If you have no heating in winter, your landlord must fix it within a legal timeframe — sometimes within 24 hours. This guide explains your rights, the deadlines landlords must follow, and how Claim Today and DS BAL can help you take action and claim compensation.
No heating in winter? Your landlord must fix heating fast. Learn your legal rights, repair deadlines, and how to claim compensation with Claim Today.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait When Your Landlord Must Fix Heating
A home without heating in winter is more than uncomfortable , it’s a serious health risk. Cold homes can cause respiratory problems, worsen chronic illnesses, and lead to damp or mould issues.
When your landlord must fix heating, they have a legal responsibility to act quickly. You don’t have to endure freezing temperatures or unsafe conditions. This article explains how long your landlord has to repair heating, what steps you should take, and how Claim Today and DS BAL can help you secure repairs and compensation.
What Counts as “No Heating”
Situations where your landlord must fix heating include:
- A broken boiler or central heating system
- Radiators that don’t heat
- Heating that works intermittently or shuts off completely
- Failure to maintain a safe indoor temperature
If your property is cold enough to affect your health, the law considers it an emergency repair.
How Long Does Your Landlord Have to Fix Heating?
Emergency Repairs – Within 24 Hours
If you have no heating, this is considered an emergency repair. Your landlord must fix heating within 24 hours, which includes:
- Sending a heating engineer
- Providing temporary heaters if needed
- Keeping you safe while repairs are completed
Urgent Repairs – 3 to 7 Days
If the heating is partially working but unsafe, landlords usually have 3–7 days to resolve the issue.
Non-Urgent Issues – Up to 28 Days
Minor heating issues may be allowed longer, but no heating in winter is never non-urgent.
UK Government Guidance on Damp, Mould & Cold Homes:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/damp-and-mould-understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-for-rented-housing-providers/understanding-and-addressing-the-health-risks-of-damp-and-mould-in-the-home–2
This supports the urgency of landlord must fix heating to protect tenants’ health.
What to Do If Your Landlord Delays
- Report the problem in writing with dates, times, and photos
- Request temporary heating if needed
- Keep a record of all communications
- Contact environmental health if your landlord does not act
- Seek legal help through Claim Today or DS BAL
Even if your landlord ignores your requests, you still have rights and potential compensation.
Can You Claim Compensation?
If your landlord must fix heating and fails to do so, you may be entitled to:
- Compensation for discomfort and health risks
- Rent reduction or rebates
- Repair orders or enforcement action
- Special damages if illness or property damage occurs
Check Urgent Warning for Tenants: Black Mould in Your Home Is Dangerous.
Claim Today and DS BAL guide tenants through evidence collection and claim submission.
Step-by-Step Guide When Your Landlord Must Fix Heating
- Report immediately – written notification with evidence
- Request temporary heaters – landlord must provide them
- Document everything – photos, emails, and notes
- Check for damp/mould – caused by lack of heat
- Call DS BAL / Claim Today if deadlines are not met
Why You Should Contact Claim Today for Housing Disrepair
- No Win, No Fee – You don’t pay anything unless your claim is successful.
- Expert Guidance – Specialists in housing disrepair and landlord-tenant law.
- Fast Action – Quick advice to help get repairs done and reduce risks to your health.
- Evidence Support – Help collecting proof, photos, and documents to strengthen your case.
- Maximise Compensation – Ensure you receive the full amount you’re entitled to.
- Trusted Advisors – Claim Today has a proven track record in housing disrepair claims.
- Stress-Free Process – We handle all the legal and administrative steps for you.
FAQs
What should I do first if my heating stops working in winter?
You should report the issue to your landlord immediately in writing. This creates a record that your landlord must fix heating quickly. Include photos, videos, and the time the problem started. The sooner you report it, the stronger your legal position becomes.
How long does a landlord have to fix heating in winter?
If the heating is completely not working, it is considered an emergency. Your landlord must fix heating within twenty-four hours or provide temporary heaters while repairs are arranged. Delays may qualify you for compensation.
Can I get compensation if my landlord does not fix heating?
Yes. If your landlord fails to act, you may be entitled to compensation for cold living conditions, health problems, damaged belongings, higher energy bills, or the distress caused by the situation. Claim Today can help you assess how much you may be owed.
Is no heating in winter considered a health hazard?
Yes. Cold homes increase the risk of respiratory illness, asthma flare-ups, damp, black mould, and mental health impacts. Because of the risks, the law is strict about how quickly a landlord must fix heating during winter.
Can the council make my landlord repair the heating?
Yes. If your landlord ignores your reports, you can contact Environmental Health. They can inspect your home and issue legal notices forcing your landlord to fix the heating. Claim Today can guide you through this process if needed.
What if my landlord keeps ignoring me?
If you have no heating and your landlord refuses to act, you can still start a housing disrepair claim. You do not need permission from the landlord. The law protects you, and Claim Today can help you take action on a no win, no fee basis.
