report it in writing · UK print and post
Ask your landlord for repairs and keep the dated record
Tell your landlord or letting agent about the problem as soon as you notice it, in writing, and ask when it will be fixed. Keep paying rent. If the repair is not done in a reasonable time, contact your council. Upload your letter as a PDF and we print and post it from £1.79.
What your landlord must repair
This guide covers private renting in England. Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the GOV.UK repairs guidance, your landlord is always responsible for:
- the structure and exterior, such as the roof, walls, windows and external doors
- basins, sinks, baths, toilets and their pipes and drains
- heating and hot water
- gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation
- electrical wiring
- fire safety, and any damage they cause while attempting repairs
What your repair letter should include
The repair request checklist
- Your name, the property address and the date
- Each problem, where it is, and when it started or got worse
- How it affects you, and anyone at higher risk, such as a baby or someone who is ill
- Dates you already reported it, and how
- A request to confirm when the repair will be done, with the timescale you think is reasonable
- When you are available for access, as landlords usually need to give notice before visiting
Add dated photos of damp, leaks or damage to the same PDF. Sign it, save it as one file and keep a copy. Shelter publishes free repair letter templates you can adapt.
What counts as a reasonable time
Private landlords do not have one fixed deadline. According to Shelter, a reasonable time depends on how serious the problem is and who lives in the home. For emergencies, such as no heating or hot water in winter, unsafe wiring, a leak near electrics or a broken external lock, asking for a fix within 24 hours can be reasonable. Less urgent repairs can take longer. Say what you are asking for and why, so there is no doubt later.
If the repair is not done
Keep paying rent. Contact your council's environmental health or private housing team. If the home is unsafe, the council can inspect it using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and can require the landlord to act. Your letter, photos and any replies show the council what you reported and when. The Ministry of Justice repairs checker walks you through the options.
Since 1 May 2026, new section 21 notices can no longer be given in England, so most private landlords need a legal reason under section 8 to end a tenancy. If you are threatened or harassed after asking for repairs, contact the council and get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice. Social housing tenants have extra timeframes for damp, mould and emergency hazards under Awaab's Law, in force since 27 October 2025; it does not currently cover private landlords.
How PostOwl sends it
Upload your signed PDF, type the landlord or agent’s address from your tenancy agreement, choose a postage option, and pay by card or Apple Pay. No account, no subscription. A one-page letter costs £1.79 second class or £2.69 first class; tracked options give you a carrier reference. Printing acceptance, postal handoff and delivery are separate events; see our guide to posting records. Your PDF is permanently deleted after dispatch.
Related housing letters
Moving out? Read how to request your tenancy deposit. If you are considering a claim, get advice before preparing a letter before action. Sources checked: 26 September 2026. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules.
Landlord repairs FAQs
What repairs is my landlord responsible for?
GOV.UK says a landlord in England is always responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior of the property, basins, sinks, baths and other sanitary fittings including pipes and drains, heating and hot water, gas appliances, pipes, flues and ventilation, electrical wiring, and any damage they cause by attempting repairs. Your tenancy agreement may add more, but it cannot remove these duties.
How long does a landlord have to do repairs?
There is no single fixed deadline for private renting. Shelter explains that repairs should be done within a reasonable time, which depends on how serious the problem is and who lives in the home. Emergencies such as no heating in winter, unsafe wiring or a broken external lock can reasonably be asked for within 24 hours. Put the timescale you are asking for in your letter.
Should I report repairs by letter, email or phone?
Use the reporting method your tenancy agreement or landlord asks for, and make sure there is a written record. Shelter advises reporting in writing and keeping copies of what you reported, when, and what the landlord said. A posted letter is useful when you have no email address, get no reply, or the landlord or agent asks for post.
Can I stop paying rent until the repairs are done?
GOV.UK says you should keep paying rent while you wait for repairs. Withholding rent can put you in arrears and at risk of eviction. Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice before taking any step other than reporting the problem and asking the council for help.
What if my landlord ignores my repair request?
Contact your council's environmental health or private housing team. If the home is unsafe, the council can inspect it using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System and can order the landlord to make repairs. Keep your letter, photos and any replies to show the council what you reported and when.
Does Awaab's Law apply to private renters?
Not yet. Awaab's Law came into force on 27 October 2025 for social housing in England, setting timeframes for social landlords to deal with damp, mould and emergency hazards. It does not currently cover private landlords, so private renters should use the council route described on this page.
Send your repair request
Send it now from £1.79This page is general information about private renting in England, not legal advice. PostOwl is an independent printing and posting service and does not contact landlords or councils for you.