As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, secure, and well-maintained home. When landlords fail to carry out essential repairs, it can put your health, comfort, and security at risk.
If you’re facing a landlord refusing to make repairs, you do not have to accept it. There are clear steps you can take to enforce your rights and even claim compensation.
Need urgent advice? Contact The Housing Disrepair Team for a free consultation and start your No Win, No Fee claim.
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.
Understanding Your Landlord’s Responsibilities
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must:
-
Keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair.
-
Maintain heating, plumbing, and electrical systems.
-
Fix damp, mould, leaking roofs, or broken pipes.
-
Ensure the home is safe, secure, and habitable.
If your landlord refuses to fix repairs that make the property unsafe or unhealthy, they are breaching the law, and you have the right to take action.
Common Repairs Landlords Often Refuse
Some of the most common repair issues tenants face include:
-
Damp and mould are not treated properly
-
Leaking roofs or broken guttering
-
Faulty heating systems during winter
-
Broken windows or security risks
-
Structural cracks or unstable flooring
-
Infestations caused by property defects
If you have reported any of these issues and your landlord has ignored them, you may be entitled to claim for housing disrepair.
Related: See common housing disrepair issues tenants face
Steps to Take If Your Landlord Refuses Repairs
If your landlord refuses or delays repairs, follow these steps carefully:
1. Report the Issue in Writing
Always report the disrepair issues in writing (email, text, or formal letter). Keep a copy of everything you send.
Clear communication will serve as crucial evidence later.
2. Give a Reasonable Deadline
Allow a reasonable time for repairs to be completed, usually 14–28 days, depending on the severity. For urgent issues like no heating or water, the timeframe should be shorter.
3. Gather Evidence
Collect strong evidence such as:
-
Photos and videos of the disrepair
-
Copies of all communication with the landlord
-
Medical reports (if health was affected)
-
Receipts for any temporary fixes or damaged belongings
4. Contact a Housing Disrepair Specialist
If your landlord continues to ignore you, contact a professional housing disrepair claims team. They can help you file a claim for both repairs and compensation.
Take action today. Start your No Win, No Fee housing disrepair claim.
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.
Can You Claim Compensation for Landlord’s Neglect?
Yes!
If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs and you have suffered inconvenience, health problems, or property damage, you may be entitled to compensation.
Typical compensation includes:
-
Physical inconvenience and loss of enjoyment
-
Health impacts like asthma, skin infections, or mental stress
-
Replacement of damaged belongings
-
Increased heating or living costs
-
Medical expenses
Compensation is often calculated as a percentage of rent paid during the period the property was in disrepair.
Related: How much compensation can you get for housing disrepair?
How We Can Help You
At The Housing Disrepair Team, we specialise in helping tenants across England and Wales:
-
Secure urgent repairs from negligent landlords
-
Claim financial compensation for suffering and inconvenience
-
Handle the full process so you don’t have to
-
Work on a 100% No Win, No Fee basis — no risk to you
From your first call to final settlement, we are here to support you every step of the way.
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.
Can my landlord evict me for complaining about repairs?
No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal. If you are evicted for reporting disrepair, you can take further action.
How quickly must a landlord fix urgent repairs?
Urgent repairs like heating, hot water, or severe leaks should be addressed within 24–48 hours.
Can I stop paying rent if my landlord refuses repairs?
No, you should continue paying rent. However, you can claim compensation instead without breaching your tenancy agreement.
Start Your Housing Disrepair Claim Today
Don’t let a landlord’s neglect put your health and safety at risk. If your landlord is refusing to fix essential repairs, you could be entitled to compensation and urgent action.
Contact The Housing Disrepair Team now for help and start your No Win, No Fee claim today.
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.
