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Living with housing problems your landlord won't fix?

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WHY CHOOSE US

Housing disrepair claims made simple

Living in poor housing conditions affects your health, wellbeing and finances. We make sure landlords fix problems and compensate you fairly.

Repairs Forced, Not Promised

We don't just ask nicely. We use legal powers to force landlords to make essential repairs.

Get Compensation

Get compensation for living in poor conditions, health impacts, and damaged belongings.

No Win, No Fee Promise

Zero upfront costs. We only get paid when you get results and compensation.

Specialist Housing Team

Dedicated solicitors who understand landlord-tenant law and housing regulations inside out.

Complete Documentation

We handle all paperwork, evidence gathering, and legal proceedings for you.

Fast Action

Urgent cases can be escalated immediately. Don't wait months for your landlord to act.

BY THE NUMBERS

The UK housing crisis

Millions of tenants are living in substandard conditions. The statistics reveal the scale of the problem

23%
UK Homes
Affected by damp and mould issues (6.5M households)
16K+
Complaints Received
About damp/mould to Housing Ombudsman (2019-2024)
£4.9M
Compensation Ordered
By Housing Ombudsman in 2023-24 (4x increase)
71%
Maladministration
Found in complaints investigated (2024-25)

Don't accept living in poor conditions any longer

Ready to get your home fixed and claim compensation?

Don't suffer in silence any longer. Your landlord has legal duties to keep your home in good repair. Let us enforce those duties and get you the compensation you deserve.

Call 0151 515 6880
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Housing Disrepair Claims - Your Questions Answered

Get expert answers to the most common questions about making a housing disrepair claim in the UK

What is my landlord responsible for repairing?

Under UK law, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining and repairing:

  • Structure & exterior: Roof, walls, windows, doors, foundations
  • Heating & water systems: Boilers, radiators, pipes, water tanks
  • Gas & electrical systems: Wiring, gas pipes, sockets, safety systems
  • Sanitation: Toilets, baths, sinks, drainage systems
  • Safety features: Fire doors, smoke alarms, ventilation

These responsibilities apply to all tenancies regardless of what your tenancy agreement says, as they are implied by law under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.

Is damp and mould my landlord's responsibility?

Yes, in most cases your landlord is responsible for damp and mould problems caused by:

  • Penetrating damp: Leaking roofs, broken gutters, damaged walls
  • Rising damp: Failed or missing damp-proof course
  • Structural issues: Poor ventilation, inadequate insulation
  • Faulty systems: Broken heating, ventilation, or plumbing

Even if condensation contributes to the problem, your landlord must investigate and address underlying structural causes. They cannot simply blame it on your "lifestyle."

Health impact: Damp and mould can cause serious health problems, especially for children, elderly people, and those with asthma or allergies.

How do I report housing disrepair to my landlord?

You must give your landlord formal notice of the disrepair problems:

  • Report in writing: Email or letter provides the best evidence
  • Take photographs: Document all problems with dated photos
  • Keep records: Save all communications and responses
  • Allow reasonable time: Generally 21 days for non-urgent repairs
  • Emergency repairs: Should be attended to immediately

Important: You must allow reasonable access for your landlord to inspect and carry out repairs. Your landlord is only legally responsible once they have been notified of the problems.

How long do I have to make a housing disrepair claim?

Time limits for housing disrepair claims depend on the type of claim:

  • Disrepair compensation: 6 years from when you first reported the problem
  • Personal injury claims: 3 years from the injury or date of knowledge
  • Rent reduction claims: 6 years from when the disrepair occurred

Don't delay: While you have time legally, it's better to act quickly while:

  • Evidence is fresh and available
  • Witnesses can remember details clearly
  • The problems can be resolved faster
  • Further damage can be prevented

What compensation can I claim for housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair compensation can include several types of damages:

  • General damages: Pain, suffering, and inconvenience caused
  • Rent reduction: Percentage of rent for period property was substandard
  • Damaged possessions: Furniture, clothes, electronics damaged by disrepair
  • Alternative accommodation: Hotel or temporary housing costs
  • Personal injury: If disrepair caused physical harm or illness
  • Additional expenses: Heating costs, cleaning, medical expenses

Compensation amounts vary based on:

  • Severity and duration of the problems
  • Impact on your daily life and health
  • Amount of rent you pay
  • Extent of damage to belongings

Will my landlord try to evict me if I make a claim?

UK law provides protection against "retaliatory eviction":

  • Section 21 notices are invalid for 6 months after you complain about disrepair
  • Local authority enforcement action can also invalidate Section 21 notices
  • Housing and Planning Act 2016 strengthened tenant protection

Your rights are protected when you:

  • Make legitimate complaints about disrepair
  • Request necessary repairs from your landlord
  • Contact the local authority about housing conditions
  • Seek legal advice about housing problems

Important: Continue paying rent as normal. Withholding rent can give your landlord grounds for possession proceedings.

What evidence do I need for a housing disrepair claim?

Strong evidence is crucial for a successful claim. Gather:

  • Photographs: Dated photos showing all problems and their progression
  • Communication records: Emails, letters, texts reporting problems
  • Tenancy agreement: Copy of your tenancy documents
  • Medical evidence: GP notes about health issues caused by disrepair
  • Receipts: Damaged possessions, alternative accommodation, extra costs
  • Witness statements: From family, friends, or neighbours who've seen problems
  • Expert reports: Surveyor reports on structural issues (if available)

Professional help: We can arrange expert surveys and medical assessments to strengthen your case and provide the evidence needed for maximum compensation.

What happens if I can't stay in my home during repairs?

If your home becomes uninhabitable due to disrepair, you have several options:

  • Alternative accommodation: Your landlord should provide suitable temporary housing
  • Hotel costs: If no temporary housing available, landlord may pay hotel bills
  • Staying with family/friends: You can claim reasonable expenses
  • Storage costs: If you need to remove possessions during major works

Emergency situations:

  • Contact your local authority housing department
  • You may be considered "unintentionally homeless"
  • Council has duty to provide emergency accommodation
  • Keep all receipts for additional costs incurred

All reasonable costs should be recoverable from your landlord as part of your compensation claim.

Ready to claim compensation for housing disrepair?

Our experienced housing disrepair solicitors are here to fight for your rights and get your home fixed while securing the compensation you deserve.

Call us now: 0151 515 6880