What are typical council house repair timescales?

Council repair timescales can vary depending on the urgency and nature of the issue, but most councils follow a similar structure:

• Emergency repairs – These are issues that pose an immediate risk to health, safety, or the structure of the property. Examples include severe leaks, total loss of heating in winter, or dangerous electrical faults. Councils aim to attend within 24 hours, sometimes sooner.
• Urgent repairs – These don’t pose an immediate danger but still need attention fairly quickly. This might include a leaking roof, broken windows, or partial loss of power. These are usually dealt with within 3 to 7 working days.
• Routine or non-urgent repairs – These cover less critical issues, such as faulty extractor fans, dripping taps, or damaged internal doors. Timescales for these can vary but are often completed within 20 to 30 working days.

If your repair has been delayed or ignored beyond the expected timeframe, you may be entitled to take action.