If you are renting a property in the UK, it is essential to know your rights regarding heating and hot water. By law, your landlord has 24 hours to repair a broken boiler. If the repair is not completed within this time, you have grounds for a complaint.
You can also reach out to your local council’s environmental health department for advice on compensation if you have been without heating or hot water for an extended period. For more information, contact our experienced No Win, No Fee solicitors today.
Can You Withhold Rent If the Landlord Fails to Carry Out Repairs?
No, tenants do not have the legal right to withhold rent if their landlord does not carry out repairs, despite the inconvenience. Doing so could jeopardise your tenancy and could lead to legal consequences, such as eviction.
Instead, the best course of action is to follow a formal process: notify your landlord in writing about the problem, and keep records of all communication and any attempts to follow up on the issue.
You may also contact your local council’s environmental health team, who can compel your landlord to fix the boiler. However, you can only pursue this option once you have made reasonable efforts to resolve the issue with your landlord. If your landlord claims that the boiler broke due to your misuse, it may complicate the situation.
What Else Is the Landlord Responsible For?
If you live in a rented council home or housing association property and have unresolved repair issues, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim for both repairs and compensation.
If you are renting privately and receive certain means-tested benefits, you may be eligible for grants to improve the energy efficiency of your property. Some grants cover 100% of the costs and can help reduce your energy bills. All you need is permission from your landlord. Contact Warma UK for more information.
Common issues your landlord is responsible for include:
- Damp and mould problems
- Pest infestations
- Damaged windows and doors
- Leaking water
- Broken heating systems
- Gas pipes or electrical wiring issues
- Internal deterioration (e.g., damaged carpets or walls)
- Structural problems (e.g., damaged gutters, drains, and pipes)