Housing disrepair claims help tenants take action when a landlord has ignored serious repair issues like damp, mould, leaks or broken heating. If your home has been left in disrepair, you may be entitled to compensation as well as the repairs being completed.
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A housing disrepair claim allows tenants to take legal action when a landlord fails to fix serious issues in their property. Housing disrepair claims can be brought against private landlords, councils and housing associations alike — the legal duties are broadly the same.
This includes problems like:
If your landlord has been notified and failed to act, you could be eligible for compensation.
Housing disrepair claims are grounded in long-standing legislation in England and Wales that places clear repair duties on landlords. Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for keeping the structure and exterior of the property in repair, along with installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 went further, requiring rented homes to be fit for habitation throughout the tenancy — covering damp, mould, ventilation, structural stability and freedom from serious hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System.
Tenants are also protected against retaliatory eviction under the Deregulation Act 2015, meaning a landlord generally cannot evict an assured shorthold tenant simply for raising genuine repair concerns or reporting them to the council. This is information only, not legal advice — for advice on your individual situation, speak to a qualified solicitor.
Housing disrepair claims are open to most tenants in England — including council tenants, housing association tenants, and those renting privately. You may qualify if you are:
AND:
The amount awarded in housing disrepair claims varies widely. Compensation typically reflects a combination of factors:
For a more detailed breakdown by case type, see our housing disrepair compensation guide.
Minor issues
£1,000 – £2,500
Moderate issues
£2,500 – £5,000
Severe cases
£5,000 – £10,000+
Housing disrepair claims commonly cover:
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We assess your claim
A specialist handles your case
Your landlord is contacted
Repairs completed + compensation awarded
Most housing disrepair claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). In practice, this means:
Our panel solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and specialise in housing disrepair work. Learn more about how housing disrepair solicitors handle no win, no fee cases. Always read the agreement carefully so you understand any deductions before you sign.
Most housing disrepair claims take between 3 to 9 months, though some straightforward cases settle sooner and complex disputes can take longer. A typical timeline looks like:
How long your case takes depends on the severity of the repairs, your landlord's responsiveness, and whether the matter can be resolved by negotiation or needs to go to court.
When you make a housing disrepair claim, the court can order your landlord to carry out the repairs. As well as this, you may also be awarded compensation under several heads of loss, including:
Damage to Belongings
Compensation for any belongings damaged or destroyed as a result of the poor condition of the property. You may also be able to claim for items damaged during repairs carried out by your landlord.
Financial Loss
If you have suffered financial loss as a result of your landlord failing to carry out repairs, you may be able to claim for this. Please note that significant rent arrears can affect the outcome of your claim.
Personal Injury
If you have been injured as a result of your landlord's negligence, you could make a personal injury claim — for example respiratory problems caused by damp or mould, slip or trip injuries, or carbon monoxide exposure. Our panel can assist with medical reports, expert evidence and court proceedings.
Inconvenience
Compensation for general disruption to your daily life — including not being able to use parts of your home or having to wait long periods for repairs to be carried out.
All our panel of solicitors are registered with the SRA who conduct housing work.
Solicitors Regulation Authority
The independent regulator of solicitors and law firms in England and Wales.
sra.org.uk →You can get free, independent advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter.
If you're living with disrepair, you don't have to put up with it. Start your claim today and see if you're eligible for compensation.
Start Your Claim TodayExplore guides and city pages for more on your rights and how claims work.
Housing disrepair solicitors
How no win no fee solicitors handle disrepair claims.
How much compensation can you claim?
Calculator and typical award bands explained.
Damp & mould claims
Health risks, evidence and your rights.
Leak & water damage claims
When unresolved leaks become a claim.
Structural disrepair claims
Cracks, subsidence and unsafe structure.
Council housing disrepair
Claims against councils and housing associations.