Letter to your landlord about no heating or hot water
When to use this
- Your heating or hot water has stopped working.
- You have reported it verbally or through a portal but want it in writing.
- Your landlord has not responded or has given you a date that has already passed.
What to attach
- Photo or video of the boiler fault code or thermostat
- Screenshot of any portal report you already made
- Any earlier written reports or emails
The template (copy or print)
[Your full name] [Your address, including postcode] [Today's date] [Landlord's name and address, or housing officer's email] Dear [Landlord or Housing Officer name], Re: Emergency repair, no heating or hot water at [Your address] I am writing to formally report that my [heating / hot water / both] has not been working since [date]. I reported this [verbally / through the repair portal / by phone] on [date of first report]. The problem has not been fixed. My home is currently [describe: cold / below a safe temperature / without any hot water]. [If children, elderly or disabled people live there: There are [children / elderly or disabled people] in the household who are particularly at risk.] Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 you are required to keep the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, and heating in repair and proper working order. Under Awaab's Law (if you are a social landlord), a heating failure is an emergency hazard and you must make it safe within 24 hours. Please arrange for a qualified engineer to attend and fix the problem as soon as possible, and no later than [insert date 24-48 hours from today for emergencies, or a reasonable date for less urgent situations]. Please confirm by email or in writing when the engineer will attend. Yours sincerely, [Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email address]
After you send it
Keep a copy. If no one comes by the date you gave, call environmental health at your council and ask them to inspect.
See also: the related guide.
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