Roofing, guttering and drains
If you have roofing, guttering and drains in your home, your landlord must put it right by law. If you rent social housing in England, Awaab's Law applies. Once you report it, your landlord must act within 10 working days. How much you could claim depends on how long it lasted, how serious it was, and any effect on your health. There is no fixed timescale, though months rather than days is realistic. 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.
England: Section 11(1)(a), Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Wales: Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 repair and fitness duties.
Symptoms
- Water stains near the top of walls or ceilings (roof leak)
- Overflowing gutters during rain
- Drains backing up indoors
- Foul smells inside near ground-floor pipes
- Missing roof tiles visible from the garden
Health impact
- Damp and mould development from roof failure (within weeks)
- Sewage backflow, significant health hazard
- Pest attraction from blocked drains
Evidence to gather
- Photograph the symptom INSIDE (stain, smell, backup), your landlord owns the outside fix
- Note dates of heavy rain when problem worsened
- Photograph external roof if you can do so safely (or ask a neighbour)
Frequently asked questions
How much money can I claim for roofing, guttering and drains?
How much you could get depends on how bad it is, how long it went on, and how it affected your health, so we cannot promise a figure. 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.
How long does a roofing, guttering and drains claim take?
There is no fixed time. Months rather than days is realistic, and it depends on your evidence, how your landlord responds, and how complex the problem is. If you rent social housing in England, Awaab's Law (Section 10A LTA 1985, started 27 October 2025) gives your landlord 10 working days to act. Wales uses the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 instead.
What proof do I need for roofing, guttering and drains?
Photos and videos with the date on them. A note of when you told your landlord and what they said. A letter from your doctor if anyone has been ill.
Can I claim if I owe rent?
Yes. Owing rent does not stop you making a disrepair claim. They are separate things in law. We will talk through your situation honestly.
Read more about roofing, guttering and drains
Put it in writing
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This is worth a claim
Published decisions show what landlords were made to pay tenants across England in one recent year. A panel solicitor can advise what may be recoverable for roofing, guttering and drains in an individual claim.
- £5.4m
- compensation ordered for tenants in one year
- 26,901
- orders and recommendations made
- 578
- cases had orders over £2,000
- Almost £32,000
- the largest single order
Figures from the independent statutory review, Annual Complaints Review 2024 to 2025. These are sector-wide outcomes for social housing tenants in England.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 June 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.