Student housing repairs: the ultimate guide

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It’s almost inevitable that during your time at university, something will break inside your student house. Whether it’s a broken washing machine or a burst pipe, it’s essential you know exactly whose responsibility it is to fix any issues and what you need to do.  

This guide will cover who’s responsible for student housing repairs, your responsibilities as a student, and your landlord’s responsibilities.  

 

Who is responsible for repairs? 

If you’re living in student housing, you might have questions about who's responsible for repairs when something goes wrong.  

The good news is that your landlord (not your letting agent) is responsible for most student housing repairs. However, as a student tenant, you still have some responsibilities - read on to find out more.   

 

What are students responsible for? 

Looking after your home  

While living in a property, you’re responsible for treating it in a ‘tenant-like’ way. All this means is completing minor repairs yourself, keeping your student house fairly clean, and not causing any deliberate damage to the property. 

 

Letting your landlord know about any repairs  

Your landlord generally isn’t responsible for completing any repairs until they know about them. So, it’s your responsibility to let your landlord know about any issues that need fixing as soon as possible. 

 

Allowing your landlord access to carry out repairs 

As a student tenant, you must allow your landlord (or a tradesperson) access to complete the repair. Your landlord must give you at least 24 hours notice (in writing) before entering your property unless it’s an emergency. 

 

What are landlords responsible for? 

Your landlord is responsible for the vast majority of repair work and ensuring that any provided items are in good working order, according to section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. 

Your landlord must repair the following:

• The structure and exterior of your home. This includes the walls, roof, foundations, drains, guttering and external pipes, windows and external doors.
• Basins, sinks, toilets, baths and pipework.

• Water and gas pipes, electrical wiring, water tanks, boilers, radiators, gas appliances, fitted electric fires or fitted heaters.

 

How quickly does the landlord have to complete repairs? 

Your landlord must complete repair work within a reasonable time. However, there’s no legal definition of what a reasonable time is. How long it should take will depend on various factors, such as how bad the damage is.

 

Is the landlord responsible for fixing appliances? 

If the appliances are supplied by your landlord, such as a fridge or washing machine, then they’re responsible for fixing them if they break. However, when it comes to your own appliances, such as a toaster or microwave, you’re responsible for repairing them. 

 

What should you do if something needs to be repaired? 

If there’s a problem in your student house and something needs to be fixed, which you believe is your landlord’s responsibility, you should first inform them. 

To report a repair, you’ll need to formally report the issue to your landlord. If there’s an emergency or an urgent problem, you should first call or speak to them in person. However, always follow up with details of the repair in writing (either by letter or email), so there’s evidence of your report.  

It’s a good idea to take photos of what needs to be repaired or any damage. Your landlord might ask for these pictures to help them understand the problem. This will also act as evidence if you need to pursue the matter further.  

Ask your landlord for a timescale for the repairs. You can contact them again if they’re not completed by this date. Remember you must allow them reasonable time to complete any repairs. 

 

What to do if your landlord is taking too long to complete repairs? 

If there’s a risk to your health, such as no hot water or heating, you can involve Environmental Health at your local council. They can force your landlord to act quicker and fix the problem. However, it's generally not a good idea to stop paying rent if your landlord isn't completing the necessary repairs, as this means you're in breach of your tenancy agreement.

 

How UniHomes can help 

If you’re looking for your next student accommodation, we can help.  

UniHomes has thousands of student properties across the UK (from experienced and trusted landlords). Best of all, every property comes with all bills included. Everything is included in one neat monthly payment - gas, electricity and water. You can even include a TV licence (if you need one)!  

Have a look at our range of amazing properties and find your ideal student home without any of the stress that comes with utility bills.