What Rights Do Renters Have When Faced With Plumbing Issues?

What Rights Do Renters Have When Faced With Plumbing Issues?

Your home is your castle, a place that you are proud to spend your spare time – everything is well, until it isn’t! One of the most significant potential issues is when you suddenly encounter a leak; you just want the water to stop and do not have time to think about the legal factors. In my latest lifestyle article, I will discuss where the law stands, and it can be the difference between a swift repair and weeks of very wet misery! Carry on reading for more.

The Legal Aspect

Two important acts do the heavy lifting on your behalf in terms of plumbing.

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 states that landlords must keep “basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences” in fully working order.

The New Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 goes one step further. If the property is considered unfit to live in (for example, a blocked toilet or no running water), then you can take the owner to court for an order that will force repairs (and in some instances, compensation for damages because of the inconvenience).

These particular duties will also apply even if the contract says otherwise. This clause, which places the responsibility for those repairs onto you, is simply void.

What Counts As “Reasonable Time”?

There is no set timescale for requesting help with a plumbing issue. When your property experiences a total loss of water or lacks a single functioning toilet, it will be treated as an urgent matter.

The majority of councils will typically expect a plumber to appear on site within 24 hours for severe issues (whereas something minor, like dripping taps, will get a lot longer). Whatever the situation, the clock will not start until you report the fault, so it is crucial that you report it promptly and in writing (to avoid any disputes down the line).

One of the most effective methods is to send an email with attached photos, as it confirms the date and also illustrates the overall scale of the problem. If possible, contact a water company directly so you can find the best team for the job. There are many highly qualified companies out there (such as Able Plumbers) that will be able to tackle the issue effectively and complete the task in a short time.

Your Obligations

Remember that as a tenant, you have duties as well. You must –

• Always report promptly. Any delay (especially over a week) can sink a compensation claim.
• Allow easy access. Reasonable daytime visits are a crucial part of the arrangement. When you refuse entry to engineers, you risk stalling your own repair.
• Ensure that you use the system wisely. For instance, if you use wet wipes and cause a drain blockage, that’s then your responsibility.

If No Action Is Taken

If the landlord avoids your messages and calls, then you can escalate in stages –

• Polite nudge. A short reminder that includes a clear deadline (“Could you please confirm a plumber will attend by this Friday?”) will very often work.
• Court route. Thanks to the help of the Homes Act, you can file in the county court for an injunction to force repairs and, in many cases, compensation for your loss of amenity. Additionally, legal aid is available when health and safety are at risk.

According to English law, you are allowed to “set off” only after proper notice has been submitted (if you start the process early, you risk a Section 8 eviction claim for arrears).

Significant Changes On The Horizon

In 2025, the Renters (Reform) Bill is expected to pass, which will scrap “no-fault” evictions and establish a mandatory landlord ombudsman scheme. In layman’s terms, it means that if you report a leak, you will no longer fear a revenge eviction, and any unresolved complaints will offer a cheaper forum option (instead of court).

Always aim to report any problems early on, maintain a paper trail (even if it’s digital), and remember that the law categorises fully functioning plumbing as a “basic human need” (not simply a luxury upgrade).

Push forward firmly (but with civility) and remember that most landlords will want to protect their investment. Those who don’t will shortly find that councils, ombudsmen, and judges will be at the ready to remind them of their duty to their tenants.

Thanks for reading my latest home and lifestyle article. Remember to check back for regular content updates.