Broken boilers, leaking roofs, damp walls, and faulty appliances are an unfortunate reality of UK student housing. Knowing your rights and the correct process for reporting and escalating repairs is one of the most practically useful things a student tenant can know. Here is a comprehensive guide.

What landlords are legally responsible for

UK law — primarily the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 — requires landlords to maintain: the structure and exterior of the property including roof, walls, windows, and doors; heating and hot water systems; gas pipes, electrical wiring, and sanitation including toilets, sinks, and baths; any appliances the landlord provided as part of the tenancy; and safety equipment such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.

Tenants are responsible for: minor maintenance such as replacing light bulbs and unblocking drains they have blocked, damage they cause, and keeping the property reasonably clean.

How to report a repair correctly

1. Send an email to your landlord or letting agent specifying the problem, when you noticed it, any photographs, and a reasonable repair deadline.
2. For urgent repairs such as no heating, gas leak, or severe water ingress, state this explicitly and give a 24 to 48 hour deadline.
3. For non-urgent repairs, 14 to 28 days is a reasonable period.
4. Keep a log of all correspondence and the property's condition throughout your tenancy.

What to do if your landlord ignores repair requests

1. Contact your student union housing adviser — they can write formal letters to the landlord and advise on your legal options for free.
2. Report to Environmental Health at your local council — they can inspect and issue an improvement notice the landlord must comply with by law.
3. Withhold rent only as a last resort and only after taking legal advice — this carries risks if done incorrectly.
4. Take legal action — in serious cases, the county court can order repairs and award compensation. Shelter and your student union can advise on the process.

Gas safety: your landlord's annual legal obligation

Every landlord must have a Gas Safety check carried out annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer and provide you with a copy of the certificate within 28 days. If you have not received a current certificate, request it in writing. Never use gas appliances if you suspect a problem — call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999 immediately. For comprehensive guidance on tenant rights, visit StudentBuddy For Students.