How to Request Repairs From Your Landlord: The Position in 2026
How to Request Repairs From Your Landlord is a important aspect of tenancy management that ensures your living conditions remain safe and habitable throughout your tenancy. In 2026, the process has been streamlined and bolstered by new legislation designed to protect tenants' rights and ensure landlords uphold their responsibilities effectively.
In 2026, requesting repairs from your landlord involves a clear set of legal guidelines that both tenants and landlords must follow. The updated laws aim to prevent housing disrepair. Ensuring that properties meet the Decent Homes Standard and are fit for human habitation. This is particularly important given the significant changes brought by the Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025). Which has reshaped tenancy agreements and landlord obligations.
What the Law Says
The legal framework governing repairs in a rental property primarily rests on several key statutes, including the Housing Act 1988 (s.8, s.13, s.21), the Housing Act 2004 (s.213-215), and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (s.11). These laws establish that landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure of their property and ensuring it remains in a good state of repair throughout the tenancy.
The Deregulation Act 2015 (s.33) further reinforces these responsibilities by setting out specific duties on both parties regarding repairs, such as notifying tenants of intended maintenance work or providing reasonable access for inspections. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 also plays a role here by prohibiting landlords from charging fees for repair requests, ensuring that the process is cost-free for tenants.
Overall, these statutes aim to create a transparent and enforceable system where tenants can confidently request repairs without fear of financial penalties or retaliatory eviction attempts.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 (RRA 2025) introduced sweeping changes that significantly affect how repairs are handled in private rental sectors. Key provisions include:
- Abolition of Section 21: The right to issue a no-fault eviction notice under Section 21 has been removed, providing tenants with greater security and stability.
- Periodic Tenancies from Day One: New tenancies are automatically periodic, ensuring that tenants don't lose rights as their agreements progress.
- At How to Request Repairs From Your Landlord, Annual Rent Cap via Section 13: Rent increases are now capped annually at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate or a landlord's own inflationary costs, whichever is lower.
- Decent Homes Standard Extended to PRS: The Decent Homes Standard, previously applicable only to social housing, now applies universally, obliging private landlords to maintain their properties in good condition.
- Awaab's Law Extended to Private Landlords: Safeguarding measures similar to those for social housing tenants are now available to private tenants, including protection against unlawful eviction and the right to a fit-for-humans home.
- New PRS Ombudsman: This new body will handle disputes between landlords and tenants, providing an independent route for resolution outside of formal legal proceedings.
- PRS Database Registration: Landlords must now register their properties with a central database, allowing authorities to monitor compliance with housing standards more effectively.
These changes collectively enhance tenant protections while holding landlords accountable to higher maintenance standards.
What This Means for Tenants
Under the new regulations, tenants are better equipped to assert their right to live in habitable conditions. The RRA 2025 ensures that properties must meet a minimum standard of repair and safety as defined by the Decent Homes Standard. If you notice issues with your property-such as leaks. Structural damage, or heating problems-you should document them promptly and report these defects to your landlord.
If your landlord fails to address repairs within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14 days for urgent issues), tenants may be entitled to take further action through local environmental health services or the newly established PRS Ombudsman. In extreme cases, tenants may pursue legal recourse via deposit disputes, housing tribunals, or even county court actions.
What This Means for Landlords
For landlords, these changes mean an increased onus to maintain properties in good repair and to respond promptly to tenant requests. At How to Request Repairs From Your Landlord, failure to comply can lead to financial penalties, fines, and damage to their professional reputation. Landlords must now register their rental properties with the PRS Database and adhere strictly to the Decent Homes Standard.
landlords are expected to provide tenants with clear information about maintenance responsibilities and procedures for requesting repairs at the start of a tenancy agreement. Regular inspections may be necessary to proactively address any potential issues before they escalate into more serious problems.
Common Scenarios
Scenario 1: A tenant notices damp in their flat.
- Action: The tenant documents the mould growth, takes photos and videos for evidence, and writes a formal complaint letter to the landlord. If no response is received within 7 days, they should contact their local council's environmental health department.
Scenario 2: Heating breaks down during winter.
- Action: The tenant immediately informs the landlord about the non-functioning boiler or heating system. They follow up with a written request for repairs and keep records of all communications. If repairs aren't made within two weeks, they escalate to the Housing Ombudsman.
Scenario 3: Structural damage appears after heavy rain.
- Action: The tenant reports any visible cracks in walls or ceiling leaks straight away via email or letter. They include dates when observed and attach photographic evidence. In case of urgency, tenants may also contact their local council for immediate assistance if the landlord doesn't act promptly.
Evidence Tenants Should Keep
To support your repair requests, it's important to maintain thorough documentation:
- Photographs: Snap pictures of any damage or disrepair as soon as you notice them.
- Dates and Times: Record exact dates and times when issues arise and when they're reported.
- Letters and Emails: Keep copies of all written communications sent to your landlord regarding repairs.
- Witness Statements: Gather statements from other residents who have observed similar problems.
This evidence may be necessary if you need to take further action through local authorities, the PRS Ombudsman, or legal channels. It serves as proof that you're fulfilling your responsibility by promptly reporting issues and can bolster your case in disputes over repairs.
What to Do If Things Go Wrong
If a landlord fails to address important repairs despite repeated requests:
- At How to Request Repairs From Your Landlord, Complaint Letter: Send a formal complaint letter detailing the problem, citing relevant laws, and requesting action.
- Council Environmental Health: Contact local council environmental health if urgent repairs aren't made within 7 days for non-urgent issues or 24 hours for emergencies.
- Deposit Scheme Dispute: Lodge a dispute with your deposit scheme if repairs affect your ability to return your full deposit.
- Housing Ombudsman: Escalate unresolved disputes to the Housing Ombudsman, which provides an independent review process.
- PRS Ombudsman: Utilise this body for complaints specific to private rental sector issues not covered by local environmental health services.
- First-Tier Tribunal: Seek a ruling from the First-tier Tribunal if you face eviction or significant financial penalties due to repairs disputes.
- County Court: As a last resort, pursue legal action through county court if necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Both tenants and landlords frequently make errors when handling repair requests:
- Not Reporting Issues Promptly: Delayed reporting can result in escalating problems and diminished rights for tenants.
- Failing to Document Everything: Inadequate documentation weakens your case should you need legal assistance later on.
- Overstepping Tenant Boundaries: Tenants may inadvertently overstep their boundaries by attempting to fix issues beyond what's reasonable, leading to liability concerns.
- Ignoring Minor Issues: Landlords often underestimate the importance of minor repairs that can prevent larger problems down the line.
- Evading Responsibilities Through Silence: A landlord's silence in response to repair requests doesn't exempt them from their legal obligations.
- Misinterpreting Communication Rules: Both parties must adhere strictly to agreed-upon communication protocols for effective resolution.
Where to Get Help
For additional support, consult trusted organisations like Shelter and Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), which offer advice tailored specifically to tenant rights in the UK. Your local council's housing team can also provide guidance on local regulations and procedures related to property repairs.
Legal aid may be available through the Legal Services Commission for those meeting certain eligibility criteria, particularly for low-income households facing severe tenancy issues. Links to these resources are available at Shelter's website (www.shelter.org.uk) and CAB's homepage (www.citizensadvice.org.uk).
By using these resources, both tenants and landlords can deal with repair requests more effectively while adhering to legal requirements and maintaining positive relationships within their rental communities.