Tenant repairs tool

Repair request letter

Turn a repair problem into a clear written request with dates, evidence, access times, and a practical deadline for the landlord or agent.

Letter builder

Build your repair request

Describe the problem and the draft will produce a written request you can email or send through your agent portal.

Draft output

Your letter

Dear [Landlord or agent name],

Re: Repair request for [Rental property address]

I am writing to report a repair problem at the property.

Location of problem: [Where is the problem?]
Date first noticed or reported: [Date first noticed or reported]

The repair needed is:

[Describe the repair needed]

The impact on the property and my use of it is:

[Impact on safety or daily living]

I have the following evidence available:

[Photos, videos, or previous reports]

Please confirm by [Date you want a response by] when this will be inspected and repaired. I can provide access at the following times:

[Access times you can offer]

Please give at least 24 hours notice for any non-emergency visit, unless we agree another arrangement. I will keep a copy of this message and any evidence as a written record.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

Practical workflow

How to use this tool well

The draft is strongest when it is backed by dates, amounts, agreement wording, and evidence. Work through these steps before sending it.

1

Take photos or videos before cleaning, moving items, or making temporary fixes.

2

Write down when you first noticed the problem and any previous reports.

3

Send the request to the correct landlord, agent, or repairs address.

4

Follow up if there is no response, especially where safety, heating, hot water, electrics, or damp are involved.

What landlords are usually responsible for

GOV.UK guidance says landlords are responsible for repairs to the structure and exterior, sanitary fittings, heating and hot water, gas appliances, electrical wiring, and damage they cause while attempting repairs. Your tenancy agreement may add more detail, but it cannot usually make you responsible for repairs that the landlord must handle by law.

You should still take reasonable care of the property, report problems promptly, and allow access for inspection or repairs when proper notice is given.

How detailed should the repair letter be?

A vague message such as "the bathroom is bad" is easy to miss or misunderstand. A better repair request names the location, describes what has happened, explains the effect, and asks for a response by a date.

If the issue is urgent, say why. For example, no heating in winter, water entering electrics, a broken external lock, or serious mould growth should be treated differently from a loose cupboard handle.

Access and records

Tenants normally need to allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs. GOV.UK says landlords should give at least 24 hours notice and visit at a reasonable time unless it is an emergency. Including access windows in your letter makes it easier for the repair to move forward.

Frequently asked questions

Can I arrange repairs myself and deduct the cost from rent?

Do not deduct repair costs from rent without advice. This can put you in arrears. Report the problem, keep records, and get housing advice if the landlord does not act.

Should I send photos with a repair request?

Yes. Photos help show the landlord what is wrong and when the problem existed. Keep the originals and send copies or screenshots.

How quickly must a landlord repair something?

The right timescale depends on the seriousness of the repair. Safety issues, heating, hot water, gas, electrics, leaks, and serious damp usually need faster action than minor cosmetic defects.

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