What Happens If My Landlord Ignores Repairs?
Landlord Not Responding to Repairs? Here’s What You Need to Know
Living in a rental property should feel safe, comfortable, and stress-free. But what happens if things go wrong and your landlord isn’t responding to repair requests? Whether it’s a broken boiler, a leaking roof, or a persistent damp issue, delays in repairs can quickly affect your quality of life.
At Twenty20Estates, we believe tenants deserve peace of mind, and landlords deserve clarity around their responsibilities. If you’re unsure about what to do when repairs go ignored, this guide breaks it all down for you.
Who’s Responsible for Repairs?
First things first, let’s clear up a common question: Is the landlord always responsible for repairs?
In most cases, yes, especially when it comes to the following:
- Structural repairs (roof, walls, windows)
- Heating and hot water systems
- Plumbing (including sinks, toilets, and drains)
- Electrical wiring and safety
- Gas appliances (if provided by the landlord)
These obligations are set out under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
If Twenty20Estates manages your property, we coordinate these repairs directly with the landlord and approved contractors, keeping you informed every step of the way.
What Should Tenants Do First?
If something needs fixing, the first step is always to report it in writing. Whether you email us or use our online reporting system, having a written record helps everyone stay on the same page.
💡 Tip: Include photos if possible and clearly explain the issue. This helps us (and the landlord) understand the urgency and extent of the problem.
How Long Should Repairs Take?
The law doesn’t set strict deadlines, but reasonable timeframes do apply. As a general guide:
- Emergency repairs (e.g., no heating in winter, water leaks, electrical faults): 24–48 hours
- Urgent repairs (e.g., broken oven, leaking tap): 3–7 days
- Non-urgent repairs (e.g., cracked tiles, minor wear): up to 28 days
At Twenty20Estates, we aim to respond to all repair reports within 24 hours and keep you updated on progress even if it’s waiting on a landlord’s approval.
What If the Landlord Still Doesn’t Act?
If repeated requests are ignored and the issue isn’t resolved, you have rights. Here’s what you can do:
- Raise a complaint to the letting agent (if not already involved)
- Contact your local council’s Environmental Health team—they can inspect the property and order repairs
- In serious cases, you may be able to carry out the repair and deduct the cost (but always get legal advice before doing this)
Ignoring repairs can breach a landlord’s legal duty and in some cases, may allow a tenant to claim compensation or report the property as unsafe.
How We Can Help at Twenty20Estates
If your property is managed by us, you’re never alone. We act swiftly to:
✅ Log and track all repair requests
✅ Liaise with landlords to approve urgent work
✅ Send qualified contractors to assess and fix the problem
✅ Keep tenants in the loop always.
We’re here to make sure rental homes stay liveable, safe, and well-maintained.
Final Thoughts
Repairs are part of the rental journey but they shouldn’t be a battle. Whether you’re a tenant unsure what your next steps are or a landlord needing support to stay compliant, Twenty20Estates is here to help.
Have a repair to report? Get in touch with our team today—we’re always happy to assist.
