Quick answer
Landlords generally need to keep the property's water, sanitation, heating and hot-water installations in repair, subject to the tenancy and applicable law. Respond promptly to reports, arrange suitable repairs and check the exact legal and insurance requirements for the property.
Keep essential services in repair
In England and Wales, landlord repairing duties generally include installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, space heating and hot water. The exact obligations depend on the tenancy, property and applicable law. A landlord should not assume a tenant is responsible for a defect in fixed plumbing simply because it is inside the home.
Keep access to the stopcock clear and tell tenants where it is. Maintain plumbing in a condition that allows faults to be isolated and repaired. Use appropriately qualified professionals for work involving regulated or specialist systems.
Respond to leaks and faults
- 1Acknowledge the report and ask for the location, when it began, whether water is still escaping and any immediate hazards.
- 2Give safe initial guidance: do not touch wet electrical fittings; if safe, switch off electricity at the consumer unit. For a gas smell, leave and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- 3Arrange access and a suitably qualified repairer, considering the severity and risk of further damage.
- 4Record the report, actions, attendance and repair outcome, and keep relevant invoices or photographs.
Insurance and prevention
Tell the insurer promptly when policy terms require it, and check what evidence it needs before non-urgent strip-out or repair. Cover varies, so do not promise a tenant or owner that a claim will be accepted. A plumber can provide an insurer-ready report describing observed damage, likely cause, repair and photographs where appropriate.
Before colder weather or a vacancy, consider practical precautions such as maintaining suitable background heating where appropriate, checking exposed pipework and making sure the water shut-off is identified. Keep emergency contact details current and provide them to tenants.
When to call a plumber
- Water is actively escaping or affecting electrical fittings.
- A tenant reports loss of water, heating or hot water that may need urgent attention.
- A leak is hidden or the source is uncertain.
- You need documentation for an insurer or property file.
Common questions
Whole-House Plumbing Check
Just bought a home? Get all the plumbing checked, with a report included, for £495
We check the stopcock, pipework, joints, taps, toilets, showers, hot water and signs of hidden leaks. If we find anything risky, your report explains it and tells you what to do next.