Radiator not working in a rented home: your landlord's duty

A radiator that is cold, only partially heating, or leaking is a disrepair issue your landlord should fix. Below we cover what your landlord is responsible for, the common causes, and what to do if they fail to act.

Key facts

• The 2024 to 2025 English Housing Survey found about 2% of homes in England had excess cold as a category 1 (most serious) hazard, rising to 3% of privately rented homes. English Housing Survey 2024-25, GOV.UK
• The same survey found about 9% of homes in England, around 2.3 million, had a category 1 (most serious) hazard under the HHSRS. In the private rented sector the figure was 10%. English Housing Survey 2024-25, GOV.UK

Is the landlord responsible for radiators?

Yes. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep installations for space heating in proper working order. Radiators are part of the central heating system, which is an installation your landlord is legally obliged to maintain.

This duty applies from when you report the fault and your landlord is given a reasonable time to carry out repairs.

Common radiator problems

Cold at the top, warm at the bottom: This usually means the radiator needs bleeding, air has become trapped in the system. Some tenancy agreements allow tenants to bleed radiators; others expect the landlord to arrange this. If bleeding is needed and your landlord is responsible for it, ask them.

Completely cold: This could mean the thermostatic radiator valve (TRV) is stuck, the lockshield valve is closed, or there is a fault with the boiler or pump. This is a repair for the landlord.

Leaking: A leaking radiator or valve needs prompt attention to prevent water damage. Report it immediately and photograph any damage to flooring or nearby surfaces.

Radiator making noise (banging or gurgling): This can indicate air in the system, debris, or a fault with the pump. Report it to your landlord.

What if only one room has no heating?

Even if most of your home is adequately heated, a radiator that fails in a bedroom or living room is still a disrepair issue. If a child's bedroom or a frequently used room has no heating, this is more urgent.

The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires the whole property to be free from serious hazards. A property with inadequate heating in any habitable room may not meet the standard.

What if the landlord says it is not their responsibility?

Some landlords suggest tenants are responsible for routine radiator maintenance. The law is clear: radiators and the central heating system are part of the installations for space heating, which are the landlord's responsibility. Routine servicing, repairs, and replacement of failed components are the landlord's obligation.

What should you do?

1. Report the faulty radiator in writing. Say which room it is in, what the problem is, and when you noticed it.
2. Document the problem. If you have a smart thermostat, you may be able to show that room temperatures are inadequate.
3. Keep records of any messages and responses from your landlord.
4. If the landlord does not act, contact the council's environmental health team if inadequate heating is affecting your health.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims where heating failures have not been fixed after the landlord was told. If living without adequate heating has affected your health or wellbeing, we may be able to help.

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

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

Related articles

• How to report disrepair to your landlord