Who pays if the boiler or heating breaks in a rental?

This generally counts as a major repair needed to keep the property habitable, which is the landlord's responsibility under the LAU — not the tenant's. Report it in writing as soon as it happens.

Housing problems

Repairs: who pays?

Who's responsible for repairs in a rental property — the landlord or the tenant — and what to do if something breaks.

Last reviewed: 2026-06-15

This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.

Overview

The LAU draws a fairly clear line between major repairs (the landlord's responsibility) and minor, day-to-day maintenance caused by ordinary use (the tenant's responsibility). Knowing which is which avoids arguments when something breaks.

Requirements

Applies to any habitual-residence lease governed by the LAU
The distinction generally comes down to whether something is needed to keep the property habitable (landlord) versus routine wear and tear from daily use (tenant)

Step-by-step process

Report any needed repair to your landlord in writing as soon as you notice it
If it's urgent and delay would cause damage, you can act to prevent harm and later recover the reasonable cost from your landlord
For major repairs your landlord is responsible for, they're required to carry them out, even if it's inconvenient — though if the work takes more than 20 days, your rent should be reduced proportionally for the disruption
Keep receipts and photos for anything you pay for yourself, whether it's a minor repair or an urgent one you covered temporarily

Required documents

Written notice to your landlord about the issue
Photos of the problem
Receipts for any repair costs paid

Common mistakes

Assuming the landlord must fix everything, including routine items like replacing lightbulbs or unblocking a sink from normal use
Not reporting an issue in writing, making it harder to prove the landlord was informed and failed to act
Carrying out a major repair yourself without first giving the landlord the chance to arrange it, and expecting automatic reimbursement

Practical tips

If your landlord is unresponsive on a habitability issue (heating, water, structural problems), the LAU allows you to eventually seek to end the contract on those grounds — but raise it formally first and keep a clear paper trail
For anything ambiguous, a short, polite written message asking your landlord to confirm who'll arrange the repair is often enough to resolve it quickly

How Tuchati can help

If you're not sure whether a repair is your responsibility or your landlord's, or your landlord isn't responding, Tuchati can help you figure out the right next step.