Across the UK, thousands of tenants are living in homes that are not fit for purpose. While every property will experience some wear and tear over time, landlords have a legal duty to maintain their properties and fix problems that pose a risk to health, safety, or comfort. When they fail to meet these responsibilities, tenants may be entitled to file a housing disrepair claim and pursue a compensation claim for housing disrepair.
As leading housing disrepair experts, Housing Disrepair Team has seen it all. In this article, we break down the top 10 most common housing disrepair issues in rented properties and explain what you can do if you’re affected.
1. Damp and Mould
Damp and mould are by far the most reported issues in social and private rented homes. Black mould on walls, ceilings, and around windows is not only unsightly—it’s dangerous. It can cause asthma, skin rashes, and other serious health problems.
If you’ve reported mould to your landlord and they’ve done nothing, you’re well within your rights to make a housing disrepair claim. Our housing disrepair solicitors can help ensure your home is treated and you are compensated.
2. Leaking Roofs and Pipes
Water leaks can damage ceilings, walls, flooring, and even electrics. Common causes include burst pipes, cracked roofing tiles, and blocked gutters. Left untreated, leaks often lead to damp and mould, worsening the disrepair.
If your landlord hasn’t fixed persistent leaks, you could be eligible for a housing disrepair compensation claim.
3. Broken Heating Systems
No one should be left without heating or hot water—especially in winter. A broken boiler or radiator system can make a home uninhabitable. Landlords are legally required to fix these issues promptly.
Our best housing disrepair solicitors frequently handle claims involving heating failures. Not only can you claim for inconvenience, but also for any illnesses caused by living in a cold home.
4. Pest Infestations
Infestations of rats, cockroaches, mice, or bedbugs are a major health hazard. While tenants may be responsible for cleanliness, landlords are responsible for fixing structural defects that allow pests in—like broken vents or gaps in doors.
If your infestation is linked to disrepair, speak to Housing Disrepair Team about your options for a housing disrepair claim.
5. Faulty Electrics
Loose wires, broken sockets, or faulty light fittings are dangerous and can lead to electric shocks or fires. Electrical systems must be properly maintained by the landlord under health and safety law.
Faulty electrics can form the basis of a strong compensation claim for housing disrepair if they’re ignored.
6. Cracked or Broken Windows and Doors
Windows and doors that don’t close properly can cause draughts, increase heating bills, and make homes less secure. This kind of housing disrepair often leaves tenants vulnerable to break-ins or further weather-related damage.
You don’t have to tolerate a landlord ignoring basic repairs. Let our housing disrepair experts step in and get your issue resolved quickly.
7. Structural Damage
Cracks in walls, ceilings, or floors can be signs of serious structural issues. If the building is unsafe or parts of the home are unusable due to disrepair, tenants may be able to claim significant compensation.
Structural neglect is one of the most serious forms of housing disrepair and should never be ignored.
8. Blocked Drains and Toilets
A blocked toilet or kitchen drain isn’t just unpleasant—it can quickly become a health issue. If the problem is due to faulty plumbing or poor maintenance, your landlord must take responsibility.
If left unresolved, tenants may suffer distress and inconvenience, making this a valid reason to make a housing disrepair claim.
9. Unsafe Flooring or Stairs
Loose tiles, warped floorboards, and unstable staircases are common disrepair complaints. These hazards pose trip and fall risks, particularly for children and the elderly.
If you’ve been injured due to a flooring issue, you may be entitled to a housing disrepair compensation claim for your injuries and suffering.
10. Poor Insulation and Draughts
Insufficient insulation results in cold, energy-inefficient homes. If your landlord hasn’t insulated your property correctly or ignored reports of draughts, this can form part of a wider housing disrepair claim, especially if it causes damp or increased heating bills.
When Can You Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?
You may be eligible to make a claim if:
- You reported the issue to your landlord, council, or housing association
- They failed to fix the problem within a reasonable timeframe
- The disrepair has affected your health, safety, or quality of life
- Your belongings were damaged or you experienced financial loss
At Housing Disrepair Team, we work with tenants across England and Wales to build strong claims and recover the maximum compensation possible.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
Every case is different, but tenants can claim for:
- Physical and emotional suffering
- Illness caused by damp or cold
- Damage to personal property
- Higher bills (e.g., due to heating issues)
- Loss of use of part of the home
With our experienced housing disrepair solicitors, some clients receive thousands of pounds in compensation while also ensuring their home gets fully repaired.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?
We’re proud to be among the UK’s leading housing disrepair experts. When you choose us, you benefit from:
✅ Specialist solicitors focused only on housing disrepair
✅ No win, no fee service – no cost unless you win
✅ Free inspection and full legal support
✅ Thousands of successful claims handled
✅ Compassionate support from experts who care
We work with the best housing disrepair solicitors in the country and fight to get justice for tenants who have been ignored or mistreated by their landlords.
Real Tenant Story
A tenant in Birmingham contacted us after suffering from mould and broken heating for over a year in a housing association flat. Her complaints were ignored until she reached out to Housing Disrepair Team.
We filed a claim, arranged an inspection, and within three months:
✅ The mould was treated and heating system replaced
✅ She received £4,800 in housing disrepair compensation
✅ Her family’s quality of life dramatically improved
