No Running Water in a Rented Property: What Must the Landlord Do?
Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited · 1 August 2026 · 7 min read
Who is responsible for the water supply?
Landlords generally must keep installations for supplying water in repair and proper working order. Water companies control parts of the public network and communication pipe. The property owner normally controls the private supply pipe and internal plumbing.
What should I do first?
- Check the water company's incident service and ask nearby neighbours.
- Report the exact taps and facilities affected to the landlord.
- State whether toilets can flush and whether safe drinking water remains.
- Request bottled water or other interim help where necessary.
Is no water always an emergency?
A total loss affecting drinking, sanitation and hygiene is much more urgent than a minor pressure issue. The cause, predicted duration, household vulnerability and available alternatives determine the appropriate response. Call emergency services only for immediate threats to life.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep outage messages, water-company references, landlord reports, photographs of dry taps where safe, receipts for reasonable water purchases and a clear timeline. Avoid wasting water merely to create evidence.
Can I claim compensation?
Potentially where a landlord breach caused provable loss or loss of use. A public-network interruption outside the landlord's control is different. See loss of amenity compensation.
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).
