Living with Broken Heating in Winter? Know Your Options
When temperatures drop and winter sets in, heating isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Yet thousands of tenants across the UK are forced to live in freezing conditions every year due to broken or inadequate heating systems. If your landlord is ignoring your complaints and refusing to repair your heating, you don't have to endure the cold in silence. You have legal rights, and there are clear steps you can take to get the help you need.
Living without heat in winter can be dangerous, particularly for children, the elderly, and those with health conditions. Exposure to cold indoor temperatures can worsen respiratory illnesses, increase the risk of infections, and contribute to mental health struggles such as depression and anxiety.
That’s where housing disrepair experts like Housing Disrepair Team step in. We help tenants across the UK hold landlords accountable and claim the repairs and compensation they deserve. If your heating is broken and your landlord is doing nothing about it, don’t wait—take action.
Why Heating Is Legally Required
According to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, all rented homes must be kept in a condition that is safe and suitable to live in. A functioning heating system is a legal requirement. This applies to both private and social landlords. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord is responsible for keeping the structure and installations for heating and hot water in good repair.
If your heating has broken down and you’ve reported it, your landlord is required to act quickly—especially during winter months. Failing to do so is not only unethical; it may also be unlawful.
Common Heating Disrepair Issues
Tenants may experience a range of heating-related issues that landlords must fix, such as:
- No central heating or hot water
- Broken radiators or boilers
- Faulty thermostats or temperature controls
- Inadequate insulation causing loss of heat
- Malfunctioning storage heaters or electric heaters
Even temporary fixes, like offering a small electric heater, do not fulfil a landlord’s obligation if the property remains cold or unfit to live in. If the issue persists for more than a few days, you could be entitled to compensation.
What You Should Do First
- Report the Problem in Writing
Contact your landlord or letting agent as soon as your heating fails. Make sure you do this in writing—email is ideal—so you have a record of your complaint. - Take Photographs and Keep Records
Document the temperature inside your home (a photo of a thermometer can help), and keep a journal of how long the heating has been broken. Note any effects on your health or daily life. - Allow Reasonable Time for Repairs
A broken heating system in winter is considered an emergency repair. Landlords should act within 24–48 hours. If they don’t respond in this timeframe, you can escalate the issue. - Contact Your Local Council
If your landlord fails to act, you can report them to your local council’s environmental health team. They can inspect the property and issue a notice requiring the landlord to make the necessary repairs. - Get Help from Housing Disrepair Experts
If nothing changes, it’s time to seek help from housing disrepair experts. At Housing Disrepair Team, we handle claims on behalf of tenants and make sure landlords fulfil their responsibilities.
Are You Eligible for Compensation?
If you’ve been living without proper heating, you may be eligible for:
- General damages for the inconvenience and distress caused by the disrepair
- Special damages to cover extra costs like increased energy bills or purchasing electric heaters
- Health-related damages if you or someone in your household has suffered as a result of the cold
- Repair orders, compelling your landlord to make the property livable again
In many cases, tenants who’ve endured cold, damp, and unsafe living conditions have successfully claimed hundreds or even thousands of pounds in compensation.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Delays can make the problem worse. Cold homes can quickly lead to additional disrepair issues such as damp, mould, and burst pipes. The longer the heating system remains broken, the harder it may be to prove how badly it affected your living conditions.
If your landlord refuses to respond—or only offers temporary fixes—it’s important to speak with professionals who understand housing law and can act on your behalf.
How Housing Disrepair Team Can Help
We understand the frustration and discomfort of living without proper heating, especially during the coldest months of the year. That’s why Housing Disrepair Team offers:
- No win, no fee representation
- Expert legal advice from housing specialists
- Quick response times to get your claim moving fast
- Support throughout the process, from gathering evidence to negotiating compensation
Our team of housing disrepair experts has helped countless tenants just like you secure both essential repairs and financial relief. Whether you rent from a council, housing association, or private landlord, we’ll fight to make sure your home meets legal standards.
Don’t let another winter go by in the cold. Reach out to Housing Disrepair Team today and speak with trusted housing disrepair experts who can help you take action.