Asking for repairs

A letter you can copy

What to do:

  • Copy and paste the text below into an email or document.
  • Replace any text [in brackets] with your own information
  • Include details {in curly brackets} if they are relevant, or remove them if they are not.
  • Send the email to your landlord, or print out the document and send it by post.
  • If you are sending by post, keep a copy for yourself and a record of the date that the message was sent.

[Your address]
[Today’s date]

[Name of your contact or landlord]
[Your landlord’s address]

[Your rent/tenant ID number]
{REF: any reference number you were given when previously raising this subject}

Dear [your landlord’s name],

I am a tenant of [name of your block or building] and I am writing to formally request {a repair/repairs} to my accommodation.

The {area/s} that need attention {is/are}:
[List the things that need repairing here].

{Ideally, this needs to be rectified as soon as possible, as in the current state it could cause an accident/is a health risk/will rapidly become worse}.

{OR While at the moment this is a minor issue, if left unattended it will worsen, and I am keen to get it seen to before that stage.}

Please could you contact me at your earliest convenience to arrange a visit, during which I can show you the problem and discuss the best way forward.

I look forward to receiving your reply by [date, two weeks in the future] at the latest.

Yours sincerely,
[sign your name]
[print your name]

If you don’t get an answer within two weeks

Related guides

A towerblock that is not being kept in good repair A towerblock that is not being kept in good repair

Reference

What does disrepair mean?

‘Disrepair’ is the opposite of keeping a property in good condition. It means the landlord is allowing problems to develop, and not doing anything about it.  By law, your landlord must make sure that your residence is in a good state of repair. This includes: keeping the structure (walls, roof, floors etc) safe and sound.  […]
Two doors with a staircase between them. Photo by Nick Chalkiadakis Two doors with a staircase between them. Photo by Nick Chalkiadakis

Tools you can use

Making a formal complaint

If you have made a request to your landlord and you’re not getting results, then what can you do next to get things fixed?
Image by Nicolas Nova - a broken window with cardboard over the missing pane Image by Nicolas Nova - a broken window with cardboard over the missing pane

Guide

My landlord isn’t making repairs

Your landlord should be keeping your tower block, and your flat, in good repair. If they do not, there are several things you can do.
A crack in the wall A crack in the wall

Guide

There are cracks in the walls of my flat

Cracks in the walls, ceiling or floors are always a concern – and might point to more serious issues.
Image by Pete Birkinshaw - a mushroom growing on a damp carpet near a wall Image by Pete Birkinshaw - a mushroom growing on a damp carpet near a wall

Guide

Water is leaking from another flat

Leaking pipes are a problem in any type of home, but in a tower block you are also at risk of water leaking into your flat from the units above or to each side of yours.
A woman throwing paper planes A woman throwing paper planes

Tools you can use

Contacting your landlord

Tips and letter templates to help you communicate with your landlord when there’s something wrong, or you want to find out more.

Reference

What is the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018?

What does ‘fitness for human habitation’ mean? It’s the name of a law that protects tenants from having to live in properties that are unsafe or unhealthy.
A letter box. Image by Dele Oke A letter box. Image by Dele Oke

Tools you can use

Contacting your local councillor or MP

Your elected representatives, like MPs and Councillors, can help you with your housing issues. Here’s information on how to get in touch.