Many tenants across the UK are forced to live in unacceptable conditions due to their landlords neglecting essential repairs. Whether you’re facing issues with damp, leaks, broken heating, or pests, you may be entitled to claim compensation and have the problems fixed at no cost to you.
This is where the Housing Disrepair Team comes in. They specialise in supporting tenants across England and Wales who are dealing with unresolved repair issues in their homes, ensuring their rights are upheld and compensation secured.
What Qualifies as Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any condition in a rented property that deteriorates due to a landlord’s failure to perform maintenance. Your landlord, whether a housing association or local council, is legally responsible for keeping your home safe and habitable.
Common disrepair issues include:
- Damp and mould growth
- Roof and plumbing leaks
- Broken boilers or radiators
- Damaged windows and doors
- Faulty electrics or exposed wiring
- Infestations (e.g., rodents, cockroaches)
If your landlord ignores repeated requests to resolve such issues, you may have a strong case for a housing disrepair claim.
Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
Landlords in the UK have clear legal duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. They must:
- Maintain the structure and exterior of the property
- Ensure safe and working systems for gas, water, and electricity
- Keep sanitation systems functioning
- Provide adequate heating and hot water
- Ensure the property is free from health hazards
Failure to meet these responsibilities gives tenants the right to take legal action and receive compensation.
Signs You Should File a Housing Disrepair Claim
If you’ve experienced any of the following, you could qualify for a claim:
- Repeated complaints to your landlord have gone unanswered
- You or your family have experienced health problems due to poor living conditions
- Your belongings (clothes, furniture, electronics) have been damaged by leaks or mould
- Your mental health has been negatively affected by prolonged disrepair
- You’ve spent money to fix problems that were your landlord’s responsibility
The law protects you against eviction or retaliation for making a disrepair claim.
Benefits of Taking Legal Action
Tenants are often reluctant to pursue legal claims, especially if their landlord is the council or a housing association. However, legal action is sometimes the only way to force necessary repairs and receive fair compensation.
By making a claim, you can:
- Get repairs completed faster
- Recover costs and losses caused by the disrepair
- Hold negligent landlords accountable
- Improve your living conditions long-term
- Gain peace of mind knowing your rights are being upheld
Best of all, most housing disrepair solicitors—including the Housing Disrepair Team—operate on a no win, no fee basis.
Compensation You Could Receive
With the help of professionals, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Physical discomfort and health issues
- Damage to personal items
- Increased utility bills due to broken heating
- Inconvenience and loss of enjoyment
- Stress and emotional distress
- Costs for temporary relocation, if needed
Compensation amounts depend on the severity and duration of the disrepair, and how it has impacted you and your family.
The Claim Process Explained
Here’s what you can expect when you contact the Housing Disrepair Team:
- Initial Consultation: They will assess your case for free to determine if you have a valid claim.
- Evidence Collection: You’ll provide photos, repair logs, medical records (if relevant), and communications with your landlord.
- Pre-Action Protocol Letter: A formal legal letter is sent to your landlord detailing the claim.
- Legal Proceedings (if needed): If the landlord still fails to act, your case may go to court.
- Repairs and Compensation: A successful claim results in both repairs and monetary compensation.
You’ll be supported through the entire process, from the first call to the final settlement.
Don’t Delay—Time Limits Apply
There are statutory time limits when it comes to making a claim. In general, you must file your housing disrepair claim within six years from when the issue began. For personal injury claims (such as those involving health problems), the limit is three years.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Health Risks of Living in Disrepair
Living in poor conditions can lead to serious health issues:
- Mould & Damp: Triggers asthma, infections, and respiratory problems
- Faulty Heating: Increases the risk of cold-related illnesses
- Pests: Carry disease and can worsen allergies
- Structural Damage: Risks of injury from collapsing ceilings or stairs
- Broken Appliances: Can cause accidents or fires
Tenants should not be forced to endure unsafe living conditions—especially when they pay rent and report issues responsibly.
Real Cases, Real Results
Thousands of tenants across the UK have successfully claimed with legal support. Some examples include:
- A tenant in London received £6,000 after enduring three years of mould and a leaking roof
- A Manchester family won £4,500 in compensation and had their entire bathroom replaced
- A disabled tenant in Bristol received a full kitchen refurbishment and £3,000 for emotional distress
These success stories show that legal claims work—and improve lives.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?
The Housing Disrepair Team stands out for:
- Expertise in Tenant Law: Focused exclusively on housing disrepair
- Nationwide Service: Assisting tenants across England and Wales
- No Win, No Fee Representation
- Track Record of Success: Hundreds of resolved claims
- Supportive, Tenant-Focused Approach
They believe every tenant deserves a safe and comfortable home—and they’ll fight to make that a reality.
Final Thoughts
If your landlord has failed to carry out necessary repairs, don’t suffer in silence. Legal support is available and with the right team behind you, getting justice is easier than you think. You could be entitled to both repairs and substantial compensation.
Get in touch with the Housing Disrepair Team today for a free consultation and start your journey toward a better home.