Housing Repair Help — Housing Disrepair Claims for Tenants in England & Wales

Housing disrepair refers to any condition in a rented property where the landlord has failed to maintain the structure and exterior, or essential installations, to a reasonable standard. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords in England and Wales have a legal obligation to keep rented properties in good repair. This includes the roof, walls, windows, doors, drains, gutters, external pipes, and installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and heating.

When a landlord is notified of a problem and fails to carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe, tenants have the right to take legal action. This can result in the landlord being ordered to complete the repairs and pay compensation for the inconvenience, discomfort, and any damage caused by the disrepair.

Common examples of housing disrepair include persistent damp and mould growth, water leaks from roofs or pipes, broken heating systems leaving tenants without hot water, faulty electrical wiring, cracked or crumbling walls, and inadequate ventilation. These issues can cause serious health problems, particularly for children, elderly residents, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions.

If you believe your home is in a state of disrepair, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claim to get the problems fixed and receive compensation. Many tenants choose to work with specialist disrepair solicitors who handle claims on a no win, no fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you.

Any tenant living in a rented property in England or Wales may be eligible to claim compensation if their landlord has failed to carry out necessary repairs. This applies to council tenants, housing association tenants, and private tenants alike.

To have a valid claim, you generally need to show that you reported the problem to your landlord and gave them a reasonable amount of time to fix it. If your landlord has been aware of the issue for several weeks or months and has taken no action, or if the repairs carried out were inadequate, you are likely to have grounds for a claim.

You may be able to claim even if you have some rent arrears — having outstanding rent does not remove your landlord's legal duty to maintain the property. However, significant arrears (typically over £1,000) may affect whether a solicitor is able to take on your case and could weaken your position in any legal proceedings. Each situation is assessed individually. Similarly, if you have already moved out of the property, you can still make a claim for disrepair that occurred during your tenancy, typically within six years.

Claims are particularly strong when the disrepair has caused health problems such as respiratory issues from damp and mould, injuries from structural problems, or water damage from unresolved leaks. Vulnerable tenants — including families with young children, elderly residents, and those with disabilities — may receive higher levels of compensation.

Not sure if you qualify? Start a free claim assessment and find out.