Council Housing Repairs Not Done? What to Do Next
Thousands of council tenants across the UK report repairs that go unaddressed for weeks or even months — leaking roofs, broken heating, damp and mould left untreated. If council housing repairs are not done despite you reporting them, you’re not powerless. This guide explains your rights, why delays happen, and the steps you can take to get your repair fixed.
Your rights as a council tenant
As a council tenant, you have a legal right to a safe, habitable home. Councils are required to:
- Carry out urgent repairs (e.g. no heating in winter, gas leaks, electrical faults) within 24 hours in most cases
- Address non-urgent repairs (e.g. minor plumbing, general wear and tear) within a reasonable timeframe, often set out in your tenancy agreement — typically 20-30 working days
If your council is missing these timeframes, they may be in breach of their own repair policy — and potentially your right to a decent, safe home under housing law.
Why repairs get delayed
It’s rarely personal. Common reasons include:
- Contractor backlogs — councils often outsource repairs, and demand can outpace capacity
- Miscommunication — reports get logged incorrectly, lost between departments, or closed without action
- Budget constraints — some councils prioritise urgent safety repairs over general maintenance
Understanding this doesn’t excuse the delay, but it does help you know exactly where to push for accountability.
Steps to take when repairs aren’t done
If you’ve reported a repair and nothing’s happened, take these steps in order:
- Report it in writing — a phone call is easy to lose track of. Put your report in writing (email or letter) so there’s a clear record. See our guide on how to write a housing disrepair letter for a ready-to-use template.
- Keep a paper trail — note every date you contacted the council, who you spoke to, and what was said.
- Follow up formally — once your council’s stated response window has passed, send a follow-up referencing your original report and asking for a clear timeline.
This paper trail becomes essential if you need to escalate further.
How to escalate if nothing happens
If repairs are still ignored after following up:
- Contact your council’s complaints team — most councils have a formal complaints procedure separate from routine repair requests
- Involve your local councillor — councillors can apply pressure on your behalf and often get faster responses
- Escalate to the Housing Ombudsman Service — if your council’s own complaints process doesn’t resolve the issue, the Ombudsman can independently investigate and, where appropriate, order the council to act
Escalating isn’t jumping the queue — it’s using the process exactly as it’s designed to work when informal steps have failed.
How Tenants Advice can help
Chasing unresolved repairs can be exhausting, especially when you feel like you’re being passed between departments with no answers. At Tenants Advice, we help council tenants understand their rights, put together the right paperwork, and escalate complaints properly — including guidance through our complaints procedure if things need to go further.
If your repairs are still not being dealt with, get in touch with us and we’ll help you take the next step.
Further reading: Housing Ombudsman Service
