How long should a private landlord take to complete repairs?
If you feel your home needs repairs, and they fall under the landlord’s responsibilities, your landlord should, first, acknowledge they need to be completed.
From when you’ve told them, your landlord should carry out the repairs in a reasonable timeframe. However, the law does not specify what defines a reasonable time frame because it depends on the severity and urgency of the repairs and how vulnerable the people living inside the property are.
It’s always a good idea to report repairs to your landlord or letting agent in writing so you can keep a record of what you’ve said – and when.
Damage and risk of injury
Some repairs should be treated as an emergency if they’re needed to make your home safe or stop more damage. Examples of such repairs include:
- Broken locks on external doors or windows
- Leaking pipes that could cause damage or get into electrics
- Exposed or unsafe wiring
- Blocked drains
In cases like these, it is reasonable to ask for repairs to be fixed within 24 hours. If this is not possible, you can ask your landlord to make your home safe while they arrange full repairs.
Health problems and vulnerable tenants
Repairs are also urgent if they put people who live in the property at risk of serious harm.
Some people could be more seriously affected than others. For example:
- children
- older or vulnerable people
- people with mobility problems
- anyone with health problems or disabilities made worse by the repair problems
When you report your problem to your landlord or property manager, you should also tell them if you or someone you live with is seriously affected.
