Yes, your landlord must repair broken windows. A window that will not close is a security and cold-weather risk. Here is the law and what to do.
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Direct Answer
Yes. Broken windows are your landlord's job to fix, unless you broke them on purpose. A window that will not close or lock is a safety risk. It lets in cold and it makes your home easier to break into, so it should be fixed quickly.
What the law says
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 makes your landlord responsible for the structure and outside of the home, and windows are part of that. The law says repairs must be done in a reasonable time. A window that will not close in cold weather should be treated as urgent.
If you rent from a council or housing association, Awaab's Law applies. Since 27 October 2025, they must make an emergency safe within 24 hours, look at a serious hazard within 10 working days, send a written summary within 3 working days after that, and begin the work within 5 working days of the investigation (a 12-week backstop applies to larger jobs).
What to do
- Report it to your landlord in writing. Say if the window will not lock or close.
- Take photos of the damage.
- Keep a copy of what you sent, with the date.
- If your home is not secure, say so clearly and ask for an urgent repair.
If your landlord does nothing
A no-win-no-fee claim is one route open to you.
- A no-win-no-fee claim: a panel solicitor takes your case. If you do not win, you pay nothing. If you win, you pay an agreed fee out of your compensation, never out of your own pocket, and we explain it clearly before you start.
Support for Tenants is a regulated company, not a solicitor. Panel solicitors run the cases.
Read more about broken windows and doors or your rights.
Talk to someone
If you have broken windows your landlord will not fix, 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)
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 If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.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 and not guaranteed; every case is different.
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