A housing disrepair claim is legal action taken by a tenant when their landlord fails to address reported repairs in a rental property. It allows tenants to seek compensation and force landlords to carry out the necessary repairs.
Housing Disrepair Claims
Claim against your landlord for Disrepair Issues
Are you living in unsafe or uninhabitable conditions due to unresolved repairs in your rental property? Have you reported these issues to your landlord, only for them to ignore or delay action? If so, you may be eligible to make a Housing Disrepair Claim for compensation and repairs.
Important Information
Fairweather Group Ltd t/a ClaimExperts.co.uk do not give legal advice. You do not need to use a claims management company to make a claim. You have the right to use the relevant Ombudsman to seek redress for free. More information on your particular Ombudsman can be found on our Terms & Conditions. You can also seek legal advice elsewhere.
The No Win No Fee Success Fee is based on which expert panel member we refer you to and is payable to them. Our panel currently consists of a number of law firms, which can also be found on our Terms & Conditions. The No Win, No Fee varies, but is generally between 25%- 50%+VAT.
There may be a termination fee if you cancel your claim with a panel member after the cooling-off period. We are paid a referral fee by our panel members for a successful introduction. Fairweather Group Ltd will not charge you for our service.
At ClaimExperts.co.uk, our panel of experienced housing solicitors specialises in helping tenants hold landlords accountable under the law. Whether you're experiencing mould, unsafe electrics, or heating issues, our panel of housing disrepair solicitors are here to assist you in pursuing the disrepair compensation you deserve.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to a property that requires essential repairs to be deemed safe and suitable for living. Landlords are legally obligated to maintain rental properties in a good state of repair under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (LTA).
If a landlord fails to address reported issues, tenants have the right to make disrepair claims to enforce repairs and seek compensation for inconvenience or damages.
Common Examples of Housing Disrepair:
- Structural issues such as broken roofs or unsafe walls.
- Damp and mould, which can cause respiratory health issues.
- Faulty electrics or gas leaks, posing significant safety hazards.
- Broken heating systems, leaving tenants without hot water or warmth.
- Infestations, including rats, mice, or other pests.
- Defective flooring or staircases, which may result in personal injuries.
If any of these issues apply to your home, you could be eligible to file a housing disrepair compensation claim. Contact our panel today for a free consultation.
What Are Housing Disrepair Claims?
A disrepair claim is legal action taken by a tenant when their landlord has failed to address reported repair issues in the property. This process can force the landlord to carry out necessary repairs and compensate the tenant for the inconvenience, discomfort, and financial losses caused by the disrepair.
What Can You Claim for in a Housing Disrepair Case?
- Property Damage
Claims for damaged belongings, such as carpets, furniture, or electronics, caused by issues like leaks or mould. - Personal Injury
Compensation for health problems caused by unsafe living conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, or anxiety. - General Inconvenience
Payments for loss of enjoyment, discomfort, or inability to use parts of the home, such as a bathroom or kitchen.
Am I Eligible to Make a Disrepair Claim?
To make a successful claim for disrepair, tenants must meet the following criteria:
- You rent the property from a housing association, or council landlord.
- You’ve reported the disrepair to your landlord.
- Your landlord has failed to address the issues within a reasonable timeframe.
- The disrepair has caused health problems, property damage, or significant inconvenience.
Our advice would be to contact our panel today if you believe you have a claim for compensation, as they can inform you if you have a good chance of succeeding with your claim.
Unfortunately, we cannot currently help those who rent privately.
Housing Disrepair in the UK: Key Statistics
Tenant Complaints Surge
The Housing Ombudsman reported a 91% increase in complaints from social housing tenants during the first nine months of 2023/24 compared to the same period the previous year. The maladministration rate also rose to 72%, up from 59% in 2022/23.
Compensation Increasing
Compensation for housing disrepair reached £3.7 million by Q3 of 2023/24, compared to £1.1 million for the whole of 2022/23. Over 14,000 resolutions were recommended, more than double the previous year.
Wider Sector Changes
With the Social Housing (Regulation) Act coming into effect, social landlords are facing increased scrutiny and legal duties to comply with the Ombudsman’s Complaint Handling Code. The Ombudsman expects demand for its services to increase by 50% to 80% in 2024/25.
Common Disrepair Issues
Nearly 48% of tenants in rented properties report experiencing at least one serious disrepair issue, such as damp, leaks, or faulty heating systems, contributing to health and safety risks.
Will I Need Evidence for a Housing Disrepair Claim?
