Living in poor housing conditions is more than just an inconvenience—it’s a threat to your well-being. From damp and mould to broken heating systems and structural damage, these issues can negatively impact both physical and mental health. Unfortunately, thousands of tenants across the UK suffer in silence, unaware that they are entitled to live in safe, habitable homes.
The Housing Disrepair Team exists to help tenants hold landlords accountable. We support residents of council and housing association properties who are living with unresolved housing issues. If your landlord has failed to carry out necessary repairs despite being notified, our team can help you take legal action and claim compensation.
Understanding What Counts as Housing Disrepair
Housing disrepair refers to any part of your rented home that is in poor condition and is the landlord’s responsibility to fix. These issues might seem manageable at first but can escalate quickly if not addressed.
Some of the most common examples of disrepair include:
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Damp and mould growth
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Persistent water leaks
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Pest infestations (rats, mice, cockroaches)
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Broken windows or doors
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Unsafe staircases or flooring
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Faulty heating or plumbing systems
Under UK law, landlords must maintain the property to a reasonable standard and ensure that it is safe to live in.
How Housing Disrepair Affects Your Health
Living with housing disrepair is not just uncomfortable—it can seriously impact your health. Damp and mould are known to aggravate respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. Leaking pipes can create slip hazards. Lack of heating can be dangerous during winter, especially for vulnerable people like children or the elderly.
Moreover, long-term exposure to pests and unhygienic conditions can lead to infections and mental health issues like stress and anxiety. These problems are valid grounds for claiming compensation from your landlord.
Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
If you live in social housing, you have legal rights that protect you from negligence by your landlord. These rights are covered by various housing laws, including the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
You have the right to:
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A home that is structurally sound and free from hazards
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Timely repairs for issues reported to the landlord
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Protection from retaliation, such as eviction, for making a complaint
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Financial compensation if your health or belongings have been affected
You must inform your landlord of any issues in writing and allow them reasonable time to respond before you can pursue legal action.
When Can You Make a Disrepair Claim?
If your landlord has failed to act after you've reported the issues, and you've given them a fair chance to resolve them, you may be eligible to make a claim.
To qualify for a claim, you should:
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Live in a council or housing association property
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Have reported the issue at least once to your landlord
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Be affected by the disrepair either physically, emotionally, or financially
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Have photographic or written evidence of the problem
The more thorough your documentation, the stronger your case will be.
What Can You Claim For?
A successful housing disrepair claim can get you two things:
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Mandatory Repairs: The landlord is legally required to fix the disrepair.
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Financial Compensation: You may be entitled to compensation for:
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Pain or illness caused by the disrepair
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Damage to personal belongings (e.g., furniture, clothing)
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Loss of enjoyment or use of your home
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Additional expenses (e.g., medical bills or relocation costs)
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How the Housing Disrepair Team Can Help
At the Housing Disrepair Team, we guide you through every step of the legal process. Our service is tailored to help tenants take action confidently and quickly.
Here’s how we work:
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Free Initial Consultation: We assess your case and let you know if you qualify.
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Evidence Collection: We help you compile strong evidence, including property surveys.
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Legal Action: Our expert solicitors handle all communication with your landlord.
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Resolution: We aim to get you compensation and ensure repairs are completed.
All of our services are provided on a No Win, No Fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless your case is successful.
Case Study Examples
Real tenants across the UK have won housing disrepair cases with our help:
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A family in Birmingham received £3,700 in compensation for two years of living with a leaking roof and damp conditions.
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An elderly tenant in London was awarded £2,500 after enduring winters without heating.
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A single parent in Manchester successfully claimed over £4,000 for prolonged exposure to mould that caused respiratory issues in her children.
Your case could be next—provided you take that first step to seek support.
Tips for Strengthening Your Case
To build a strong housing disrepair claim, follow these tips:
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Take photographs of the damage with timestamps.
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Keep records of all communications with your landlord.
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Get medical reports if your health has been affected.
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List all damaged belongings with receipts or estimates of value.
The more documentation you provide, the easier it will be to prove your case.
Don’t Wait—Act Now
You have up to six years to make a housing disrepair claim, but the sooner you act, the better. If your health is at risk, or your property is becoming uninhabitable, legal action is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?
Choosing the right legal support is crucial. At the Housing Disrepair Team, we:
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Specialise exclusively in housing disrepair
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Offer no-obligation consultations
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Operate on a No Win, No Fee basis
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Serve tenants across the UK
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Are committed to fast, fair outcomes
Our goal is to empower tenants to take control of their living conditions and hold negligent landlords accountable.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves a safe and healthy place to live. If your home is in a state of disrepair and your landlord is ignoring the problem, don’t wait for things to get worse. Take action today to protect your health, your rights, and your future.
Reach out to the Housing Disrepair Team for expert support and free advice. You don’t have to face this alone—let us help you get the justice you deserve.