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Boiler broken for 3 weeks - what are my rights?

John D.

5 hours ago · 460 views

My boiler has been broken for 3 weeks now. It's freezing cold and I have no hot water. My landlord keeps saying he's "waiting for the engineer" but nothing happens.

I've sent multiple emails and texts. He responds but nothing gets fixed. I'm at my wit's end.

Can I:

1. Withhold rent?

2. Get it fixed myself and deduct from rent?

3. Report him somewhere?

Any advice would be really appreciated. I'm literally wearing a coat indoors.

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HousingAdvocate4 hours ago

This is actually quite serious. Heating is considered an essential service, and your landlord is legally required to fix it promptly. **DO NOT withhold rent** - this can be used against you in eviction proceedings. **What you CAN do:** 1. Report to your local council's environmental health team 2. If you're in England, contact the Housing Ombudsman 3. Keep ALL communication in writing 4. Document the temperature in your flat with dated photos of a thermometer The council can serve an improvement notice on your landlord which legally compels them to act.

RenterMike3 hours ago

I had the exact same issue. Contacted my local council and they sent an inspector within 3 days. The landlord magically found an engineer the next day after receiving the council's letter. The threat of council involvement works wonders.

Boiler broken for 3 weeks - what are my rights?

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