Water Leaks in Rented Homes

Water leaks in rented properties are more than just inconvenient — they can cause serious damage to your home, belongings, and health. Whether it’s a leaking roof, a burst pipe, or damp seeping through the walls, these problems should never be ignored. But who is responsible for fixing them? And if the landlord doesn’t act, what can you do as a tenant?

In this article, we’ll break down your rights as a tenant, your landlord’s legal obligations, and how you can pursue housing disrepair compensation if leaks and water damage are left unresolved.

Common Causes of Water Leaks in Rented Homes

Water leaks can come from a range of sources, and while some may be minor, others can cause significant structural or health-related problems over time. Common causes include:

Leaking roofs or broken tiles
Cracks in exterior walls allowing rainwater to enter
Burst or corroded pipes
Blocked or overflowing gutters and drains
Poor plumbing installation or maintenance
Faulty appliances or water heaters

These issues often lead to damp, mould, rotting woodwork, damaged paint and plaster, and even electrical hazards.

Your Landlord’s Responsibility

In the UK, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of the property under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This means they must:

Keep the building weatherproof (including roofs and walls)
Maintain water supply systems and drainage
Repair any damage that leads to water ingress
Address damp and mould caused by leaks or disrepair

If your landlord fails to fix a leak after being notified, they are breaching their legal duties — and you may be eligible for housing disrepair compensation.

Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, secure, and habitable home. Water leaks and the resulting damage can compromise that. Your rights include:

Timely Repairs: Your landlord must carry out repairs within a reasonable time frame after being informed.
Safe Living Conditions: You should not be forced to live in a home with persistent damp, mould, or structural water damage.
Protection of Personal Property: Your belongings should not be at risk of damage due to neglect.

If your landlord ignores the problem or carries out ineffective repairs, you can escalate the issue and potentially claim compensation.

What You Should Do If You Spot a Leak

Report the Issue in Writing
Inform your landlord or letting agent as soon as you notice any signs of a leak. Describe the problem clearly and request urgent repairs. Always keep a written record.
Take Photos and Videos
Document the damage, including affected walls, ceilings, furniture, and any visible mould or damp patches.
Track Health Symptoms or Damaged Belongings
Water leaks can trigger respiratory issues or ruin furniture, clothing, and electronics. Keep receipts and medical records if applicable.
Allow Access for Inspections and Repairs
You must cooperate with your landlord or maintenance team by allowing access to assess and repair the damage.
Seek Legal Advice if Repairs Are Ignored
If your landlord fails to respond or the issue continues, you may be eligible for housing disrepair compensation.

What Can You Claim For?

A successful housing disrepair claim could entitle you to:

Cost of Repairs: If you paid for emergency fixes due to inaction.
Damage to Personal Belongings: Including clothes, furniture, or electronics affected by leaks or damp.
Inconvenience and Disruption: For living in unsafe or uncomfortable conditions.
Health Issues: If leaks caused or worsened asthma, skin conditions, or other medical problems.
Emotional Distress: Including anxiety and stress caused by the ongoing disrepair.

Compensation amounts vary based on how severe the damage is, how long it was left unresolved, and how much it impacted your daily life.

How to Make a Claim

If you’ve reported water leaks and your landlord has failed to act, here are your options:

Use the Council’s Environmental Health Department
Local authorities can inspect your home and issue enforcement notices to compel landlords to act.
Get Support from a Housing Disrepair Specialist
Many legal experts offer no-win, no-fee services for tenants. They will gather evidence, build your case, and manage the legal process.
Take Legal Action
If necessary, your solicitor can take your landlord to court to force repairs and secure housing disrepair compensation.

Prevention is Better Than Cure

As a tenant, you should always:

Report issues promptly
Ventilate and heat your home properly (where possible)
Avoid overloading plumbing or drains
Document everything

But remember, you’re not responsible for fixing structural issues, leaks caused by worn pipes, or external water ingress — your landlord is.

Final Thoughts

Water leaks are not just a nuisance — they are a sign of possible housing disrepair that can seriously impact your living conditions. You have the legal right to live in a safe and well-maintained home, and if your landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs, you don’t have to accept it.

Your safety and comfort should never be compromised. Whether it’s mould, leaks, or broken fixtures, don’t wait for the situation to worsen. Contact the Housing Disrepair Team and let us help you take the first step toward resolving your housing problems.