How long does a landlord have to fix something UK?
If you’re renting in the UK and something needs fixing, you’re probably wondering – how long are landlords legally allowed to take to make repairs after I report issues? As a tenant, it’s frustrating living with defects, but there are repair response deadlines to motivate landlords.
Emergency Repairs Time Limit:
How long does a landlord have to fix something UK? If a repair is classified as an “emergency”, your landlord is required to take action in 24 hours under the Landlord and Tenant Act. Emergency issues are those threatening health or safety, like:
- Gas leaks
- Burst pipes
- Failure of primary heating systems in winter
- Electrical faults
For emergencies, landlords must make emergency temporary repairs within 24 hours, though full fixes may take longer.
Urgent Repairs Time Limit:
For “urgent” repairs that are not emergencies but would deteriorate further if unfixed, landlords have 5 working days to act under housing legislation. These could include:
- Minor plumbing leaks
- Faulty cookers/electrical appliances
- Rodent infestations
- Broken door locks
If urgent repairs aren’t addressed in 5 working days, the issue would then be considered an emergency.
Non-Urgent “Normal” Repairs:
How long does a landlord have to fix something UK? For routine non-urgent issues, landlords should still fix defects within 21 days under guidelines from housing regulators. This covers standard repairs like:
- Dripping taps
- Cracked windows
- Loose floorboards
- Damaged fences
With written notice, persistent failure to make necessary repairs is a violation of landlords’ legal responsibilities. This can enable tenants to take further civil action.
Seeking Legal Advice:
If your landlord routinely ignores requests for repairs, consult housing solicitors. They can help formally demand fixes within set periods, and legally compel irresponsible landlords through claims in county courts if needed.
Important links
Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact
Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/
