The Right to Repair Scheme for council tenants, what it is and how to use it

Direct answer

The Right to Repair Scheme is a separate, smaller scheme for council secure tenants in England. It covers a fixed list of small but urgent repairs, sets deadlines for each one, and gives you the right to compensation if the council does not meet the deadline. It runs alongside Awaab's Law, Section 11, and the general right to bring a disrepair claim. Knowing about it can produce small fast wins.

What the scheme covers

The scheme is set out in the Secure Tenants of Local Authorities (Right to Repair) Regulations 1994. It covers a fixed list of "qualifying repairs" valued at under £250 each, including:

• Total or partial loss of electric power (e.g. fuse box trip not resetting).
• Total loss of water supply.
• Total or partial loss of gas supply.
• Total loss of space heating between 31 October and 1 May.
• Total loss of hot water.
• Broken or unsecured front or external doors, locks or letterboxes.
• Toilet that does not flush.
• Tap which cannot be turned to give water.
• Blocked sink, basin, or bath.
• Blocked or leaking foul drain, soil stack or toilet pan (where you only have one).
• Blocked flue to an open fire or boiler.
• Leaking from a water or heating pipe, tank or cistern.
• Loose or detached banister or hand-rail.
• Rotten timber flooring or stair tread.
• Unsafe rooflight.

The list is fixed by law. Anything not on it is not covered by the scheme (though it may still be covered by Section 11 and Awaab's Law).

What the deadlines are

Each repair has a set timescale, usually:

• 1 working day for emergencies (no water, no electricity, blocked toilet).
• 3 working days for slightly less urgent (no heating, broken door lock).
• 7 working days for less urgent (rotten flooring, blocked drains).

The council's repairs handbook lists each repair and its target.

How to use it

1. Report the repair to the council. Use the words "I am claiming under the Right to Repair Scheme."
2. The council issues a notice setting out the repair, the deadline, and the second contractor. The second contractor is the one who can be called in if the first fails.
3. If the first contractor does not turn up by the deadline, write to the council requesting that the second contractor be instructed.
4. If neither contractor completes the repair within the combined deadline, you are entitled to compensation.

The compensation

A flat sum of:

• £10 if the first contractor fails to do the repair.
• Plus an additional £2 for every day the repair stays incomplete after the deadline.
• Up to a maximum of £50 per repair.

Modest, but it is automatic if you keep records.

What the scheme does NOT cover

• Repairs costing more than £250.
• Anything not on the fixed list.
• Communal repairs in your block (lift, stairs, lighting in shared corridors).
• Repairs that are your responsibility under your tenancy.

For those, use other routes:

• Awaab's Law (Section 10A LTA 1985) for serious hazards.
• Section 11 of the LTA 1985 for structural and installations.
• The landlord's complaints process and then the Housing Ombudsman.
• A disrepair claim for compensation and to force major works.

What about housing-association tenants

The Right to Repair Scheme as set out in the 1994 Regulations covers council secure tenants only. Most housing associations have their own "right to repair" or "responsive repair" schemes with similar timescales. Check your tenancy handbook.

Tips for getting the most out of it

• Always report repairs in writing (the council's online portal, email, or the app). A paper trail beats a phone call.
• Note the date and time of every report and reply.
• Take photos of the problem.
• If a contractor visits but does not do the work, take their name and ID number.
• Keep the contractor's job sheet or repair notice.
• After the deadline passes, claim compensation in writing. Most councils pay automatically once they realise.

How we can help

The Right to Repair Scheme is for small, fast repairs. For larger or longer-running disrepair (damp, mould, leaks, structural issues), a disrepair claim is usually the right path. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.

Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim

Sources

• Secure Tenants of Local Housing Authorities (Right to Repair) Regulations 1994 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, section 42, Awaab's Law (legislation.gov.uk)