a tenant support service. Legal professionals can advise if you’re entitled to withhold rent, seek compensation or apply to the courts. The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) offers direct legal assistance to help with these next steps.
The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a 24/7 tenant legal helpline offering affordable, solicitor-backed help for eviction defence, disrepair, harassment, rent arrears, deposit disputes, and on-the-day court support across the UK. Membership is £10/month. Learn more at The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS).
How Long Should Repairs Take?
There isn’t a fixed timescale for all repairs, but landlords must act “within a reasonable time.” What counts as reasonable depends on the urgency:
- Emergency repairs (e.g. gas leaks, no power, major leaks): expected within 24 to 48 hours
- Urgent but non-emergency repairs (e.g. broken boiler in winter): typically within 3 to 7 days
- Routine repairs (e.g. a dripping tap): often within 28 days
If you’ve waited beyond these timeframes with no action, it’s a strong sign you need to escalate the situation.
When to Escalate Repair Issues
If your landlord keeps ignoring you, even after repeated written requests, you can take official steps. These won’t cost you anything unless you choose legal representation, and they protect your rights:
- Report to the council. Your local authority has power to inspect and order landlords to carry out repairs. This can include issuing improvement notices.
- Use the Housing Ombudsman. If your landlord is housing association or part of a regulated letting scheme, you can take complaints further through the ombudsman.
- Apply to the courts. For serious disrepair, you can ask a judge to order the landlord to fix the problem and even pay compensation.
Always make sure you gather evidence. Keep all correspondence, photos, and written timelines. This will be crucial if you need to show that you’ve done everything reasonably expected of you.
Risks of Ignoring Repairs as a Tenant
It can feel tempting to stop paying rent when repairs are neglected, but this can backfire legally. You’re still liable for rent while living in the property, unless a court or solicitor tells you otherwise. Skipping rent without permission could result in eviction proceedings.
Instead, always use the law to your advantage. Report problems officially, act promptly, and document everything. Most tenants who persist and follow the right process eventually get the outcome they need.
Need Expert Help With Dispute Resolution?
Knowing what to do when your landlord ignores repair requests can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re treated unfairly or feel powerless to take action. You don’t have to handle it alone. Professional support can make all the difference in moving your case forward.
Call The Tenant Protection Scheme today on 0330 633 0299. Don’t wait until it’s too late – start your protection now. For just a small monthly cost you get direct legal support from experts, with your membership active within 24 hours. Call us now to start your protection today.
Call Us Anytime on 0330 633 0299 or visit www.thetps.org for immediate advice.