For thousands of renters across the UK, housing disrepair is more than an inconvenience—it’s a threat to health, safety, and wellbeing. From leaking roofs and broken boilers to pest infestations and black mould, these issues are not just the landlord’s responsibility—they are breaches of your legal rights.
If you’re living in substandard conditions, the Housing Disrepair Team can help you take action. With a no-win, no-fee policy and a deep understanding of tenants’ rights, their team ensures your home is repaired and you are compensated for the discomfort and damage caused.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to damage or deterioration in a rented property that hasn’t been fixed in a reasonable time after the tenant reports it. These issues can range from minor faults to major structural or health hazards.
Examples of housing disrepair include:
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Persistent damp and mould
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Leaks from pipes, ceilings, or roofing
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Faulty or broken heating systems
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Infestations such as rats, mice, or cockroaches
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Dangerous electrics or gas installations
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Cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors
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Broken locks, doors, or windows
If your landlord fails to address these problems despite being notified, you have a right to claim.
Who Is Responsible?
Whether you rent from a private landlord, housing association, or the local council, they are legally required to keep your home in a safe and liveable condition. This includes:
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Repairing the structure and exterior of the building
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Maintaining water, gas, electricity, and sanitation systems
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Ensuring the property is free from hazards and fit to live in
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Responding to repair requests within a reasonable timeframe
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 outline these responsibilities clearly.
Why This Matters to You
Living in a property with serious disrepair can have lasting impacts:
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Health risks, such as respiratory problems, infections, or allergic reactions
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Mental health effects, including anxiety, stress, and depression
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Financial losses due to damaged belongings or increased heating bills
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Safety hazards, such as electrical fires, structural collapse, or gas leaks
You don’t have to put up with these risks. UK law protects tenants, and legal action can hold negligent landlords accountable.
What Can You Claim For?
If your landlord has failed to fix reported issues, you can claim for:
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Repairs to the property at no cost to you
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Compensation for inconvenience, discomfort, and suffering
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Damaged belongings, such as clothes, electronics, or furniture
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Medical expenses linked to the disrepair
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Loss of enjoyment of your home
Compensation depends on how long the problem has persisted and the severity of the impact. Tenants have received awards ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 or more.
Steps to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim
Here’s what you need to do if you’re dealing with unresolved housing issues:
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Report the Problem
Write to your landlord or housing provider. Keep records of your complaints. -
Wait Reasonably
Give them a reasonable time to respond. Urgent issues (like no heating in winter) should be fixed quickly. -
Document Everything
Take photographs, keep email trails, record doctor visits, and save receipts for damages. -
Seek Legal Help
Contact the Housing Disrepair Team. They’ll assess your case for free and handle your claim if it qualifies.
Common Myths Debunked
“It’s too expensive to claim.”
False. Most legal firms operate on a no-win, no-fee basis. You won’t pay unless you win compensation.
“I’ll get evicted if I complain.”
Wrong. Retaliatory eviction is illegal in the UK. You are protected by law when making a valid disrepair claim.
“My landlord says it’s my fault.”
They must prove that. If you’ve used the property responsibly, the landlord is likely still liable.
Real Case Example: Tenant in Sheffield
One tenant in Sheffield lived with mould and a leaking ceiling for over 18 months. She reported it repeatedly, but her housing association ignored her. After contacting the Housing Disrepair Team, she received over £5,400 in compensation, and full repairs were completed within six weeks.
Why Choose the Housing Disrepair Team?
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Specialised experts in tenant rights and disrepair law
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No upfront costs and no-win, no-fee guarantee
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Free case assessments
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Fast turnaround time
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Nationwide support in England and Wales
They’ll manage the entire process, from initial contact to compensation payout, ensuring you never have to face your landlord alone.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Most housing disrepair claims take between 3 to 6 months to resolve. Urgent cases may be fast-tracked, especially when health or safety is at risk.
Delays in repair can increase your compensation, especially when landlords ignore repeated complaints.
Tips for a Successful Claim
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Act quickly – the sooner you report the issue, the better
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Be thorough with evidence – include dates, photos, and descriptions
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Keep all communication records – emails, texts, letters
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Follow up consistently – don’t allow landlords to ignore your concerns
Final Thoughts
Living in a home that is unsafe or unhealthy is not something any tenant should endure. Whether you’re dealing with black mould, water leaks, or broken heating, you are legally protected—and there’s help available.
The Housing Disrepair Team can help you assert your rights, secure essential repairs, and obtain compensation. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse—reach out today and take the first step toward justice and better living conditions.
