Housing

Letter Requesting Repairs Template (Tenant to Landlord)

Ask your landlord in writing to fix a repair problem - damp, a broken boiler, a leak or general disrepair - and create a clear paper trail if they don't.

When to use this template

Use this template when you need to formally ask your landlord or letting agent to carry out a repair. Landlords have a legal duty under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 to keep the structure, exterior, heating and hot water in repair - a written, dated request is the standard first step if a repair is being ignored or delayed.

Check the correspondence details before you send your repair request to your landlord.

The template

[Your Full Name]
[Property Address Line 1]
[Town / City]
[Postcode]

[Date]

[Landlord / Letting Agent Name]
[Their Address Line 1]
[Town / City]
[Postcode]

Dear [Landlord/Agent Name],

Re: Request for Repairs - [Property Address]

I am writing to formally request that the following repair(s) be carried out at [property address], which I hold under a tenancy agreement with you dated [tenancy start date]:

[Describe the problem clearly, e.g. The central heating boiler has not been working since [date], leaving the property without heating and hot water. / There is significant damp and mould on the bedroom wall, which has been getting worse since [date].]

I first reported this issue on [date], by [phone / email / in person], and it has not yet been resolved. [Add detail of any previous contact and responses, if applicable.]

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you are responsible for keeping the structure, exterior, and installations for heating, water and sanitation in proper working order. I would ask that this repair be carried out within a reasonable timeframe, and in any case within [state timeframe, e.g. 14 days] of this letter.

Please could you confirm in writing when a contractor will be able to attend. I am available [state your availability] to allow access.

If this matter is not addressed, I may need to contact my local council's environmental health team or seek independent advice on my options.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Signature]

[Your Full Name]
[Your Contact Telephone Number]
[Your Email Address]

Enc: [Photographs of the issue, if applicable]

Prefer to write your own from scratch? write a letter online.

Tips for using this template

1Always report repairs in writing, even if you've already called or emailed - a dated letter creates clear evidence of when you first raised the issue, which matters if the problem drags on.
2Take dated photographs of the problem and any damage it causes (e.g. mould, damaged belongings) and keep copies.
3If your landlord doesn't respond within a reasonable time, you can report serious disrepair to your local council's environmental health team, who can inspect the property and, in serious cases, serve improvement notices on the landlord.
4Never withhold rent because of an unresolved repair without getting advice first - doing so incorrectly can put you at risk of eviction.
5Keep a copy of this letter and any reply, and send it by Signed For so you have proof of the date your landlord received it.

Frequently asked questions

What repairs is my landlord legally responsible for?

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep the structure and exterior of the property, and installations for heating, hot water, gas, electricity and sanitation, in good repair and working order - regardless of what your tenancy agreement says.

What can I do if my landlord ignores a repair request?

Follow up in writing, keeping a clear record of every request and response. If there's no progress, you can contact your local council's environmental health team, who have powers to inspect the property and require the landlord to carry out repairs, particularly for serious hazards like damp, mould or lack of heating.

Can I withhold rent until repairs are done?

This is legally risky and can put you at risk of eviction for rent arrears even if you're in the right about the repair. Get advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter before withholding rent - there are safer routes, like a formal complaint to the council, that don't put your tenancy at risk.

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