What is the Right to Repair scheme?

The Right to Repair scheme is a law that gives council tenants the right to get certain urgent repairs done for free – within strict time limits.

It only applies to specific issues, like broken heating or a leaking roof, and if your council doesn’t fix the problem in time, you could be owed compensation.

Here’s how it works, who can use it, and what to do if your landlord doesn’t follow the rules.

What is the right to repair scheme?

The Right to Repair scheme is a legal requirement for councils in the UK. It means certain urgent repairs must be carried out for free, within set timeframes.

These timeframes depend on the problem. For example:

• Total loss of power or water – within 1 day
• Blocked sink or drain – within 3 days
• Broken toilet (if it’s your only one) – within 1 day
• Faulty heating or hot water (during winter months) – within 1 day
• Leaking roof or unsafe doors/windows – within 3 days

If the council doesn’t fix the problem in time, you could be entitled to compensation.

Who can use the scheme?

You can use the Right to Repair scheme if you:

• Rent your home from a local authority (council housing)
• Have reported a qualifying repair
• Didn’t cause the problem yourself

The repair might not be covered if:

• It would cost more than £250 in England/Wales/Northern Ireland and £350 in Scotland
• The issue was caused by damage you’ve done
• You rent from a private landlord – they don’t have to follow this scheme, but they still have legal duties to keep the home safe

💡Tip: Housing associations may run a similar scheme, although they’re not legally required to.

How to use the Right to Repair scheme

If something breaks or stops working in your council home, here’s what to do:

1. Report the issue to your landlord or council as soon as possible
2. Use the council’s website, app or phone service if available
3. Allow access for someone to inspect and repair the issue
4. If the repair isn’t completed on time, ask the council to appoint another contractor
5. If it’s still not fixed, you could claim compensation

How much compensation could you get?

In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, if the repair isn't done after giving your landlord a second chance, you may be entitled to:

• £10 starting payment
• £2 for each day the repair is delayed
• Up to £50 in total compensation

The amounts differ in Scotland, so make sure you check in with your local council for specific figures.

💡 Top tip: Always keep a record of your repair requests. Take photos of the issue, note down the dates you reported it, and save copies of any messages or emails. This could help if you need to claim compensation or get further support.

What if your landlord won’t do the repairs?

You don’t have to accept living in unsafe or poorly maintained housing. If your landlord isn’t fulfilling their responsibilities, you can:

• Contact Citizens Advice
• Speak to Shelter, the housing charity
• Raise a complaint with your local council's housing department

🚫 Important: It’s illegal for a landlord to evict you just for asking for repairs. This is known as a retaliatory eviction, and you have legal protection against it.

Know your rights and speak up

The Right to Repair scheme is designed to protect you. If you live in a council property and something essential breaks, you have a right to get it fixed without delay – and at no cost to you.

If your landlord doesn’t act, you may be entitled to compensation. Don’t be afraid to speak up.