Repairs & damp · your options

Act urgently — this affects whether the home is fit to live in

Most repairs to the structure, heating, hot water, water, gas and electrics are the landlord's responsibility. Acting quickly and keeping records is your best protection.

Where: England · Problem: Electrical or gas safety concern · Progress: Tenant won't give access

Safety first

For a suspected gas leak the tenant should call the National Gas Emergency number (0800 111 999) straight away. Get a Gas Safe engineer or qualified electrician out urgently.

What to do now

Log the report with the date, what was said and any photos.
Give at least 24 hours' written notice to visit, except in an emergency.
Treat it as urgent: heating, hot water, leaks and safety issues affect whether the home is fit to live in.
Use a qualified contractor, keep invoices and photos, and confirm to the tenant in writing when it's fixed.

Tenant won't give access

Keep offering reasonable times in writing and record every refusal — it protects you if the tenant later complains. Don't enter without agreement except in a genuine emergency. Get advice if it continues.

Old property, constant repairs?

Investor buyers purchase rentals in any condition, with the tenant in place.

See my selling options

Sources: GOV.UK: private renting repairs. Checked 31 Oct 2026. General information, not legal advice.