Living in a rental property plagued by damp, mould, leaks, or structural issues is more than just an inconvenience. These issues can seriously affect your health, damage your personal belongings, and disrupt your day-to-day life. Unfortunately, many tenants face these problems because landlords fail to maintain their properties.
If you’ve reported these issues and your landlord has failed to act, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim. This guide explains your rights, how to make a claim, and how to get the compensation you deserve.
What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair happens when a landlord fails to keep their rental property in a safe, habitable condition. Common examples include:
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Damp and mould causing health risks and property damage
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Leaks from roofs, pipes, or windows damaging walls and ceilings
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Broken heating or hot water systems leaving you without essentials
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Unsafe electrics, gas, or plumbing posing safety hazards
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Structural damage like subsidence or cracked walls
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Infestations caused by property defects
Landlords are legally responsible for addressing these issues. If they ignore your repair requests, you can take legal action to secure repairs and claim compensation.
Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities
Under UK law, landlords must:
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Maintain the structure and exterior of the property, including roofs, walls, and windows.
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Keep heating, water, gas, and electrical systems safe and operational.
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Ensure bathrooms, kitchens, and drainage systems are functional.
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Fix wear and tear or defects that make the property uninhabitable.
If your landlord fails to act within a reasonable timeframe (typically 14–28 days after reporting issues), you may have grounds for a housing disrepair compensation claim.
When Can Tenants Make a Claim?
You can make a claim if:
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You reported the disrepair to your landlord.
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They failed to carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable period.
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The disrepair caused illness, inconvenience, or financial loss.
For instance:
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Health problems like asthma or respiratory issues caused by mould
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Damaged furniture and belongings due to leaks
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Higher heating bills from poor insulation or faulty systems
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
Compensation may cover:
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General damages – For discomfort, health problems, and inconvenience
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Special damages – For damaged possessions, medical costs, or temporary accommodation
In some cases, tenants can recover 25% to 100% of their rent for the period they lived with disrepair.
How to Start a Housing Disrepair Claim
Here’s what to do if your landlord isn’t fixing the problems:
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Collect evidence – Take dated photos, videos, and keep repair request records.
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Report the issues formally – Use emails or letters for a paper trail.
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Cooperate with inspections – Allow access when requested.
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Consult a housing disrepair solicitor to assess your case and guide you through the process.
If the landlord continues to ignore the issues, your solicitor can send a Letter of Claim and start legal proceedings if necessary.
Why Use a Solicitor?
A housing disrepair solicitor can:
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Evaluate the strength and value of your claim
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Arrange expert inspections of the property
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Handle all communications with your landlord
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Secure both repairs and maximum compensation
Most solicitors work on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you only pay if your claim succeeds.
Mistakes to Avoid
To protect your claim:
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Don’t rely on verbal complaints – Always keep written evidence.
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Don’t delay – Most claims must be filed within six years.
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Don’t accept low offers – Landlords may offer less than you’re entitled to.
Professional legal help ensures your claim is handled correctly and you get the compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Tenant Rights
No tenant should live with damp, mould, leaks, or unsafe living conditions. Your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining a habitable property.
If they’ve ignored your repair requests, take action today. Document the problems, seek legal advice, and secure the compensation and repairs you’re entitled to. To start your claim, Contact Us Housing Disrepair now.