As temperatures plummet in the UK during winter, having a working heating system is not just a matter of comfort—it’s a legal right. Yet, thousands of tenants find themselves without adequate heating, often due to landlords failing to address broken systems. If you’re currently facing cold nights and chilly mornings because of a faulty boiler or radiator, it’s essential to know your rights and what steps to take.
If you are a tenant in the UK and facing heating or hot water issues in the rented property. Meanwhile, your landlord left you without the heating system and did not fix the issues. Then, you are eligible to make the broken heating system claims.
What Are Your Landlord’s Responsibilities?
By law, your landlord is required to ensure your home is safe, secure, and in good repair. This includes keeping the heating and hot water systems in working order.
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 states that landlords must:
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Keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair.
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Maintain installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, heating, and sanitation.
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Respond to repair requests within a “reasonable timeframe.”
Failing to fix a broken heating system during cold months can be considered a breach of contract and even a health hazard—especially for vulnerable tenants like children, elderly people, or those with medical conditions.
What Should You Do If You Have No Heating?
1. Report the Issue Immediately
Contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as the heating fails. Do it in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy. Describe the problem in detail and ask for urgent repairs.
2. Document Everything
Keep a record of:
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All communications with your landlord.
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Photos of the thermostat, radiators, boiler, or any error messages.
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Weather conditions (e.g., freezing temperatures).
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Any impact on your health or wellbeing.
3. Give a Reasonable Timeframe
For a heating issue in winter, your landlord should act within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the severity. If they fail to do so, you may escalate the matter.
Who Can You Contact if Your Landlord Ignores You?
If your landlord isn’t responding to urgent heating problems, here are some options:
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Your Local Council’s Environmental Health Team: They can inspect the property and force the landlord to make repairs under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
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A Legal Advisor or Claims Specialist: Professionals can help you assess whether you have a valid claim under broken heating system claims and even seek compensation.
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Citizens Advice Bureau: Offers free guidance for tenants facing housing problems.
Can You Make a Broken Heating System Claim?
Yes. If your landlord fails to fix your heating system in a reasonable amount of time after being informed, and you’ve suffered discomfort, health issues, or financial loss, you may be eligible for broken heating system claims.
You could claim for:
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Physical discomfort and distress.
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Additional heating costs (electric heaters, blankets, etc.).
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Medical expenses if your health was affected.
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Damage to belongings caused by damp or freezing.
Even if your landlord finally completes the repairs, you may still be entitled to compensation for the time you were without adequate heating.
What If You’re in Social Housing?
Tenants in council homes or housing associations have the same rights as those in private rentals. You should report the heating issue to your housing provider first. If they don’t act, you can file a complaint and seek legal advice.
In fact, some of the largest broken heating system claims come from tenants in social housing who’ve been ignored for extended periods.
How to Strengthen Your Claim
To support your claim for compensation:
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Gather strong evidence: This includes photographs, letters, emails, texts, and any bills or receipts for additional expenses.
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Track the time without heat: The longer the duration, the stronger your claim.
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Speak to others in the building: If other tenants are affected, your case becomes even more serious.
Get Expert Help
If you’re considering legal action or unsure of your rights, it’s best to consult with professionals. Many claim management companies offer no-win, no-fee services, so there’s no financial risk to getting the help you need.
At Housing Disrepair Team, we specialise in assisting tenants whose heating systems have failed. Whether it’s a boiler issue, broken radiators, or faulty thermostats, we help you get the repairs and the compensation you deserve.
Conclusion
Living without heating in winter is more than uncomfortable—it’s potentially dangerous and legally unacceptable. As a tenant in the UK, you have clear rights when it comes to repairs, and you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Fill out the Claim Form to know what further steps to take for the amount of compensation for broken heating system claims.
