Every tenant in the UK has the legal right to live in a home that is safe, secure, and in good repair. But for far too many renters, the reality is very different. Damp and mould, broken heating, pest infestations, unsafe wiring, and other issues can make life miserable — and even dangerous.
The good news is that you are not powerless. If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs, you can make a housing disrepair claim and potentially receive a housing disrepair compensation claim payout.
This guide will explain your legal rights, the exact steps to make a claim, what compensation you could receive, and how Housing Disrepair Claims — the UK’s housing disrepair experts — can help you secure the best possible outcome.
What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any situation where a rented home falls below acceptable living standards due to poor maintenance or neglect by the landlord. This includes:
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Structural issues — cracked walls, leaking roofs, broken windows and doors.
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Health hazards — damp, mould, asbestos, pest infestations.
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Essential service failures — no heating, broken boilers, faulty plumbing.
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Safety issues — unsafe wiring, broken locks, damaged staircases.
If the problem is something the landlord is legally responsible for and they fail to fix it within a reasonable timeframe after you’ve reported it, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim.
Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
UK law is clear: landlords must keep the property safe and in good repair. The law covering this includes:
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Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 — requires landlords to maintain the structure and exterior of the property and ensure heating, hot water, gas, and electrics are safe.
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Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 — gives tenants the right to live in a property free from hazards that could cause harm.
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Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) — assesses risks like damp, mould, electrical hazards, and structural instability.
If your landlord fails to uphold these duties, you can contact housing disrepair solicitors to start a compensation claim for housing disrepair.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Housing disrepair doesn’t just make your home uncomfortable — it can harm your health, damage your belongings, and cost you money.
For example:
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Damp and mould can trigger asthma and other respiratory illnesses.
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Faulty electrics can cause fires or serious injuries.
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Broken heating can leave you without warmth in winter, increasing the risk of illness.
The sooner you take action, the sooner you can get repairs done — and the more likely you are to win your claim.
Step-by-Step: How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim
1. Report the Problem in Writing
Always notify your landlord or housing association in writing (email is fine) and keep copies. Verbal reports are easy for landlords to deny, so written proof is essential.
2. Allow a Reasonable Timeframe for Repairs
Your landlord should act within a reasonable period — usually 14 to 28 days for non-urgent repairs and sooner for emergencies.
3. Gather Evidence
Take dated photos and videos, keep copies of all communication, and record any expenses or health issues caused by the disrepair.
4. Seek Professional Advice
Contact Housing Disrepair Claims for a free case review. We’ll connect you with the best housing disrepair solicitors who specialise in getting results for tenants.
5. Start the Claim Process
Your solicitor will:
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Arrange an independent survey of the property.
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Notify your landlord formally about the claim.
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Negotiate for repairs and financial compensation.
6. Receive Your Compensation
If successful, you’ll receive your housing disrepair compensation and your landlord will be legally required to carry out the repairs.
What Compensation Can You Get?
The amount of your housing disrepair compensation claim depends on:
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The severity of the disrepair.
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How long it has been unresolved.
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The impact on your health and daily life.
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The cost of replacing damaged belongings.
Compensation can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.
Common Landlord Excuses — and Why They Don’t Work
Landlords sometimes try to avoid responsibility by claiming:
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The damage was caused by the tenant.
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The problem isn’t serious enough.
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They never received the repair request.
At Housing Disrepair Claims, our housing disrepair experts know exactly how to counter these excuses. We use evidence, legal standards, and professional reports to make sure your case is taken seriously.
Why Use Housing Disrepair Claims?
When you choose Housing Disrepair Claims, you’re getting more than just legal advice — you’re getting a full claim management service from start to finish.
We provide:
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Free case assessments to check your eligibility.
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No win, no fee agreements so there’s no financial risk.
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Access to the best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK.
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Professional evidence gathering and case preparation.
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Ongoing updates so you’re never left in the dark.
Our mission is simple: get repairs done quickly and secure the maximum compensation possible for every tenant we represent.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
You have:
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Six years from the date the disrepair occurred (or you first noticed it) to make a housing disrepair claim.
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Three years for personal injury claims linked to the disrepair.
Even if the issue started years ago, you may still be able to claim — so it’s always worth contacting Housing Disrepair Claims for advice.
How to Strengthen Your Claim
Your claim will be stronger if you:
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Keep all written correspondence with your landlord.
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Log every attempt you’ve made to get repairs done.
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Gather witness statements from neighbours or visitors.
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Seek medical attention if your health has been affected.
Our housing disrepair solicitors will use this evidence to prove your landlord’s negligence and maximise your compensation claim for housing disrepair.
The Bottom Line: You Have the Right to a Safe Home
You shouldn’t have to live with damp walls, unsafe wiring, pest infestations, or broken heating. Landlords have a legal obligation to fix these problems — and if they don’t, you have the right to take action.
Housing Disrepair Claims is here to make that process as simple, stress-free, and successful as possible.
📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Claims today for your free housing disrepair claim assessment and start your journey to a safer, healthier home — with the compensation you deserve.