Disrepair complaint letter
If your rented home has a repair problem that your landlord has not resolved, putting your complaint in writing is the essential first step. This service generates a formal letter tailored to your situation, citing the correct legislation and setting a clear deadline. £9.99, and you can preview your letter before paying.
Who this is for
Tenants in England with an assured shorthold tenancy or social tenancy (council or housing association). Covers problems with heating, hot water, plumbing, electrics, windows, roofing, damp caused by structural defects, and other disrepair your landlord is responsible for.
What the letter covers
The letter references your landlord’s repairing obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the fitness for habitation requirements under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. For emergency repairs such as total loss of heating or hot water, the letter reflects the urgency and sets a shorter deadline. It outlines the steps you can take if your landlord does not respond.
Example letter opening
I am writing to formally notify you of a repair problem at [property address]. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you are obliged to keep in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling, and to keep in proper working order the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and space and water heating...
Your letter will be tailored to the specific repair issue, how long it has been outstanding, and whether you have reported it before.
Common questions
- Is this legal advice?
- No. Fix My Issue is a document preparation service. The letters are built from legally reviewed paragraph blocks, but this is not a substitute for legal advice. If your situation is complex, contact Shelter (0808 800 4444) or Citizens Advice.
- What counts as an emergency repair?
- Total loss of heating in cold weather, complete loss of hot water, serious water leaks, dangerous electrical faults, or a gas leak. If you have a gas leak, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 before doing anything else. For other emergencies, the letter sets a shorter deadline reflecting the urgency.
- What if my landlord says it is my responsibility?
- Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 places repairing obligations on the landlord regardless of what the tenancy agreement says. There are limited exceptions, but for most structural, heating, plumbing, and electrical issues, the obligation is the landlord’s. The letter sets this out clearly.
- Can I see the letter before I pay?
- Yes. You complete the intake form, preview a summary of your letter, and only pay if you want the full version.
- What if my landlord ignores the letter?
- The letter sets a deadline and outlines next steps, including contacting your local council’s environmental health team, which has powers to inspect and enforce. For social tenants, the Housing Ombudsman is the appropriate escalation route.