Blocked drains, sewage backing up, or a constant drain smell are your landlord's responsibility to fix. Here is what to do and how we can help.
Direct answer
Blocked drains, sewage backing up into your home, or a constant smell of drains are serious, and your landlord must fix them. They are responsible for the drains, pipes and sanitation. If your landlord ignores it, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Your landlord's duty
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep the drains, pipes, basins, sinks, baths and toilets in working order. A drain that keeps blocking, or sewage coming up through a toilet or gully, is a repair they must deal with, often urgently.
What to do
- Report it to your landlord straight away, by phone and in writing.
- If sewage is coming into your home, treat it as an emergency.
- Take dated photos and note any smell or effect on your health.
- If your landlord does nothing, your council's environmental health team can act, because sewage and bad smells can be a statutory nuisance. See what is an EPA Section 82 claim.
How we can help
If your landlord has left you with blocked drains or sewage problems, that is disrepair. We arrange a free inspection and pass strong cases to a housing-disrepair solicitor. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.
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Sources
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 82 (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 25 May 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.