What Can Renters Do If Their Boiler Breaks Down in Winter?
When your boiler breaks down in the middle of winter, it can feel like an emergency — and for many renters, it is. With freezing temperatures and rising energy costs, losing heating and hot water is more than an inconvenience. It’s a health and safety issue, and your landlord has a legal duty to act quickly.
Stay Safe and Do Basic Checks
If you suspect a gas leak, turn everything off, avoid switches or flames, open the windows, and call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999.
Once you’re sure there’s no gas smell, check simple issues like the power supply, thermostat settings, or boiler pressure (it should usually sit between 1–1.5 bar when cold).
During freezing weather, a frozen condensate pipe can cause the boiler to stop. You can safely pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe to thaw it and reset your boiler. If you’re unsure, call a Gas Safe registered engineer — never attempt gas repairs yourself.
Your Rights as a Renter
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep heating and hot water systems in working order. This includes the boiler, radiators, and associated pipework.
In winter, a complete loss of heating or hot water is considered an urgent repair, and landlords should act quickly — ideally within 24 hours for serious cases. If repairs can’t be done straight away, your landlord should provide temporary heaters or a safe way to access hot water.
If your energy costs rise because you’re using electric heaters provided by the landlord, it’s fair to discuss a rent reduction or reimbursement for the additional costs.
Always make sure that any engineer working on your boiler is Gas Safe registered — you can verify this on the Gas Safe Register.
How to Report the Issue
Report the problem to your landlord or letting agent in writing — ideally by email — and keep a copy. Include when the boiler stopped working, what you’ve already tried, and any photos of error codes or room temperatures. Mention if anyone in your home is vulnerable (such as children, elderly residents, or those with health conditions), as this can increase the urgency.
If your landlord doesn’t respond, contact your local council’s Environmental Health team, which can inspect your home under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). They have the power to require landlords to make essential repairs. You can find your council via GOV.UK’s council finder.
When Landlords Don’t Act
If your landlord ignores your requests or takes too long, you can escalate things. Start with a formal complaint and, if needed, contact housing advice services such as:
They’ll guide you through your rights, help you draft follow-up letters, and explain your options for enforcement or compensation.
Avoid withholding rent unless you’ve had proper legal advice — it can make eviction easier for landlords even if your complaint is valid.
Why Fast Repairs Matter
Cold homes aren’t just uncomfortable — they’re dangerous. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), an estimated 4,950 excess winter deaths in 2022–23 were linked to cold homes.
The English Housing Survey 2022–23 also found that 51% of households reduced the hours they heated their homes due to energy costs, while 8% stopped heating entirely at times. For vulnerable tenants — such as older people or those with long-term health conditions — this can have serious consequences.
Getting Help and Staying Warm
If you or someone in your household is vulnerable, you can join your energy supplier’s Priority Services Register (PSR). This gives extra help in emergencies, such as priority reconnection during outages or access to temporary heating.
While you wait for repairs, try to stay warm by wearing layers, closing off unused rooms, and covering windows at night. The NHS “Keep Warm, Keep Well” guide also offers practical advice for staying healthy during cold weather.
Preventing Future Breakdowns
Boilers should be serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer — this is the landlord’s responsibility, not the tenant’s. Regular servicing helps prevent breakdowns and keeps your heating system efficient.
If your rental has an old or inefficient boiler, it might be time for an upgrade. You can encourage your landlord to look at improving the property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, especially if it’s below an “E.”
In cold spells, insulating the condensate pipe and knowing how to reset your boiler safely can save time and discomfort.
Final Thoughts
A broken boiler in winter can turn a comfortable rental into an uninhabitable space. You don’t have to put up with it. Report problems straight away, document everything, and know your rights under the law.
If your landlord refuses to act, your local council and charities such as Shelter and Citizens Advice can help you push for urgent repairs or compensation.
Staying warm is essential for your health, and it’s your landlord’s legal duty to make sure you can.