Advice For tenants If the landlord doesn’t fix it
UK · For tenants · Next steps
If the landlord doesn’t fix it
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If you have reported a repair and nothing happens, there are proper next steps. This page is a plain-English path for private tenants in England, with official links. It is not a reason to stop paying rent, and it is not a substitute for advice on your own case.
Your call
Go or no?
If it is a small, safe job that is yours to do, give it a go. We’ll point you to a beginner guide and a short shopping list. If you’d rather not, or the work needs a trade, say no and we’ll help you find someone local. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first.
Right then. Here’s a sensible starter kit, and links to the relevant guides.
No problem. We’ll show you how to find a local tradesperson.
This is about England
Most of what follows is written for private renting in England. It is general information, not legal advice, and it is not a ruling on your tenancy. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules — use the official guidance for the nation you live in. The country notes at the top of this page point to official starting points elsewhere too.
Write again, with the evidence
Send a clear follow-up. Attach the original report, the dates, the photos, and any missed appointments. Say what you want done, and by when, in a reasonable way that matches how serious the problem is. Keep a copy. If an agent is involved, copy the landlord as well if you have their details.
Do not withhold rent
Official guidance is that you should carry on paying rent while you wait. Withholding rent can put you in arrears and make your position worse. There are other routes.
Contact your council if it is a hazard
If the problem is a health or safety issue — serious damp and mould, no heating, unsafe electrics, a leak that is damaging the home — your council’s environmental health or private-rented housing team can inspect. They can require the landlord to do work. GOV.UK explains how to report a landlord, and Shelter talks through the practicalities, including what to expect from an inspection.
Other help
Shelter and Citizens Advice can help you understand your options, including formal complaints, ombudsman routes where they apply, and, in some cases, court. From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act has changed how private tenancies work in England, including possession rules — so if you are worried about eviction after asking for a repair, read the official tenant overview and get advice rather than guessing from older articles.
If the situation is urgent and you may have nowhere safe to stay, contact the council the same day and use Shelter’s emergency help routes.
Official guidance
These official and specialist pages are the best place to confirm the rules for your situation. We have used them as the starting point for this article.
- GOV.UK: Private renting — complaints — including contacting your council
- GOV.UK: Private renting — repairs — your landlord’s repair duties
- Shelter England: If your private landlord won’t do repairs — practical next steps
- Citizens Advice: If your landlord won’t do repairs — another clear, independent explanation
- GOV.UK: Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenants — the current official overview for England
FAQ
I am worried they will evict me for complaining.
You still have the right to report repairs. Possession rules in England changed under the Renters’ Rights Act from 1 May 2026. Read the official overview and get specialist advice if you are threatened with eviction.
The council says it is a civil issue and will not inspect.
Ask them to explain, in writing. Shelter can help you decide whether to press for an inspection or take another route. Keep reporting if the hazard gets worse.
Can I just pay a plumber and take it off the rent?
Get advice first. Doing this the wrong way can create arrears or a dispute about the quality of the work.
DIY guide and shopping list
For small, safe jobs that are yours to do, these beginner guides will walk you through it. Do not use them for gas work, the electrical installation, or a leak that is the landlord’s to fix.
Useful starting points: Unblock a sink, Fill cracks in walls, Reseal a bath, and Hang a curtain pole.
Prices below are typical UK ranges, shown so the page can convert them for your country. Always check the live product page before you buy.
| Item | Why you need it | Typical UK price | Shop link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plunger or sink unblocking tool | Clears a simple blockage you have caused. | Typically £5–£12 | |
| Ready-mixed filler and a filling knife | Fills picture-hook holes and small dents. | Typically £5–£10 | |
| Sandpaper or a sanding block | Smooths dried filler so a touch-up will sit flat. | Typically £4–£8 | |
| Kitchen-and-bathroom silicone | For a failing bead you are allowed to renew, if the agreement says you can. | Typically £6–£12 |
Shop this list:
Would rather not DIY? Find a local tradesperson
If the job is yours but you would rather not do it, a local handyman or plumber can often deal with a small fix. If the job is the landlord’s, report it to them first — they may already have someone they use.
We may earn from shop links, at no extra cost to you. Disclosure
General guidance only. Check our disclaimer.