Repairs if you rent from the council or housing association
How to report repairs
You must report repair issues as soon as you notice them.
Your tenant handbook will tell you how to report repairs and what to do if there’s an emergency outside of office hours.
You can usually call, email or write. Your council or housing association might have an app or an online reporting system.
If you report a repair by phone, report it in writing too so there's a record of it.
What to say when you report repairs
Tell the council or housing association about:
the repair problem
any damage it's caused
how it's affecting you
Ask them to confirm:
who will do the repair work
when the work will be done
Use our letter template to report repairs. Copy and paste the sample text and personalise it with your details. Delete any parts that do not apply to you.
Letter template: report repairs to council or housing association
Subject: Repairs needed at <your address>
To <council or housing association>
I'm writing to let you know that repairs are needed at <your address>.
<Describe the repair problems in your home>
I'm concerned because <example: it's causing damage to my home / affecting my or my family’s health / making my home unsafe>.
Please contact me to confirm:
- that you will do the repair
- how long you expect it to take
- who will do the repair work
Thank you,
<your name>
<your phone number>
<date>
You can also send the letter as an email attachment or through the post:
Keep evidence of repair problems
Take photos or videos of the repair when you report it, so you can check if it's getting worse.
Keep receipts for anything you have to replace.
Get a note from the doctor if the repair is affecting your health.
After you report a repair
The council or housing association should contact you to confirm whether they'll do the repair. They'll tell you if there's a deadline for the repair to be completed.
Your tenant handbook should explain their repair process, but you can ask if you have questions.
If the council or housing association are slow to respond or get the work done, keep reporting the issue until they fix it.
Allowing access for repairs
The council or housing association will arrange any workpeople. This should be at a reasonable time that suits you.
You must give them access to your home so they can carry out the repair. You should get at least 24 hours' notice in writing before anyone comes over.
Last updated: 24 October 2024
Housing laws differ between Scotland and England.
This content applies to Scotland only.