As a tenant in the UK, you are legally entitled to live in a property that is safe, secure, and in good condition. Unfortunately, many tenants face ongoing problems with damp, mould, leaks, and other hazards that landlords fail to fix. These issues fall under housing disrepair—and if your landlord has ignored your repair requests, you may be entitled to file a housing disrepair claim.

This article explains everything you need to know: what qualifies as disrepair, how to gather evidence, and how to begin your legal claim. If you're living in unsafe conditions, Contact Us Housing Disrepair to find out if you qualify for compensation.

What Is a Housing Disrepair Claim?

A housing disrepair claim is a legal process tenants can use to take action when a landlord fails to carry out essential repairs. It allows you to:

  • Force your landlord to make the necessary repairs

  • Claim compensation for inconvenience, health issues, or damaged belongings

  • Hold your landlord accountable for neglecting their legal duties

Disrepair claims apply to both private rentals and social housing.

Common Types of Housing Disrepair

You may be able to file a claim if your property has issues like:

Damp and Mould

Often caused by poor ventilation or leaks, these can lead to respiratory illnesses and damage personal property.

Structural Defects

Cracks in walls, unstable staircases, or unsafe roofs can make a property dangerous to live in.

Broken Heating or Plumbing

A lack of hot water, faulty boilers, or leaking pipes can severely affect quality of life—especially during winter.

Electrical Faults

Exposed wires, faulty sockets, or lighting issues can present fire hazards or electrocution risks.

Your Rights as a Tenant

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are legally obligated to keep their properties in a habitable state. This includes:

  • Repairing structural defects

  • Maintaining plumbing and heating systems

  • Keeping the property free from hazards

  • Ensuring the property is safe and healthy to live in

If they fail to do so, you have the right to file a housing disrepair claim and seek compensation. Contact Us Housing Disrepair to learn more about your rights.

When Can You File a Housing Disrepair Claim?

You may have a valid claim if:

  • You've reported the problem in writing

  • Your landlord has had reasonable time to fix it (usually 14–28 days)

  • The issue has caused damage, inconvenience, or health concerns

  • Your landlord has failed to act or carried out poor repairs

How to File a Housing Disrepair Claim

Step 1 – Report the Disrepair in Writing

Always inform your landlord (or letting agent) via email or letter. Keep a record of your complaint and attach photos or videos.

Step 2 – Gather Evidence

You will need documentation to support your claim:

  • Photos and videos of the issue

  • Medical records if your health has been affected

  • Receipts for damaged items or increased energy bills

  • Copies of all communications with your landlord

Step 3 – Seek Legal Advice

Before filing your claim, speak to a solicitor or legal service. Many housing disrepair solicitors offer no-win, no-fee arrangements. You can Contact Us Housing Disrepair for a free case evaluation.

Step 4 – Submit Your Claim

Once your solicitor confirms eligibility, they will submit your housing disrepair claim to court or negotiate a settlement with your landlord.

What Compensation Can You Receive?

The amount of compensation depends on the severity and duration of the disrepair, and how it affected you. You may be entitled to:

  • General damages – for inconvenience, stress, and discomfort

  • Special damages – for financial losses like damaged possessions or higher utility bills

  • Medical damages – for illnesses linked to the disrepair

In some cases, tenants have received thousands in compensation.

Housing Disrepair in Social Housing

If you're a council tenant or live in a housing association property, your rights are the same. Landlords are expected to:

  • Fix issues promptly

  • Maintain communal areas

  • Respond to formal complaints

If they fail, you can file a housing disrepair claim. Many social housing tenants suffer in silence—don't be one of them. Contact Us Housing Disrepair to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a claim take?

Most claims take 3 to 9 months, depending on the complexity of the case and the landlord's cooperation.

Will my landlord evict me for claiming?

No. The Deregulation Act 2015 protects tenants from retaliatory eviction after making a legitimate disrepair complaint.

What if I can't afford legal fees?

Many housing solicitors work on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and only if your claim is successful.

Conclusion

Living in a home with persistent repairs is not just inconvenient—it's a breach of your legal rights. A housing disrepair claim can help you hold your landlord accountable and recover compensation for the suffering and losses you've endured.

Don't let landlord neglect go unchallenged. If your living conditions are affecting your health, safety, or peace of mind, Contact Us Housing Disrepair today for expert legal support.