subject: Can I Claim Compensation for a Broken Boiler or Heating System? [print this page] Introduction If you’ve spent winter without heating or hot water because of a broken boiler or faulty heating system, you’re not alone. This is one of the most distressing types of housing disrepair tenants face—especially when landlords fail to act promptly.
Fortunately, tenants have legal rights. If your landlord doesn’t repair essential services like heating and hot water within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim.
At Housing Disrepair Team, we’re experts in securing justice for tenants and helping them obtain housing disrepair compensation. In this article, we explain your rights and when you can claim compensation for heating issues.
Heating and Hot Water Are Essential Services The law recognises heating and hot water as essential to health and safety. As a tenant, you are entitled to:
A functioning boiler or heating system
Reliable access to hot water
Reasonably warm temperatures, especially in winter
If these systems break down and your landlord fails to repair them, it can cause serious disruption to your life, and even health problems.
Landlords’ Responsibilities
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must:
Keep installations for heating and hot water in good working order
Repair issues within a reasonable timeframe after being notified
Ensure the property is fit for human habitation
This applies whether you rent from a private landlord, housing association, or local authority.
If your landlord ignores or delays fixing a broken boiler, they may be in breach of their legal obligations—and you may have grounds for a compensation claim for housing disrepair.
What Counts as Unreasonable Delay? Every situation is different, but generally, heating and hot water faults should be repaired within 24 to 72 hours. Delays beyond this—especially in cold weather—could be seen as neglect.
Landlords are expected to act urgently when:
There is no heating at all during winter
There is no hot water for washing, cleaning, or bathing
Vulnerable tenants (children, elderly, disabled) are affected
When Can You Make a Claim? You can make a housing disrepair claim if:
You reported the heating or boiler issue to your landlord
They failed to fix it in a reasonable time
You suffered inconvenience, discomfort, health issues, or financial loss as a result
If all these apply, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation.
What Can You Claim For? With help from housing disrepair solicitors, you may be able to claim for:
Time spent without heating/hot water
Health issues (e.g. colds, stress, respiratory illness)
Extra costs (electric heaters, hot water alternatives)
Damage to pipes or the property due to cold weather
Emotional distress and inconvenience
The longer you’ve had to live with the issue, the greater the potential compensation.
Real-Life Example A family in Manchester lived without central heating for 6 weeks during winter. Despite repeated requests, the housing association failed to send a qualified engineer. The family had to use costly electric heaters and suffered repeated illness.
We helped them make a housing disrepair compensation claim and secured:
£4,750 in compensation
Immediate boiler replacement
Full legal costs paid by the landlord
What Evidence Do You Need? To build a strong claim, gather:
Evidence of the disrepair (e.g. no heating, faulty boiler)
Photos of any warning lights, water damage, or alternative heating
Dates you reported the issue
Copies of emails, texts, or letters to your landlord
Receipts for extra costs like portable heaters or electricity
Medical records if health was affected
At Housing Disrepair Team, our housing disrepair experts also arrange independent inspections to confirm the issue and strengthen your claim.
Following the Housing Disrepair Protocol Before starting court proceedings, your solicitor will follow the Housing Disrepair Pre-Action Protocol, which involves:
Sending a formal Letter of Claim to your landlord
Giving them time to respond and make repairs
Gathering expert evidence
Trying to resolve the matter outside of court
If the landlord still fails to act, your solicitor can file a claim in court for housing disrepair compensation.
Why Use the Housing Disrepair Team? We’re among the best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK, specialising in claims related to heating, hot water, damp, mould, and more.
Here’s why tenants choose us:
No Win, No Fee—no cost unless your claim succeeds
We handle everything from start to finish
Fast response and clear communication
Free property inspections arranged
Proven track record of successful claims
We don’t just get repairs done—we also fight for the compensation you deserve for enduring unsafe or uncomfortable conditions.
What If the Landlord Blames You? Sometimes landlords claim heating issues were caused by misuse or tenant damage. If this happens:
Stay calm and respond in writing
Keep a record of when and how the issue started
Let our housing disrepair experts assess the situation and handle communication
Our team will ensure your rights are protected and that any unfounded blame is challenged.
Time Limits for Making a Claim You typically have up to 6 years from when you reported the issue to claim for property damage or inconvenience. For health-related compensation (e.g., illness caused by cold or damp), the time limit is 3 years from when you became aware of the issue.
Still, it’s always best to start your claim as soon as possible.
Final Thoughts No tenant should be left to suffer without heating or hot water. If your landlord has failed to repair a broken boiler or faulty heating system, you don’t have to live in discomfort or risk your health.
At Housing Disrepair Team, we help tenants across the UK and also may cities like housing disrepair team hereford and win fair compensation. If you’ve been ignored or let down, we’ll fight for your rights and make sure your home is safe and liveable again.
Ready to take action? Speak to our housing disrepair solicitors today and find out how we can help.
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