A burst pipe is your landlord's job to repair. It is an emergency. Here is the law, who pays for the damage, and what to do right now.
In short
A burst pipe is your landlord's job to repair. The water pipes are their responsibility. A burst pipe is an emergency, so they must act fast. If the water has ruined your belongings, you may be able to claim for that too.
What the law says
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 makes your landlord responsible for the pipes that carry water in your home. The law says repairs must be done in a reasonable time. A burst pipe is an emergency, so that means straight away.
If you rent from a council or housing association, Awaab's Law applies. Since 27 October 2025, an emergency must be made safe within 24 hours. A serious problem must be looked at within 10 working days, with a written summary 3 working days after that, and the safety work completed within 5 working days of the investigation ending (larger follow-on jobs must start within 12 weeks).
What to do
- Turn off the water at the stopcock if you can, and switch off electrics near the water.
- Report it to your landlord as an emergency, in writing, and keep a copy.
- Take photos and a video of the burst and any damage to your things.
- Make a list of anything that was ruined.
If your landlord does nothing
A no-win-no-fee claim is one route open to you.
- A Conditional Fee Agreement may fund the solicitor's work. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
Support for Tenants is a regulated company, not a solicitor. Panel solicitors run the cases.
Read more about leaks and flooding or your rights.
Talk to someone
If a burst pipe has damaged your home, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Sources
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Awaab's Law: guidance for social landlords (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 If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.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 20 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, not a promise; every case is different.
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