u/smokier_flunky

Hey!
I would explain the issue, but I think our email has done enough to make it clear. I am unconfident with how threatening this email sounds, so I’d love feedback and reassurance from people who actually know the law! All names have been replaced in square brackets, and plumbing companies have been replaced with a fake name! Thanks!
This is in England, so would be under English law.

Dear Mr.[LANDLORD 1] and Mr.[LANDLORD 2],
I am writing to formally demand immediate action to resolve the ongoing drainage issue in our top-floor bathroom, which has now persisted for over 60 days (since 24 March 2026). As you are aware, this issue has caused sewage to back up into the shower and toilet, flooding the shower with 6 inches of raw sewage and filling the top floor (including two bedrooms) with an unsanitary smell. While we have a second bathroom, the affected bathroom remains unusable and hazardous.

Below is a summary of our attempts to resolve this issue, all of which you have failed to address within a reasonable timeframe under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018:

24 Mar: Issue arose; notified you immediately.
25–29 Mar: Under your advice, we contacted Shitty Drainage Co. (4 unanswered calls over 3 days). You redirected us to another number.
2 Apr: Shitty Drainage Co. attended but could not fix the issue and advised calling a plumber. Emailed you—no reply.
10 Apr: Follow-up email (cc’d other landlord)—no reply.
12 Apr: You asked, “What is the issue?”—despite prior notifications.
13 Apr: We explained; you provided a Google Maps link to USELESS PLUMBERS LTD.(no direct contact).
14 Apr: Flooding occurred (classified as an emergency repair under Section 11, requiring action within 48 hours). We arranged USELESS PLUMBERS LTD. for 20 Apr.
20 Apr: USELESS PLUMBERS LTD temporarily fixed the issue—27 days after initial report (far exceeding the “reasonable” timeframe for urgent repairs).
5 May: Issue returned—drainage failed again, sewage smell returned. We contacted USELESS PLUMBERS LTD without your input due to your lack of response.
11 May: USELESS PLUMBERS LTD did not attend; they informed us you had cancelled the appointment.
12 May: We messaged you; you denied cancelling and told us to call again.
14 May: USELESS PLUMBERS LTD returned but could not fix the issue permanently. They stated they would discuss next steps with you, and that you would get in touch. I did not hear back from USELESS PLUMBERS LTD or You.
20 May: Sent you a follow up email to which you have not replied.
23 May (Today): 60+ days of unsanitary conditions—the property is unfit for human habitation under the 2018 Act, and you remain in breach of Section 11.

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, you are legally required to:

“Keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for the supply of water, gas and electricity and for sanitation (including basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences).”

This issue directly falls under your responsibility. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 further requires that the property be free from hazards, including defective drainage and sanitation. Sewage smell backing up into living spaces renders the property unfit for habitation.
Courts have consistently ruled that:

Drainage issues are the landlord’s responsibility unless proven to be caused by tenant misuse (which is not the case here).
Emergency repairs (e.g., flooding/sewage) must be addressed within 24–48 hours.
Urgent repairs (e.g., blocked drains) must be fixed within 7–14 days.
We have had to share 1 bathroom between 4 people for ~60+ days which is illegal under the Housing act 1985 Overcrowding laws.
60+ days of inaction is unreasonable and unlawful.

We have attempted many times to resolve this issue amicably. If we do not receive confirmation of a permanent fix within 7 days of this email, we will have no choice but to:

Report the matter to Hampshire County Council’s Environmental Health Team, who can:

Inspect the property under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS).
Issue an improvement notice or emergency remedial order, forcing you to complete repairs.
Prosecute you if you fail to comply.

Pursue legal action through the county court for:

Breach of contract (under Section 11 and the 2018 Act).
Compensation for the 60+ days of unsanitary living conditions, including distress and inconvenience.

Escalate to our local MP, [MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT], to highlight your failure to meet legal standards for rented properties.
We do not want to take these steps, but your repeated inaction leaves us with no alternative. This is your final opportunity to resolve the issue voluntarily

Please confirm in writing by 30 May 2026:

Who will permanently fix the drainage issue.
When the work will be completed (must be no later than 7 days from today).
How you will ensure this does not recur (e.g., CCTV drain survey, structural repairs).
Failure to respond or act will result in immediate escalation.
We trust this matter can be resolved without further delay. For your reference, we have documented all communications, photos, and plumber reports as evidence.
Yours sincerely,
[——], [——], [——], [——], [——], [——], [——].
HOUSE NAME, NO.,
POSTCODE,
CITY, Hampshire
PHONE NUMBER