Yes, in order to lodge a successful claim you will need to provide our panel with some evidence. This includes:
- A copy of your tenancy agreement
- Copies of correspondence between you and your landlord – emails, texts, letters
- Photos of the disrepair, with dates on if possible
- Photos of your damaged property, with receipts of the property if you have had to replace items
- Medical reports indicating your health issues
- Any other expert evidence, for example, reports from a surveyor or an Environmental Health Officer
All of this evidence goes into building your housing disrepair claim and greatly help your case.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, our panel of housing disrepair solicitors can provide a free, no-obligation review of your case.
How Can Our Legal Panel Help?
Our panel of Housing Disrepair Solicitors are experts in bringing claims against rogue landlords. We want to help tenants live in a safe, warm environment, without fear of being evicted.
Our panel of Housing Disrepair solicitors can lodge a claim on your behalf against your landlord, sending a letter to enforce them to carry out the repairs. If they refuse, we can take your landlord to court, though the majority of disputes are often settled outside of court.
Our panel work under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (LTA), which outlines all of your landlord’s responsibilities and obligations.
No Win, No Fee Housing Disrepair Claims
Our panel of expert housing disrepair solicitors also work on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning if your housing claim is unsuccessful, you do not pay them anything at all.
We understand that those suffering from housing disrepairs are often not in the financial position to pay legal fees.
This is why our panel offer No Win, No Fee, which allows everyone to seek the legal representation they deserve, without the worry of adverse financial effects. In the unlikely event they are unsuccessful, you will have nothing to pay. There may be a termination fee if you cancel your claim with a panel member after the cooling-off period.
Speak to our panel today to find out more about funding options.
How Much Notice Does My Landlord Need?
You will need to notify your landlord as soon as you discover your disrepair, otherwise, you will not be able to bring about a claim. You are required to notify your landlord via email, text message, via letter, or in person (though we advise keeping evidence of the interaction):
- 21 Days before filing a housing disrepair claim
As mentioned above, email or text is recommended as you will have time and date evidence of you notifying your landlord.
How to Start a Disrepair Compensation Claim
Starting your housing disrepair claim is simple:
- Get in Touch: Check your eligibility via our legal panel's online form. This takes two minutes.
- Check Your Eligibility: Our panel will assess your case during a free consultation.
- Gather Evidence: Collect supporting documents, such as photos and correspondence.
- Claim Compensation: Our panel of solicitors will negotiate repairs and compensation with your landlord.
Most claims are resolved within a few months. If necessary, our team can take your landlord to court to secure a favourable outcome.
Why Choose Our Panel for Housing Disrepair Claims?
- Specialist Panel of Solicitors: Our legal panel are experts in housing disrepair compensation claims, with extensive experience in holding landlords accountable.
- No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless your claim is successful, making the process risk-free.
- Stress-Free Process: From gathering evidence to negotiating with your landlord, we handle every step to ensure a seamless experience.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities Of Landlords
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to:
- Ensure the property is structurally sound.
- Address damp and mould problems.
- Provide safe access to electricity, gas, and water.
- Maintain working heating systems.
- Prevent infestations and vermin.
If your landlord is ignoring these obligations, you may have a strong housing disrepair claim.
How Long Does the Disrepair Claim Process Take?
The timeline for disrepair claims depends on whether the landlord admits liability. Most cases are resolved within a few months. For claims requiring court intervention, the process may take up to 12 months.
How Can We Help With Your Housing Disrepair Claim?
Are you trying to get your landlord to carry out repairs in your home? Is your landlord ignoring you or refusing to budge? Let our panel of disrepair solicitors help you force your landlord to carry out the repairs, and potentially pay you compensation for any damages.
Our legal panel has experience in bringing successful claims against rogue landlords who fail to carry out repairs.
ClaimExperts.co.uk have compiled an expert group of housing disrepair solicitors who are highly experienced in helping people suffering due to the failures of their landlord.
They understand that making a claim against your landlord is a stressful time, and may appear daunting at first. They are here to make sure the process remains as straightforward and as stress-free as possible.
Important Information
Fairweather Group Ltd t/a ClaimExperts.co.uk do not give legal advice. You do not need to use a claims management company to make a claim. You have the right to use the relevant Ombudsman to seek redress for free. More information on your particular Ombudsman can be found on our Terms & Conditions. You can also seek legal advice elsewhere.
The No Win No Fee Success Fee is based on which expert panel member we refer you to and is payable to them. Our panel currently consists of a number of law firms, which can also be found on our Terms & Conditions. The No Win, No Fee varies, but is generally between 25%- 50%+VAT.
