Check whether a repair issue needs further action
Review whether a repair problem has been reported, whether the delay matters, and whether health risk or council escalation may be relevant.
Scope of this checker
Covers landlord repair response, delay, damp or mould, health impact, and council escalation indicators in England. It does not replace a surveyor or environmental health inspection.
Common questions
- What repairs is my landlord responsible for?
- Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep in repair the structure and exterior of the property, and the installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and heating. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 extends this to require the property be fit to live in.
- How long does a landlord have to fix a repair?
- There is no fixed legal deadline, but repairs should be done within a reasonable time. Urgent issues like no heating in winter should be addressed within days. Non-urgent repairs are generally expected within weeks, not months. If the landlord has been notified and has not acted, you may have grounds to escalate.
- Can I withhold rent if repairs are not done?
- Withholding rent is risky and can lead to eviction proceedings. Instead, you should report the issue in writing, contact your local council environmental health team if the landlord does not act, or seek advice from Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice.
- What if the issue is damp or mould?
- Damp and mould caused by structural problems are usually the landlord's responsibility. Condensation caused by normal living may not be. This checker screens for damp and mould specifically and flags when landlord action may be required under housing legislation.
- Is this legal advice?
- No. This tool provides general legal information based on UK housing legislation. It is not a substitute for professional advice. If your landlord is ignoring a serious repair issue, contact Shelter or Citizens Advice for support.
Use the interactive checker on getrentersrights.com for the full step-by-step result.