If you’re living in a rented home that’s in poor condition and your landlord isn’t doing anything about it, you may be entitled to take action. In the UK, tenants have rights—and one of them is the right to live in a safe, well-maintained property. When those rights are ignored, you can start a housing disrepair claim to get repairs done and receive compensation.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to start your claim confidently and successfully.
What Is a Housing Disrepair Claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a process that allows tenants to hold landlords accountable for failing to fix repair issues in rented properties. It is most commonly used by tenants in council housing or housing association properties, but can also apply to private landlords.
If your home has problems like damp, mould, leaks, faulty heating, or structural damage, and your landlord has ignored your repair requests, you may be able to claim:
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Compensation for inconvenience or health issues
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Repairs to your property
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Damages for loss of belongings
Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Housing Disrepair Claim
Step 1: Identify the Disrepair Issues
Make a list of all the problems in your home. Common issues include:
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Damp and mould
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Leaking roofs, pipes, or ceilings
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Broken windows or doors
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Faulty electrical or heating systems
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Pest infestations
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Cracked walls or poor insulation
The more detailed your list, the stronger your claim.
Step 2: Notify Your Landlord in Writing
Before making a claim, you must give your landlord a chance to fix the problems. This means:
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Sending written complaints (email or letter)
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Describing the issues clearly
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Including photos or videos as evidence
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Keeping records of all communication
Important: If your landlord does nothing after you’ve reported the issue, especially after multiple complaints, that’s when you can consider action.
Step 3: Collect Strong Evidence
Your evidence is key to a successful claim. Make sure to gather:
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Photos and videos of the damage
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Medical reports if your health has been affected
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Receipts for damaged belongings
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Repair requests and landlord responses
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Diary or timeline of events
You’ll need to show that:
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The damage exists
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The landlord knew about it
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They failed to act in a reasonable time
Step 4: Get a Professional Property Inspection
If possible, request a free property inspection from a housing disrepair team. This helps confirm the severity of the disrepair and strengthens your claim with an expert report.
At The Housing Disrepair Team, we offer free inspections to help tenants understand their situation better.
Step 5: Contact a Housing Disrepair Expert
Once you have the necessary evidence, the next step is to get professional help. Contact a No Win, No Fee housing disrepair solicitor or a claims management company that deals with these types of cases.
They will:
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Review your case for free
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Advise you on how much you can claim
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Handle the process
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Communicate with your landlord on your behalf
Need help with your claim? Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Please Note: The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.
Step 6: Let the Claim Process Begin
If your claim is valid, your solicitor will:
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Send a formal letter of claim to your landlord
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Handle negotiations for repairs and compensation
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File court proceedings if the landlord refuses to cooperate
Most landlords choose to settle the matter out of court once they receive formal notice.
Can You Make a Claim If You’re Behind on Rent?
Yes, in most cases, you can still make a housing disrepair claim even if you are behind on rent. However, your landlord might use rent arrears to reduce your compensation. Speak to a advisor to understand your options.
What Compensation Can You Get?
Compensation varies depending on how severe the disrepair is and how long you’ve lived with the problem. You could claim for:
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Health issues caused by mould or damp
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Cost of repairs or replacements to damaged belongings
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Loss of enjoyment and inconvenience
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Financial loss (e.g., higher heating bills)
Final Thoughts
Living in poor conditions isn’t just frustrating—it can also be dangerous. If your landlord has ignored your requests and your home remains in disrepair, it’s time to take action.
At The Housing Disrepair Team, we help tenants like you every day. Our No Win, No Fee service means you won’t pay anything unless your claim is successful. Start your housing disrepair claim now and reclaim your right to a safe, healthy home.
Please Note: The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.
