Roof and chimney stacks
Damaged roofing, gutters or chimney stacks can affect your home and the areas around it. Report what you can see safely and record any leaks or other effects indoors.
Understanding roof and chimney stacks
Missing or damaged roof coverings, defective flashing and broken gutters can allow water into a building. Ceiling stains or damp areas after rain may be clues, but do not establish the precise source.
Chimney stacks can have damaged brickwork, mortar or flashing. Keep observations to what you can see from a safe position. The roof and chimney need an appropriate inspection rather than a tenant trying to reach them.
What to look out for
Damaged roof coverings
Missing, loose or damaged tiles visible from a safe position.
Changes around the chimney
Visible damage or loose material around a chimney stack.
Water marks indoors
Ceiling stains or wet areas appearing after rain.
Observe from a safe position
Do not climb onto a roof, use a ladder to inspect a chimney or approach loose tiles and brickwork. Keep clear of places where material could fall, and report urgent concerns to your landlord’s emergency repairs service.
If falling material or a collapse creates an immediate threat to life, call 999. Do not delay an urgent report to take photographs.
What you can do
You do not need a perfect set of evidence to make your first report. Start with what you know and add to your record as things change.
Describe what is happening
Note visible damage, when you first noticed it and any signs indoors. Describe whether leaks follow rain or the condition changed after windy weather.
- Photograph visible roof, gutter or chimney damage only from a safe position.
- Keep dates of rain-related leaks, ceiling stains or wet walls.
- Note inspection visits and whether earlier roof work resolved the problem.
Tell your landlord
Tell your landlord which part appears affected and any consequences inside or around the home. Ask how the inspection will be arranged and whether areas need to be kept clear.
See an example of what to write
I am reporting visible damage to [roof / gutter / chimney] at [location]. I noticed it on [date] from [safe viewing position]. Inside the home there is [a leak / staining / no visible effect yet].
Please confirm you have received this report, explain how it will be assessed and let me know the next steps and expected timescale. I can share any photographs I have taken safely.
Keep your report reference, replies and repair appointments. If you report by phone, note the date and follow up in writing where possible.
Keep a record of the impact
Keep records of affected rooms, belongings and any outside areas you cannot use safely. Save inspection findings, repair appointments and whether leaks return after work.
Update the report when weather reveals a continuing issue. You can document effects indoors without trying to inspect the roof yourself.
What should your landlord do?
The roof is generally part of a landlord’s responsibility for the structure and exterior. Ask for competent inspection and repair of the relevant roof or chimney defect.
Shared buildings may need coordination with a freeholder or managing agent. Ask your landlord who will arrange the work and how you will receive updates. Repair duties and fitness requirements differ between England and Wales.
Common questions
Do I need a photograph of the roof to report it?
No. Describe what you can see safely and any indoor effects. Do not climb or approach falling material to obtain a photo.
What if the leak only happens during heavy rain?
Record the dates, location and weather pattern. Share indoor photographs where safe and ask for an investigation of the roof and other possible sources.
What if the roof is part of a shared building?
Report it to your landlord and ask who is coordinating with the building manager or freeholder. Keep your report and updates even when another party arranges the work.
Can I complain without using Tenant Help?
Yes. You can use your landlord’s complaints process yourself. Further routes depend on your landlord and country: the Housing Ombudsman covers relevant social landlords in England, while the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales considers relevant Welsh public-service landlords. You do not have to use a claims management company.
If the problem continues
If rain-related leaks or roof concerns continue, follow up with weather dates and previous work records. Ask who is responsible for the next inspection and repair, and use the complaints process if progress remains unclear.
For council or housing association tenants, further complaint routes include the Housing Ombudsman in England and the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales. Their procedures and scope differ; check the relevant guidance about when to bring a complaint.
Private tenants in England and Wales can ask their local council’s housing or environmental health team about conditions that may harm health or safety. Your tenancy or occupation contract and the circumstances will affect the options available.
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