As the UK continues to experience severe heatwaves, access to a safe, consistent water supply has become very important.

Access to clean, running water is a given not only for drinking but also for regulating body temperature, food preparation and sanitation. It is something we take for granted.

Tenants, especially those who are elderly, disabled, or medically vulnerable, are particularly reliant on water supply.

Landlord Obligations

Several pieces of legislation impose statutory responsibilities on landlords to ensure proper water supply in residential premises:

• Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep in good repair installations for the supply of water, sanitation, and heating. This duty applies throughout the duration of the tenancy.

• Under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), under the Housing Act 2004, failures in water supply systems or sanitary facilities is considered a  Category 1 Hazard. Local authorities may serve improvement notices or take enforcement action if a property poses a health risk to the tenant.

• The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, makes it unlawful for a Landlord to let a property that is unfit for habitation, which includes failure to maintain an adequate water supply during occupancy.