Winter can slam you when you arrive home and realise you have heating failures or no hot water. Inadequate heating is uncomfortable and can be harmful to health. The landlord has a legal obligation under the Landlord and Tenant Act to supply reasonable amounts of heating and insulation in the winter. If they fail to do so, you may have the right to emergency repairs, energy compensation, or suitable alternative accommodation. At Claim Today, we support Desi tenants—from Birmingham, Leeds, London, and beyond—in claiming their rights. We are simplifying everything into plain English (and your language too), whether you speak Punjabi, Urdu, or Hindi. Stay warm and stay safe this winter, because no one should lose sleep or have health problems because of cold housing.
- Regulations for the Legal Minimum Temperature
Although there is no minimum temperature required by UK law, homes must be heated enough to prevent the dangers of extremely cold temperatures. Guidance recommends housing to be at least 18°C (64°F) when heating is on for indoor areas used for living.
Landlords have a legal duty to make sure everything works; that includes electric, gas, central heating, and hot water systems. Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), Category 1 hazards (excess cold) are serious. If your boiler breaks down during the winter months, your landlord must respond promptly. - Vulnerability Factors Associated With Seasons
Certain tenants are more at risk during winter:
Elderly or disabled residents, common in multi-generational parivaar households
There is a vulnerability factor for young children – they can suffer from respiratory problems.
People with long-term health conditions – underlying respiratory conditions (asthma, etc.) and heart complaints.
People in homes with taxi drivers, care workers, or night shift workers are already at risk of disrupted sleep.
Children can get sick from living in cold homes, and elderly relatives can experience blood pressure fluctuations and suffer heart attacks. They don’t delay actions; proactive landlord behaviour is needed to assess, not leaving it to complaints.
- Emergency Heating Provision Duties
If heating or hot water fails in winter:
Landlords are obligated to react to an emergency repair within 24 hours if it has been agreed upon or if there is heating provided for basic living.
They can consider putting an alternative heating source (space heaters, electric radiators) in place or pay for temporary accommodation if repair is not possible.
Tenants must report the fault and provide the landlord with access to inspect the fault. Record the time and date you called, who spoke to you, and any letters sent, etc.
If you have not had the repair completed after 48 hours, you can either request other accommodation for repairs or you can ask for compensation for increased energy costs if you are using an inefficient alternative to stay warm enough.
To keep a record of the shenanigans, you should always follow up in writing (emails, texts, etc.)
- Winter-Specific Health Risks
Cold homes increase the risk of:
Respiratory conditions like bronchitis or influenza
Aggravation of long-term respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD
Circulatory strain – Elevated heart rate, joint pain, and mild hypothermia
Decline in mental health – loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or depression, particularly with seniors
Children from cold homes may manifest sleeping problems, slowed growth, and increased incidences of missing school. These are not minor issues – they can be legally actionable under housing disrepair and personal injury law. If you’ve suffered health effects, you may qualify for compensation.
- Urgent Repair Timescales for Heating
In terms of law, repairs take priority in the following way:
Any serious health or safety concerns (such as a broken heater in the winter) need to be fixed within a day or two.
Within seven days, urgent repairs (such as leaks or hot water problems) should be finished.
Other repairs: within 28 days
Use a logbook to track your progress:
Issue
Reported
Landlord Response
Deadline
No heating
02 Dec
Visit booked next day
04 Dec
No hot water
03 Dec
Repairs promised
10 Dec
If deadlines are ignored, tenants have the right to contact the local authority or apply for compensation directly.
- Alternative Heating Provisions
Landlords can meet their obligations by:
Supplying electric heaters, fan heaters, or oil column heaters while the main system is fixed
Paying increased energy bills, since electric heating is costlier
Providing temporary accommodation in an equivalent property if heating isn’t restored quickly
Tenants must:
Cooperate; allow contractors access
Avoid using gas stoves indoors, keep heaters away from curtains and don’t put too many gadgets into one socket while using electrical equipment.
Save your fuel, electricity, or temporary living receipts
We help guide you through this with plain advice and practical support.
- Temporary Accommodation Rights
When heating fails, and repairs will take too long:
You can request that the landlord arrange similar-quality housing
Claim reimbursement of alternate accommodation, such as a hotel or Airbnb, if temporarily available.
Keep everything: receipts, contact address, and days stayed.
Don’t accept bad accommodation, like a wet and overcrowded guest house. Claim Today can negotiate for proper lodgings and compensation for the disruption and mental distress endured.
- Energy Cost Compensation
If forced to use electric heaters or stay elsewhere, you can claim:
Reimbursement for higher electricity bills
Compensation for hotel costs
Costs for increased gas/electric usage
We help you calculate accurately so you’re not left footing the bill. In many cases, tenants receive upward of £300–£600 for winter losses.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Winter heat failures can be dangerous—and they’re often illegal. You deserve a warm, inhabitable home and to be compensated fairly if your landlord is negligent. Here at Claim Today, we support working families from Desi communities with cultural sensitivity and legal clarity, especially in Birmingham, London, Manchester, and Leeds.
➡️ Start your free consultation now—just fill out our contact form.
➡️ Or message us for advice in Punjabi, Urdu, or Hindi.
➡️ Injured or cold at home? Speak to us – No Win, No Fee
Keep your home warm. Keep your rights protected. Make sure your family is secure.
Observance Disclaimer: This page is not meant to offer legal advice; rather, it is meant to be general information. Eligibility for compensation and claims is individual and may vary—contact Claim Today for enquiries specific to you.
