Repairs in a rented room: who is responsible?
If something breaks in your room or the shared parts of a house, who fixes it? This guide summarises gov.uk's private renting repairs guidance for England.
What the landlord must repair
Gov.uk lists the landlord's responsibilities as:
- the property's structure and exterior;
- fire safety;
- sanitary fittings such as basins, sinks, baths and toilets;
- heating and hot water;
- gas appliances;
- electrical wiring; and
- damage caused by their own attempts at repair.
In buildings with several units, the landlord typically looks after common areas too.
What you are responsible for
- Damage you cause, and damage caused by your family or friends.
- Repairs only if your tenancy agreement says you may do them.
Reporting a problem
Tell your landlord straight away about repairs and mould, especially health hazards such as faulty wiring. Put it in writing and keep a copy and photos. Keep paying rent while the repair is dealt with.
If nothing happens
- Contact your local council's environmental health department. Gov.uk says they must act if they think the problem could harm you or cause a nuisance to others.
- For serious safety issues, ask the council's housing department for a Housing Health and Safety Rating System assessment.
Local repairs advice
For a home in Barrow, Dalton or Ulverston, Westmorland and Furness Council’s advice for tenants gives a local housing-team contact route. Keep your written repair reports and photos so you can explain what you reported and what has happened since.
Safety checks are covered in gas, electrics and fire safety. Mould problems have their own guide: damp and mould in a rented room. Councils also enforce standards in shared houses: see HMO licences for room renters. If the landlord needs access to carry out a repair, see can my landlord enter my room?
Just moved in? Use the first-week moving-in checklist to record the room's condition.
This is general information for England, not legal advice. See also how renting with us works.
Official GOV.UK guidance (checked 15 October 2026): private renting repairs.
Local council route checked 18 October 2026. The national guidance review date above is unchanged.