Reporting repairs
What it really means
Telling the landlord or agent about problems: broken boiler, leaks, damp, broken locks. Always report in writing (email or the agent's portal) and keep copies — this creates a record if things are not fixed. Landlords must handle most major repairs; Shelter lists their duties.
Context, tips & common mistakes
Always report repairs in writing — email or the agent's portal — with photos and the date, even if you also phoned. The paper trail matters twice: it obliges the landlord to act within a reasonable time, and it protects your deposit if the problem worsens. Chase politely in writing if nothing happens.
Whatever the frustration, do not stop paying rent: rent arrears hand the landlord grounds against you and convert their problem into yours. The escalation route for serious hazards — heating failure in winter, leaks, electrical faults, damp — is the council's environmental health team, which can inspect and order works. Shelter and Citizens Advice both offer free guidance on pushing a slow landlord properly.