Water coming through a ceiling light is an emergency. Turn the electrics off, report it as urgent, and we may be able to help with a claim.
On this page
In short
Water coming through a ceiling light is an emergency. It is a real electrical risk. Switch the affected lights off at the mains if you can. Do not touch the fitting. Report it to your landlord as urgent. If they do not act fast, the council's environmental health team can step in. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.
What to do right now
- Do not touch the light fitting. Do not use the switch.
- If you can do it safely, turn the affected circuit off at the consumer unit (fuse box).
- Move what you can, including beds, sofas and electricals, away from the leak.
- Take photos and a short video.
- Call your landlord's emergency line and report it as urgent.
If it is dangerous and your landlord is not answering
- Call your council's environmental health team.
- If there is immediate danger to life, call 999.
What your landlord must do
Your landlord has duties under:
- Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (structure, water installations).
- The Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020 (private landlords must keep electrics safe).
- Awaab's Law if you are a social tenant: emergency hazards must be made safe within 24 hours.
How we can help
A ceiling-light leak is usually serious disrepair. It often comes from a leak in the flat above. Call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim
Sources
- Section 11, Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, section 42, Awaab's Law (legislation.gov.uk)
- Awaab's Law: guidance for tenants in social housing (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 If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.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 28 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, not a promise; every case is different.
Related guides
Burst pipe: who is responsible, the landlord or tenant?
A burst pipe is your landlord's job to repair. It is an emergency. Here is the law, who pays for the damage, and what to do right now.
Read
Is my landlord responsible for a broken toilet?
Yes. Your landlord must fix a broken toilet. If it is the only toilet in the home, it is an emergency. Here is the law and what to do.
Read
Is my landlord responsible for broken windows?
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.
Read
Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.