Council House Boiler Not Working: Repair Guide
Housing Repair Help Editorial Team · Reviewed by Reclaim Experts Ltd, FCA authorised (FRN 1030701). Editorial standards.
Published 30 September 2026. Last reviewed and updated 30 September 2026.
If your council house boiler is not working, report whether you have lost heating, hot water or both, note any fault code and explain if children, older residents or anyone with a health condition lives in the home.
A total loss of heating or hot water is commonly treated as emergency or urgent, particularly in cold weather or for vulnerable households. Suspected gas or carbon-monoxide danger requires immediate emergency action.
Signs and Risks Linked to boiler
No Heat or Hot Water
The boiler will not fire or repeatedly locks out
Unsafe Signs
Gas smells, soot, unusual flames or carbon-monoxide alarms need emergency attention
Repeated Resetting
The same fault returns after short-term visits
No Temporary Support
A prolonged repair has no heaters or alternative hot-water plan
Council Repair Responsibility
The council must generally keep the boiler and installations for heating and hot water in repair and proper working order under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Important: The cause and the tenancy facts matter. Ask for the inspection findings in writing and do not stop paying rent because a repair remains outstanding.
How to Report boiler
Report the Problem in Writing
Ask for Inspection and a Repair Plan
Update the Landlord if It Worsens
Make a Stage 1 Complaint to the Council
Escalate to Stage 2 and the Housing Ombudsman
Boiler still unresolved?
If you reported the problem and your council has not put it right within a reasonable time, check whether it may qualify for further review.
Check if you may qualifyFCA Regulated Claims Management Company FRN: 1030701
Takes 5 minutes. No obligation.
Evidence to Keep
Fault Code
Photograph the display without removing covers
Temperature Record
Keep dated room-temperature readings
Engineer Visits
Record appointments, findings and replacement parts awaited
Extra Costs
Keep receipts for safe temporary heating and extra energy
When a Housing Disrepair Claim May Be Possible
A claim may be possible if your council was told about a defect within its responsibility, did not put it right within a reasonable time and the conditions caused a measurable impact.
Clear evidence that the landlord received notice
A defect the landlord was legally or contractually responsible for
An unreasonable delay, failed repair or refusal shown by dated records
Loss of use, inconvenience, damaged belongings, extra costs or health effects
Compensation is not automatic and there is no fixed tariff. Responsibility, notice, delay, causation and evidence must be assessed in every case.
Why Tenants Trust Us With Housing Disrepair Claims
Simple Online Process
Answer a few guided questions from your phone or computer.
No Paperwork Hassle
Upload your evidence digitally, without printing or posting documents.
Quick Submission
Most claimants complete the process in under 15 minutes.
Experienced Legal Review
Every case is reviewed by our panel of SRA housing disrepair solicitors. No-Win-No-Fee.
Has your council failed to resolve boiler?
Answer 3 quick questions to see if you qualify. Takes about 30 seconds.
Who is your landlord?
Frequently Asked Questions
Could you have a housing disrepair claim?
If you reported boiler and it has not been properly resolved, you may be able to make a claim.
Check if you may qualifyFCA Regulated Claims Management Company FRN: 1030701
Takes 5 minutes. No obligation.
Related Guides
This article provides general information about housing issues in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. Legal services may be provided by independent solicitors where appropriate.