Introduction
Every tenant deserves to live in a safe, comfortable, and well-maintained home. But what happens when things go wrong—and your landlord doesn’t fix them? If you’re living with persistent damp, broken heating, pest infestations, or leaks, you could be dealing with housing disrepair.
In this comprehensive guide from the Housing Disrepair Team, we’ll explain everything tenants need to know about housing disrepair claims, your legal rights, and how to start a compensation claim for housing disrepair with help from the UK’s best housing disrepair solicitors.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any damage or poor condition in a rented property that the landlord is legally responsible for fixing. When these issues go unresolved, they can seriously impact your health, safety, and ability to enjoy your home.
Common disrepair issues include:
- Damp and mould on walls and ceilings
- Broken boilers, radiators, or no hot water
- Leaking pipes, roofs, or windows
- Cracked or insecure doors and windows
- Infestations such as mice, rats, or cockroaches
- Unsafe electrics or exposed wiring
- Structural damage (cracks, loose tiles, crumbling plaster)
If you’ve reported these problems and your landlord has done nothing, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim.
Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
As a tenant in the UK, your landlord—whether private, council, or housing association—is legally required to keep your home in a livable condition. This includes:
- Maintaining the structure and exterior of the property
- Ensuring plumbing, heating, and electrical systems work properly
- Addressing mould and damp issues
- Dealing with pests and infestations if caused by disrepair
- Fixing broken windows, locks, or doors
- Making timely repairs after you report problems
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, failing to carry out these duties may entitle you to start a housing disrepair compensation claim.
What Qualifies as Disrepair?
Not all property problems count as legal disrepair. However, if the issue:
- Is caused by landlord neglect
- Has been reported but not resolved
- Affects your health, safety, or comfort
- Has led to damage of belongings or higher living costs
… then you likely have grounds for a claim.
If you’re unsure, Housing Disrepair Team offers a free consultation to determine whether your issue qualifies for a housing disrepair claim.
Signs You’re Living with Housing Disrepair
Look out for these red flags in your home:
- Black mould around windows or ceilings
- Persistent condensation, damp patches, or musty smells
- Cold rooms despite working heating (indicating poor insulation)
- Doors or windows that don’t close properly
- Water stains or leaks from ceilings or walls
- Constant rodent or insect presence
- Electrical sockets that spark, buzz, or don’t work
- Unsafe flooring, damaged stairs, or tripping hazards
These are all valid grounds to make a housing disrepair claim—especially if your landlord has ignored requests to fix them.
What Can You Claim For?
When you file a housing disrepair compensation claim, you may be able to recover:
- Compensation for physical health issues
- Costs to replace damaged belongings (clothes, furniture, etc.)
- Reimbursement for high utility bills
- Loss of enjoyment of your home
- General inconvenience or emotional distress
At Housing Disrepair Team, our housing disrepair experts will assess every aspect of your case to ensure you get the full amount you’re entitled to.
How to Start a Housing Disrepair Claim
Filing a claim is easier than you might think—especially with help from our team. Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Contact Us
Call or email the Housing Disrepair Team for your free case review. We’ll listen, ask some simple questions, and assess your eligibility.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
You’ll need photos or videos of the disrepair, medical records (if applicable), and any communication between you and your landlord. We’ll help you collect and organise everything.
Step 3: Survey and Inspection
We’ll arrange for an independent surveyor to inspect your home and create an expert report to back up your claim.
Step 4: Legal Action Begins
Our partnered housing disrepair solicitors will file the claim on your behalf. We’ll keep you updated throughout the process.
Step 5: Receive Compensation
Once successful, you’ll receive a settlement—and the landlord will be required to complete the necessary repairs.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?
We are proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s leading specialists in housing disrepair claims. Here’s why thousands of tenants choose us:
- ✅ 100% no win, no fee – no risk to you
- ✅ Expert guidance from experienced housing disrepair solicitors
- ✅ Quick, stress-free claims process
- ✅ Friendly, understanding support staff
- ✅ Success in both council and housing association cases
- ✅ Work with the best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK
We focus exclusively on disrepair cases, which means we understand how to win them. Let the Housing Disrepair Team fight for your rights—so you don’t have to.
Real Case: A Damp Home Turned Around
A tenant in Sheffield came to us after living with damp, broken heating, and a leaking roof for two years. Her council landlord ignored repeated complaints. She contacted Housing Disrepair Team, and here’s what happened:
- We filed a housing disrepair claim within days
- A professional survey confirmed unsafe conditions
- Within 3 months, she received £6,200 in compensation
- Full repairs were completed by her landlord
- Her family now lives in a warm, safe home
You could be next. If you’re facing similar problems, don’t suffer in silence—make a housing disrepair claim today.
FAQs
Can I claim if I’m still living in the property?
Yes, most of our clients remain in their homes during the claim process.
Will my landlord evict me if I file a claim?
No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal under UK law. You’re protected.
What if the repairs are urgent?
We can request emergency repairs through the courts, especially for heating, leaks, or structural safety.
Is there a time limit for making a claim?
Yes. You usually have up to 6 years (or 3 years for personal injury claims). Don’t wait too long.
