Leaking shower: is it the landlord's responsibility to fix?

A shower that leaks, whether from the showerhead, the tray, the door seal, or the connections, can cause significant water damage if not fixed. Here we look at when the landlord is responsible for repairing a leaking shower and what to do if they will not act.

Is the landlord responsible for a leaking shower?

In most cases, yes. The landlord is responsible for keeping the installations for the supply of water in the property in repair and proper working order. This includes:

• The shower unit and its connections to the water supply
• The shower tray or enclosure (if fitted by the landlord)
• Tiles around the shower if they are grouted or sealed (as they prevent water penetration)
• Any damage caused to walls, floors, or ceilings by the leak

This duty comes from Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

What causes shower leaks?

Common causes include:

• Failed silicone sealant around the shower tray or bath edge
• Cracked or missing grouting between tiles
• A faulty showerhead or shower valve
• Damaged or perished shower door seals
• A cracked shower tray
• Pipe connections that have loosened or corroded

When is the leak the tenant's responsibility?

If the tenant installed the shower or made alterations to it without the landlord's consent, the tenant may be responsible for defects in that work. If the landlord installed the shower and it was fitted correctly, the maintenance of it is the landlord's responsibility.

Normal wear and tear, such as sealant that has aged over years, is still the landlord's responsibility to address.

What damage can a leaking shower cause?

An unrepaired shower leak can cause:

• Water damage to the floor beneath the shower tray
• Wet rot in wooden floor joists
• Damp patches and mould on adjacent walls
• Water leaking through ceilings to the room below
• Damage to flooring in the bathroom and adjoining rooms

The longer the leak goes unrepaired, the greater the consequential damage.

How do I report a leaking shower?

Report it to your landlord in writing, by text, email, or letter. Be specific about where the leak is and what damage it is causing. Take photographs of the leak and any resulting water damage.

Keep a copy of everything you send. If the leak is serious and causing damage, state clearly that you need an urgent response.

What if the landlord delays or refuses?

If the landlord does not respond or refuses to carry out the repair:

• Contact the local council's housing enforcement team, they can inspect and require repairs
• Consider a housing disrepair claim if the leak has caused health or property damage and gone unrepaired for an unreasonable time

Can you claim for damage caused by a shower leak?

Yes. If a shower leak has caused damage to your belongings, or you have had to pay for redecoration or replacement flooring, these costs may be recoverable as part of a disrepair claim.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

If your landlord has failed to repair a leaking shower and it has caused damage or affected your daily life, call us to discuss a disrepair claim.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. 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.

Sources

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)

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