Overheating Rented Home: Is the Landlord Responsible?

Does Awaab's Law cover overheating?

Yes, from Phase 2. GOV.UK's Phase 2 guidance for social landlords says that from 30 November 2026 Awaab's Law extends to excess heat, alongside excess cold, falls, structural collapse, fire and explosions, electrical hazards and domestic hygiene, where they present a significant risk of harm. It applies to registered providers of social housing in England, so councils and housing associations rather than private landlords. Until then, only emergency hazards and damp and mould are covered.

What deadlines apply?

For a significant hazard the guidance sets 10 working days to investigate and 5 working days to make the hazard safe once the investigation concludes. Emergency hazards must be investigated and made safe within 24 hours. The guidance uses a faulty heating system that causes excess heat as an example of a hazard a landlord might fix quickly. See the full Awaab's Law timetable.

Is a landlord responsible if the home is too hot?

It depends on the cause. A defective heating or hot-water installation, a broken control that leaves heating stuck on, or a building defect can raise repair questions under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. A home that is uncomfortable in a heatwave is not automatically disrepair. Excess heat is also one of the hazards a council can assess under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, which looks at the likelihood and seriousness of harm to the occupants.

What evidence should I keep?

• Dated temperature readings from different rooms and times, and a note of the weather.
• Photographs or video of any faulty heating, controls, windows or ventilation.
• Every report to your landlord and every reply, with dates.
• Any medical advice, particularly for older people, babies or anyone with a health condition.

Our guide to evidence for a disrepair claim explains how to organise this.

What if the landlord does nothing?

Put the problem in writing and keep copies. You can ask the council to assess the home; see council environmental health inspections. Social housing tenants can use the landlord's complaints procedure and then the Housing Ombudsman. If overheating has caused loss of enjoyment of your home, extra costs or health effects, a disrepair claim may be possible; see how a housing disrepair claim works. This is general information, not advice on your case.

This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Awaab's Law Claims Specialists is a trading name of Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 839699).