Every tenant deserves a safe, comfortable, and habitable home. But for many renters across the UK, poor living conditions caused by damp, mould, leaks, broken heating systems, and structural damage are a daily reality. If your landlord fails to fix these issues, it's more than just an inconvenience — it's a legal matter. This is where the concept of housing disrepair comes in.
Understanding what qualifies as housing disrepair and your legal rights is crucial. You may even be eligible for housing disrepair compensation if your landlord refuses to carry out necessary repairs. In this guide, we’ll explain what counts as housing disrepair, your landlord’s obligations, and how to take action if your rights are being ignored.
What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to damage or poor conditions in a rented property that your landlord is legally responsible for fixing. These issues affect your health, safety, or overall well-being and may make your home unfit to live in. Common types of housing disrepair include:
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Damp and mould
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Pest infestations
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Leaks and water damage
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Broken boilers or heating systems
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Faulty windows and doors
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Unsafe electrical wiring
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Structural problems (e.g. cracked walls, roof damage)
If your property has any of these issues and your landlord isn’t responding or fixing them within a reasonable time, you may have the right to claim compensation.
Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are required to:
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Keep the structure and exterior of the home in good repair
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Maintain essential services (e.g. gas, water, electricity, heating)
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Ensure the property is free from hazards
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Repair any damage reported by the tenant in a timely manner
These obligations apply regardless of whether the property is privately rented, social housing, or a housing association home.
If your landlord fails to address disrepair after you've reported it, they are in breach of their legal responsibilities — and you have the right to take legal action and potentially claim housing disrepair compensation.
Signs That Your Home May Be in Disrepair
Many tenants live with housing issues without knowing their landlord is obligated to fix them. Some key signs that your rental property may be in disrepair include:
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Persistent damp or mould on walls, ceilings, or windows
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Unexplained cold spots, despite having heating
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Cracks in walls or ceilings that worsen over time
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Leaks, water stains, or rotting wood
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Non-functional plumbing, taps, or toilets
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Broken windows, doors, or locks
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Rodents, cockroaches, or other infestations
If you’ve reported these issues and your landlord continues to delay repairs or ignore you, it may be time to take the next step.
What Can You Do as a Tenant?
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Report the Issue in Writing
Inform your landlord or letting agent of the problem, preferably via email. Keep copies of all communication and take photographs or videos of the damage. -
Give Reasonable Time to Respond
For urgent issues (like no heating in winter), your landlord should act within 24–72 hours. For less urgent matters, 7–14 days is usually considered reasonable. -
Contact Your Local Authority
If your landlord refuses to act, report the issue to your local council’s Environmental Health team. They can inspect the property and issue enforcement notices. -
Make a Legal Claim
If the problem persists, you may be eligible for housing disrepair compensation. A legal claim can force your landlord to carry out the necessary repairs and compensate you for the suffering, inconvenience, and financial losses you’ve endured.
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
Tenants who experience prolonged housing disrepair may be able to claim for:
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Physical discomfort caused by poor living conditions
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Emotional distress and mental health impacts
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Damage to personal belongings (e.g., furniture, clothing, electronics)
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Medical costs or lost income (if health was affected)
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Time spent in unsuitable accommodation
The amount of housing disrepair compensation awarded depends on the severity of the disrepair, the length of time it has been unresolved, and its impact on your life.
Don’t Be Afraid to Take Legal Action
Many tenants fear making a claim, worrying that their landlord will evict them or retaliate. However, the law protects tenants from what’s known as “revenge eviction.” Your landlord cannot legally evict you just for asserting your right to a safe home or for making a valid complaint.
Legal support is often available on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you won’t need to pay anything unless your claim is successful.
How HousingDisrepair.uk Can Help
At HousingDisrepair.uk, we specialise in helping tenants across England and Wales enforce their rights. If your landlord is ignoring repairs, our expert legal team can:
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Assess your eligibility for a compensation claim
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Guide you through the claims process step-by-step
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Ensure your landlord completes the required repairs
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Help you receive the compensation you deserve
We believe every tenant has the right to a decent home — and we’re here to make sure you don’t have to fight for that right alone.
Final Thoughts
Living in disrepair can be stressful, harmful to your health, and financially draining. But you don’t have to accept it. Your landlord has legal responsibilities, and if they fail to meet them, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation.
Don't let ongoing disrepair issues continue to affect your health and quality of life. If your landlord isn’t responding, it’s time to take action. Reach out to the Housing Disrepair Team today — we’ll help you understand your rights and support you through the claims process.