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

A leaking shower can wreck a bathroom if no one fixes it. The leak may come from the showerhead, the tray, the door seal, or the pipes behind the wall. Here we look at when your landlord must repair a leaking shower and what to do if they will not act.

Is the landlord responsible for a leaking shower?

In most cases, yes. Your landlord must keep the water supply and the things connected to it in repair and proper working order. This includes:

• The shower unit and its connections to the water supply
• The shower tray or enclosure (if the landlord fitted it)
• Tiles around the shower if they are grouted or sealed (they keep water out of the wall)
• Any damage the leak causes to walls, floors, or ceilings

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
• Worn or split shower door seals
• A cracked shower tray
• Pipe joints that have worked loose or corroded

When is the leak the tenant's responsibility?

If you fitted the shower yourself, or changed it without the landlord's consent, you may be responsible for faults in that work. If the landlord fitted the shower, keeping it working is the landlord's job.

Normal wear and tear is still the landlord's job to put right. That includes sealant that has simply aged over the years.

What damage can a leaking shower cause?

A shower leak that no one repairs can cause:

• Water damage to the floor under the shower tray
• Wet rot in wooden floor joists
• Damp patches and mould on nearby walls
• Water coming through the ceiling of the room below
• Ruined flooring in the bathroom and the rooms next to it

The longer the leak is left, the worse the damage gets.

How do I report a leaking shower?

Tell your landlord in writing, by text, email, or letter. Say exactly where the leak is and what damage it is causing. Take photos of the leak and any water damage.

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

What if the landlord delays or refuses?

If the landlord does not respond or refuses to do the repair:

• Contact the local council's housing enforcement team. They can inspect and require repairs.
• Think about a housing disrepair claim if the leak has harmed your health or damaged your things, and it has gone unrepaired for an unreasonable time.

Can you claim for damage caused by a shower leak?

Yes. A leak may have damaged your belongings. You may have paid for new flooring or redecorating. You may be able to get these costs back 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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