Every tenant in the UK has the right to live in a safe, well-maintained property. Yet thousands of renters face issues like damp, mould, leaks, broken heating, unsafe wiring, or structural damage each year. These problems, collectively known as housing disrepair, don’t just cause inconvenience—they can threaten your health, damage your belongings, and make your home uninhabitable.
If your landlord refuses to fix these issues after you report them, you could be entitled to repairs, compensation, and a rent refund. In this guide, we’ll explain what housing disrepair is, your rights as a tenant, the claims process, and how to maximise your compensation.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair is any damage, defect, or hazard in a rented property that a landlord is legally responsible for repairing. These problems often involve the property’s:
- Structure and exterior (walls, roofs, windows, doors)
- Plumbing, drains, and sanitation systems
- Heating and hot water systems
- Gas and electrical installations
- Fire safety measures (alarms, fire doors, escape routes)
If these systems fail or the property becomes unsafe, and the landlord doesn’t take action after being notified, tenants can pursue a housing disrepair claim.
Why Housing Disrepair Is a Serious Issue
Housing disrepair isn’t just a nuisance. It can:
- Cause health problems, such as respiratory illnesses from damp or cold homes.
- Lead to property damage, like ruined furniture or clothes due to leaks or mould.
- Increase your living costs, such as energy bills from draughts and heating issues.
- Make your home legally unfit to live in, violating UK housing standards.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must keep their properties in good repair. Ignoring these responsibilities can entitle tenants to compensation.
Common Types of Housing Disrepair
Here are the most frequent problems tenants face in the UK:
1. Damp and Mould
Often caused by leaks, poor ventilation, or structural issues, damp and mould can damage property and lead to serious health risks like asthma or allergies.
2. Broken Heating or Hot Water
Being left without heat or hot water, particularly in winter, is not only uncomfortable but unlawful. Landlords must repair these systems promptly.
3. Leaks and Water Damage
Leaking roofs, pipes, or windows can cause structural deterioration and health hazards due to damp conditions.
4. Unsafe Electrics
Faulty wiring, broken sockets, or outdated systems present fire and electrocution risks.
5. Gas Leaks or Faulty Boilers
Landlords must conduct annual gas safety checks and repair any issues immediately.
6. Blocked Drains or Sewage Issues
Unresolved drainage problems make a home unsanitary and could justify temporary relocation or rent refunds.
7. Structural Damage
Cracks, unstable walls, or subsidence can render a property unsafe.
8. Infestations
Pests entering through building defects are the landlord’s responsibility to address.
9. Fire Safety Failures
Missing smoke alarms, broken fire doors, or blocked escape routes breach housing laws.
10. General Disrepair
From rotten window frames to broken locks, landlords must keep the home secure and habitable.
Your Rights as a Tenant
In the UK, you’re legally entitled to:
- Repairs to essential systems and structure within a reasonable time after reporting.
- Safe living conditions free from serious hazards like mould, leaks, or faulty wiring.
- Compensation if your landlord’s negligence causes distress, health problems, or financial losses.
Importantly, you cannot be legally evicted for reporting repairs or making a legitimate claim. Retaliatory eviction is illegal under the Deregulation Act 2015.
How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim
If your landlord is ignoring your repair requests, here’s how to proceed:
Step 1: Notify Your Landlord in Writing
- Report the problem clearly and keep a copy of your letter or email.
- Allow a reasonable timeframe (usually 14–28 days) for a response, depending on the severity.
Step 2: Gather Evidence
- Take photos and videos of all damage (with dates).
- Keep receipts for any damaged belongings or extra costs (like higher heating bills).
- Obtain medical evidence if your health has been affected by the conditions.
Step 3: Contact a Specialist Solicitor
- Housing disrepair solicitors offer free assessments and work on a No Win, No Fee basis, so you only pay if you win.
- They can arrange a survey of your property by an independent expert to support your case.
Step 4: Pursue Compensation
Your solicitor will negotiate with your landlord or their insurer. If needed, they can take your case to court to secure:
- Rent refunds (25–100% of your rent for the affected period).
- Reimbursement for damaged possessions.
- Compensation for stress, inconvenience, and health impacts.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount depends on:
- The severity and duration of the disrepair.
- The portion of your home affected (for example, a single room versus the entire property).
- Any financial losses or health issues you’ve suffered.
On average, tenants receive 25%–50% of their annual rent back in compensation, but severe cases can result in much higher payouts.
Why You Should Act Quickly
Delaying action can lead to:
- Worsening property damage and higher repair costs.
- Increased health risks from mould, cold, or unsafe conditions.
- Difficulty proving your case as evidence degrades over time.
The sooner you report the issue and seek legal advice, the stronger your case will be.
Can the Council Help?
Yes, you can contact your local council’s Environmental Health team, who can inspect the property and issue enforcement notices. However, councils cannot help you recover compensation—that requires legal action with a solicitor.
Why Work with a Specialist Solicitor?
Housing disrepair solicitors:
- Ensure your repairs are completed quickly.
- Help you recover maximum compensation.
- Handle all legal procedures and protect you from landlord retaliation.
- Charge nothing upfront, as most operate on No Win, No Fee agreements.
Take Action Today
Living in a home plagued by damp, leaks, faulty heating, or unsafe conditions isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s illegal. You don’t have to accept it. Gather your evidence, know your rights, and get the help you need. Contact Us Housing Disrepair to secure repairs, claim compensation, and make your home safe again.