There may be a termination fee if you cancel your claim with a panel member after the cooling-off period. We are paid a referral fee by our panel members for a successful introduction. Fairweather Group Ltd will not charge you for our service.
Disrepair FAQs
What is a Housing Disrepair Claim?
What issues qualify for a Housing Disrepair Claim?
Common issues our panel of housing disrepair solicitor panel see include:
- Severe damp and mould
- Faulty heating systems
- Unsafe electrics or gas leaks
- Structural problems like broken roofs or walls
- Infestations (e.g., rats or insects)
- Broken doors, windows, or flooring
How do I know if I’m eligible to make a claim?
- You must rent the property.
- You must have reported the disrepair to your landlord.
- Your landlord must have failed to fix the issue within a reasonable timeframe. Our panel of experts can assess your case for free to confirm eligibility.
What can I claim for in a Housing Disrepair Case?
You can claim compensation for:
- Property damage (e.g., furniture, clothing, or electronics).
- Personal injuries caused by the disrepair (e.g., respiratory issues from damp).
- General inconvenience and suffering (e.g., being unable to use parts of your home).
How long does the Housing Disrepair claims process take?
Every housing disrepair claim is different. The process can typically take a few months if the landlord accepts liability. If the case goes to court, it may take 9–12 months.
Do I need evidence for my claim?
Yes, evidence strengthens your claim against your landlord. This includes:
- Photos of the disrepair.
- Correspondence with your landlord (emails, texts, letters).
- Medical reports (if applicable).
- Receipts for damaged belongings.
- Your tenancy agreement.
Can I stop paying rent during a disrepair claim?
No, you must continue paying rent throughout the claims process. Withholding rent can give your landlord grounds to counterclaim for breach of your tenancy agreement.
Can I claim for Housing Disrepair Compensation if I rent privately?
While it is possible to claim against a private landlord, our legal panel are unfortunately not currently accepting these claims. Our panel will accept claims against social housing landlords and housing associations.
What if my landlord refuses to make repairs?
If your landlord refuses to act after being notified of the disrepair, you can file a housing disrepair claim to enforce the repairs and seek compensation for the impact on your living conditions.
How much compensation can I get for a Housing Disrepair Claim?
The amount depends on the severity of the disrepair, the inconvenience caused, and any financial losses or injuries. Contact our tenant rights solicitor panel for a free consultation to estimate your potential disrepair compensation.
Is there a time limit for making a Housing Disrepair Claim?
Yes, you typically have up to six years to make a claim, or three years if the case involves personal injury. It’s advisable to act as soon as possible after noticing the disrepair.
What funding options are available for Housing Disrepair Claims?
Most claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless the claim is successful. Legal aid may also be available in cases where the disrepair poses an immediate health hazard, such as severe damp or unsafe electrics.
The No Win, No Fee varies, but is generally between 25%-50% Inc. VAT. There may be a termination fee if you cancel your claim after the 14-day cooling off period.
What is the process for making a Housing Disrepair Claim?
The process involves:
- Reporting the issue to your landlord.
- Gathering evidence of the disrepair.
- Filing a claim through a solicitor.
- Negotiating repairs and compensation.
Our panel of housing disrepair claim experts will guide you every step of the way.
What is included in Housing Disrepair Compensation?
Compensation typically covers:
- Repair or replacement of damaged items.
- Medical expenses for health issues caused by the disrepair.
- General inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of your home.
How do I start my Housing Disrepair Claim?
Simply contact us to arrange a free consultation with our panel of housing disrepair solicitors. They will assess your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the process.
Read up-to-date news and opinions related to Housing Disrepair and other Tenancy Disputes.
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Important Information:
Fairweather Group Ltd t/a ClaimExperts.co.uk do not give legal advice. You do not need to use a claims management company to make a claim. You have the right to use the relevant Ombudsman to seek redress for free. More information on your particular Ombudsman can be found on our Terms & Conditions. You can also seek legal advice elsewhere.
The No Win No Fee Success Fee is based on which expert panel member we refer you to and is payable to them. Our panel currently consists of a number of law firms, which can also be found on our Terms & Conditions. The No Win, No Fee varies, but is generally between 25%- 50%+VAT.
There may be a termination fee if you cancel your claim with a panel member after the cooling-off period. We are paid a referral fee by our panel members for a successful introduction. Fairweather Group Ltd will not charge you for our service.