In the UK, millions of tenants live in council or housing association properties, expecting a basic standard of living—clean, safe, and properly maintained. Unfortunately, that expectation is not always met. Housing disrepair is a widespread issue affecting people’s health, safety, and well-being. Whether it’s damp and mould, a leaking roof, or a faulty heating system, these problems can make life unbearable.
That’s why the Housing Disrepair Team is here to help. We support tenants across the UK by holding landlords accountable and ensuring they carry out necessary repairs. If you’ve been ignored or neglected, you may be entitled to legal compensation and we’re ready to fight for your rights.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to problems in a rental property that make it unsafe or unsuitable to live in due to the landlord’s failure to maintain it. Common disrepair issues include:
Damp and mould
Pest infestations (e.g., rats, mice, cockroaches)
Leaking pipes or roofs
Damaged walls or ceilings
Broken or unsafe doors and windows
Faulty gas, electric, or plumbing systems
Non-working heating and hot water systems
These issues can cause physical harm, emotional stress, and financial loss to tenants.
Landlord Responsibilities Under UK Law
Landlords, whether council, housing association, or private, have a legal duty to maintain and repair the structure and services in your home. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, they must:
Keep the exterior and structure of the property in good repair
Maintain heating and hot water systems
Ensure gas and electrical systems are safe and functional
Fix damp, mould, and infestation problems
Complete repairs in a reasonable amount of time
If your landlord has failed to respond to your complaints or make timely repairs, they may be violating the law.
Recognising Signs of Disrepair
Sometimes, disrepair is obvious. Other times, the signs are subtle. Common indicators include:
Peeling paint or black spots on walls (signs of damp)
Bad smells caused by mould or leaks
Rodent droppings or scratch marks
Cold rooms despite working heaters
Watermarks or bulging patches on ceilings
Flickering lights or frequent fuse trips
Document any damage with photos, note when the issue began, and keep a record of all communication with your landlord.
Steps to Take If Your Landlord Is Ignoring You
If your landlord fails to respond or refuses to carry out repairs:
Send a written complaint: Email or write to your landlord describing the problems and include photos.
Allow a reasonable time for repairs: Urgent issues should be addressed within 24-48 hours, while others may take a few weeks.
Contact the Housing Disrepair Team: We can take legal action on your behalf and help you claim compensation.
Never try to fix serious issues yourself, especially if they involve electrics, gas, or structural integrity.
Who Is Eligible to Claim?
You may be eligible for a housing disrepair claim if:
You live in council or housing association accommodation
Your landlord has failed to make repairs after being notified
The disrepair has affected your health or damaged your property
The issues have caused stress, discomfort, or financial loss
Even if you’re unsure, contact us for a free assessment.
Why Choose the Housing Disrepair Team?
At the Housing Disrepair Team, we’re passionate about justice for tenants. We offer:
Free case evaluation
No-win, no-fee representation
Property inspections by qualified professionals
Support throughout the legal process
Fast and fair compensation claims
We’ve helped hundreds of tenants across the UK reclaim their rights—and we can help you too.
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
If you live in disrepair, you may be entitled to:
General damages: For inconvenience, stress, and health issues
Special damages: For damaged belongings, increased bills, or relocation costs
Repairs: Court-ordered fixes if your landlord refuses to act
Compensation varies depending on how long the issue persisted and how seriously it affected your quality of life.
Common Cases We Handle
Here are some of the most frequent disrepair cases we assist with:
Damp and Mould: Often caused by leaks, poor ventilation, or structural defects. Can trigger asthma or respiratory issues.
Leaks and Water Damage: From burst pipes, faulty plumbing, or leaky roofs. These can lead to mould, wall collapse, and ruined furniture.
Heating Problems: Non-working boilers or broken radiators, especially dangerous during winter.
Pest Infestations: Rodents and insects create unsanitary conditions that can cause illness.
Electrical Faults: Unsafe wiring or broken fixtures are a serious fire and shock risk.
How Our Claims Process Works
We make the process easy and stress-free:
Free Consultation: Tell us about your situation.
Case Review: We assess the strength of your claim.
Inspection: A qualified surveyor evaluates your home.
Legal Action: We file a claim and negotiate with your landlord.
Compensation & Repairs: You receive damages and court-ordered repairs.
All at no upfront cost to you.
Don’t Suffer in Silence – Act Now
You deserve to live in a safe, well-maintained home. If your landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs, it’s time to act. Whether it’s mould making your children sick or a lack of heating in the winter, help is just a phone call or click away.
Visit the Housing Disrepair Team today for a free case review. We’ll fight to get you the repairs and compensation you deserve.
