# Tenant rights to repairs and habitable homes > Mortgages & first homes · Last updated 23 June 2026 Canonical HTML: https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/tenant-repairs-rights/ Markdown mirror: https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/tenant-repairs-rights.md ## Quick answer Your landlord must keep the structure, exterior, heating, hot water, gas, electrics and sanitary fittings in repair — report problems promptly in writing and contact your council's environmental health team if they fail to act. ## Who should skip this Skip this page if you need a personal recommendation or a live quote. This is general UK information — confirm today's figures with the official source linked below. A safe, warm and watertight home is a basic expectation of renting. In England, landlords have statutory repair duties that apply regardless of what your tenancy agreement says. The Renters' Rights Act 2025 did not remove these obligations — if anything, stronger tenancy security makes it more important to know how to enforce them. This guide explains your rights. It is information only, not legal advice. ## Key facts - Landlords must repair the structure, exterior, heating, hot water, gas appliances, electrics and sanitary fittings - You should report disrepair to your landlord promptly, especially faults that could affect health - You must allow reasonable access for inspections and repair work once you have been given notice - Councils can inspect and serve improvement notices if a landlord fails to meet their obligations ## What your landlord must repair Your landlord is responsible for the property's structure and exterior, basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings, heating and hot water, gas appliances, pipes and flues, electrical wiring, and common areas such as staircases in blocks of flats. These duties come from section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and apply to assured periodic tenancies. Your agreement cannot pass these responsibilities to you, except for damage you or your visitors cause. ## Your responsibilities as a tenant You should use the property in a tenant-like manner — for example, ventilating rooms to reduce condensation and reporting leaks before they cause serious damage. You are responsible for repairing damage you, your family or guests cause. Do not carry out major repairs yourself unless your agreement explicitly allows it. Continue paying rent while waiting for repairs unless you have formal advice that rent withholding is appropriate in your circumstances. ## If your landlord will not act Contact your landlord in writing as soon as you notice a problem. Keep copies of messages and photos. Ask when repairs will be done. For urgent hazards such as faulty wiring or no heating in winter, follow up quickly. If your landlord still fails to act, contact your local council's environmental health or private sector housing team. They can inspect and may serve an improvement notice or emergency remedial action notice. From 1 May 2026, landlords cannot rely on retaliatory possession tactics in the way Section 21 once allowed — but you should still seek advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice if you fear eviction. ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I withhold rent until repairs are done? Withholding rent is risky and can lead to possession proceedings for arrears. In most cases, reporting to your landlord and council, and seeking advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice, is safer than stopping payments. ### Is mould always the landlord's problem? It depends on the cause. Structural damp, leaks and inadequate heating or ventilation systems are usually the landlord's responsibility. Report mould promptly and ask for an inspection to identify the source. ### Does the Renters' Rights Act add a decent homes standard yet? Phase 1 from 1 May 2026 focused on tenancy type, rent increases and possession reforms. A decent homes standard for private renting is planned for a later implementation phase — check gov.uk for updates. ## Primary source https://www.gov.uk/private-renting/repairs ## Related - [Renters' Rights Act: tenant guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/renters-rights-act-tenant-guide/) - [Ending a tenancy as a tenant](https://moneyguide.org.uk/mortgages/ending-a-tenancy-tenant-guide/) --- Independent UK money guidance from [Money Guide](https://moneyguide.org.uk). Information only — not regulated financial advice.