For many renters across the UK, a safe and well-maintained home is not just a preference—it’s a legal right. Yet thousands of tenants are forced to live in conditions that are unsafe, unhealthy, and downright unacceptable. From persistent damp and mould to broken heating systems and water damage, housing disrepair is a serious issue—and when landlords fail to act, it’s the tenants who suffer.
The good news? UK law is on the tenant’s side. If your landlord is ignoring your repair requests, you may be entitled to take legal action and claim compensation. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about making a housing disrepair compensation claim, including what your rights are, what qualifies as disrepair, and how to get the help you need.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any damage or fault in your rented home that your landlord is legally responsible for fixing. These issues often go beyond minor inconveniences—they can seriously affect your physical health, mental well-being, and day-to-day life.
Some of the most common disrepair issues include:
- Damp, mould, and condensation caused by poor ventilation or leaks
- Faulty or broken heating systems, especially in colder months
- Leaking roofs, ceilings, or pipes
- Cracked or unstable walls and flooring
- Unsafe electrical wiring or appliances
- Pest infestations caused by property damage or poor maintenance
If left unaddressed, these problems can create hazardous living conditions and violate your rights as a tenant.
What Are Your Landlord’s Responsibilities?
Landlords in the UK are legally required to ensure that the property they rent out is safe, structurally sound, and fit for human habitation. Their responsibilities are outlined in several key pieces of legislation, including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
By law, landlords must:
- Maintain the structure and exterior of the property
- Keep heating, plumbing, and electrical systems in proper working order
- Address hazards that could pose a risk to tenants’ health or safety
- Repair any damage they are notified of in a reasonable timeframe
If your landlord fails to carry out these duties—even after you've reported the issue—you have the right to seek legal recourse and pursue a housing disrepair compensation claim.
What Can You Claim For?
If you’re living in a property affected by disrepair, and your landlord has failed to resolve it, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The amount of compensation you can receive depends on several factors, including how long the issue has persisted and how it has affected your life.
You can typically claim for:
- General inconvenience: Loss of enjoyment of your home due to uninhabitable conditions
- Health impacts: Respiratory issues, allergies, or stress caused by mould, damp, or cold
- Financial loss: Damage to personal belongings, increased heating bills, or alternative accommodation costs
- Distress and suffering: Physical or emotional harm related to living in poor conditions
In some cases, tenants can claim up to 50% of their rent back for the period they were affected by disrepair.
Steps to Take Before Making a Claim
Before filing a legal claim, you’ll need to take some important steps to strengthen your case:
- Report the Problem to Your Landlord
- Always notify your landlord in writing and keep a copy of the correspondence. Be clear and specific about the problem.
- Give Your Landlord Time to Respond
- Landlords typically have a reasonable time—usually between 14 and 28 days—to carry out non-urgent repairs. Urgent issues, like broken heating in winter, should be addressed much sooner.
- Gather Evidence
- Take photographs or videos of the damage. Keep a diary of how long the issue has lasted and how it has affected your health or finances. Save receipts for any out-of-pocket expenses.
- Speak to the Council (if necessary)
- If your landlord refuses to act, your local council's environmental health department can inspect your home and issue an enforcement notice.
- Seek Legal Advice
- It’s strongly recommended to speak to professionals who specialise in housing disrepair cases. They can assess your situation and guide you through the claims process.
How Instant Assist Can Help
At housingdisrepairteam, we specialise in helping tenants across the UK pursue justice when landlords fail to uphold their legal responsibilities. Our experienced team can support you throughout your housing disrepair compensation claim, ensuring that both repairs are made and your compensation is secured.
Here’s how we can help:
- Assess whether you’re eligible for a claim
- Gather and organise the evidence needed to build your case
- Instruct expert surveyors to inspect your property
- Handle all correspondence and negotiations with your landlord
- Work on a no win, no fee basis—so there’s no financial risk to you
We believe no tenant should have to suffer in silence. Whether you're dealing with mould, water damage, pest problems, or faulty heating, our team is here to fight for your rights.
Don’t Wait—Start Your Claim Today
The longer you wait, the harder it may become to prove your case. If you’ve already notified your landlord and nothing has changed, don’t let the problem continue unchecked.
Don’t suffer in silence—contact Housing Disrepair Team today and get the support you deserve.