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No Hot Water in a Rented Home: Tenant Rights and What to Do

For tenants without hot water, and landlords who need to respond.

No Hot Water in a Rented Home: Tenant Rights and What to Do Property Maintenance & Repairs

Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond

Repairs · Hot water

No hot water? Here's what to do

Checkboiler & pressure
Reportin writing
Landlordmust repair
Escalateif delayed
In short: Landlords must keep the installations for heating and hot water in repair and working. If your hot water stops, first check the boiler pressure, the timer, whether the gas or electricity supply is on, and any error codes. Then report it to your landlord or agent in writing. Loss of hot water is usually treated as urgent, especially in winter or if vulnerable people live there. If repairs are delayed, you can contact the council's private housing team. Fraser Bond arranges heating engineers quickly for homes we manage.

Quick checks

1
Boiler displayNote any error code.
2
PressureMost combi boilers need around 1 to 1.5 bar when cold.
3
Timer and thermostatCheck they haven't been reset.
4
SupplyCheck the gas and electricity are on and prepayment meters have credit.
5
Frozen condensate pipeIn freezing weather, this can stop a boiler.
SituationTypical expectation
No heating or hot waterUrgent: aim to fix as soon as possible
Partial lossFix promptly
Gas smellCall the National Gas Emergency number immediately

Typical repair priorities

Landlords: emergencies handled

  • Heating engineers on call
  • Gas Safe registered contractors
  • Updates to tenants
  • Annual servicing

Frequently asked questions

How long does a landlord have to fix hot water?

There's no single fixed time, but it should be treated as urgent.

Can I get compensation?

If repairs are unreasonably delayed, you may have a claim. Get advice.

Who pays for boiler repairs?

The landlord, unless the tenant caused the damage.

Want repairs handled for you?

Our full management covers heating and emergencies.

Speak to our teamProperty management

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