Law explained · ConsumerWise

Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Core repair and fitness obligations that underpin many rented-home condition disputes.

Reviewed September 2026England & Wales in significant parts · check provision

What this law does

For ConsumerWise, the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 matters most where the condition of the rented home is the problem. It contains key repairing duties and the modern fitness-for-human-habitation obligation.

ConsumerWise coverage9 linked routes in the current corpus
Official sourcelegislation.gov.uk
Use it withthe practical guides and tools below

Important provisions

The parts most likely to matter in ConsumerWise housing disputes

This is a practical selection, not a substitute for reading the full legislation. Commencement, amendments, transitional rules, territory and the exact tenancy type can change the position.

Statutory provision
s.9A

Fitness for human habitation

Implies a fitness obligation into many residential tenancies and is important in serious condition and hazard disputes.

Official text ↗
Statutory provision
s.11

Repairing obligations

Covers important duties relating to the structure, exterior and installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating.

Official text ↗

ConsumerWise guidance

See how these provisions work in real disputes

Private renting repairsOpen ConsumerWise guidance →Damp & mould in rented homesOpen ConsumerWise guidance →Compensation for disrepair & loss of useOpen ConsumerWise guidance →Social housing repairsOpen ConsumerWise guidance →

Official legislation

Check the current statutory text

ConsumerWise explains common routes in plain English. For the precise current wording, commencement and amendments, use the official source.

Open Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 on legislation.gov.uk ↗