For many renters in the UK, poor living conditions and unaddressed property issues are a daily struggle. Housing disrepair is not just an inconvenience—it can pose serious risks to your health, safety, and wellbeing. From chronic damp and mould to broken heating systems and pest infestations, these conditions are unacceptable and prevent tenants from living comfortably.
That’s where the Housing Disrepair Team steps in. If you live in a council or housing association property and your landlord has ignored repair requests, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced team ensures tenants know their rights and helps them get the justice and repairs they deserve.
What Qualifies as Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to a situation where a property has fallen into a poor state due to the landlord’s failure to carry out timely maintenance. Common signs of disrepair include:
Damp and mould on walls or ceilings
Structural issues such as cracked walls or broken flooring
Leaking pipes, roofs, or windows
Broken or non-functional heating and hot water systems
Rodent or insect infestations
Unsafe electrical wiring
Damaged windows or external doors
Such conditions are not only a breach of your tenancy rights but can also affect your health, property, and day-to-day living.
Your Landlord’s Responsibilities
Under UK law, landlords must ensure that the property is safe, secure, and habitable. These obligations are outlined in laws such as:
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
These laws require landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the home in good repair and ensure that systems for water, gas, electricity, and sanitation are functioning properly. If your landlord fails to address problems after being notified, they may be held legally accountable.
Common Housing Disrepair Issues
1. Damp and Mould
One of the most prevalent issues, damp and mould can result from poor ventilation, water leaks, or insulation problems. Mould exposure can lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and skin conditions.
2. Water Leaks and Damage
Unattended leaks from pipes, roofs, or windows can lead to structural damage and ruined belongings.
3. Broken Heating Systems
Lack of heating during cold months is a serious concern and can endanger children, the elderly, and those with health conditions.
4. Pest Infestations
Rats, mice, and insects carry disease and often point to underlying structural issues.
5. Electrical Faults
Outdated or faulty wiring is a fire hazard and must be addressed immediately.
What Should Tenants Do?
If you are experiencing any of these issues, here’s what you should do:
Report the Problem
Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter) and describe the problem in detail. Include dates and photo evidence if possible.
Keep a Record
Document every communication and take photos regularly to show ongoing damage or neglect.
Give Reasonable Time for Repairs
Landlords typically have up to 21 days to address non-urgent issues. Urgent problems, like a broken boiler in winter, should be fixed within 24–48 hours.
Seek Legal Help
If your landlord does not act, contact the Housing Disrepair Team to begin legal proceedings and claim compensation.
Are You Eligible to Make a Claim?
You may be eligible for a housing disrepair claim if:
You live in council or housing association accommodation
You have notified your landlord about issues, and they have not fixed them
The disrepair has caused harm to your health or belongings
You’ve been living in poor conditions for a prolonged period
Tenants do not need to move out of their homes to make a claim and can continue living there while repairs are arranged.
What Can You Claim For?
If your claim is successful, you could be awarded compensation for:
Inconvenience and Distress: Living with the discomfort caused by disrepair
Damage to Property: Costs for replacing furniture, clothing, or electronics
Health Impacts: Medical treatment or prescriptions for health conditions caused or worsened by disrepair
Higher Living Costs: Increased energy bills due to inadequate insulation or heating systems
How the Housing Disrepair Team Helps
At Housing Disrepair Team, we handle everything from start to finish:
Free Case Assessment: We'll assess the strength of your claim at no cost
Survey and Inspection: A qualified surveyor visits your home to document the issues
Legal Representation: Our experts file the claim and handle communications with your landlord
No Win, No Fee: You only pay if your case is successful, meaning no financial risk
We’ve helped hundreds of tenants get the repairs they need and the compensation they deserve.
Real-Life Examples
A family in Manchester endured two years of ceiling leaks that destroyed their belongings. After contacting our team, they received £4,500 in compensation and all repairs were completed within 30 days.
A tenant in Birmingham with mould-related asthma symptoms was awarded £6,000 after repeated complaints to their housing association were ignored.
These are just two examples of the life-changing support we provide to tenants across the country.
Take Action Today
Don’t wait until the damage gets worse. If you’re living in a council or housing association property and facing unaddressed repair issues, you have the right to take legal action.
Visit Housing Disrepair Team today for a free consultation. Our dedicated legal team will guide you through every step of the process and fight to get the justice you deserve.
