Claim Housing Disrepair: A Comprehensive Guide for Tenants
Written by the Housing Repair Help Editorial Team and reviewed by our claims team — a trading style of Reclaim Experts Ltd, an FCA authorised claims management company (FRN 1030701), Innovation Centre, 49 Oxford Street, Leicester, LE1 5XY. About us and our editorial standards.
Published 15 September 2025. Last reviewed and updated 20 April 2026.
If you're living in a rented property with unresolved repair issues, you're not alone. Thousands of tenants across England and Wales face problems ranging from persistent damp and mould to broken boilers, leaking roofs, and unsafe electrics.
This guide explains what housing disrepair means, common issues, how to report problems, and the steps involved in having a case reviewed by a specialist.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must maintain the structure, exterior, and key installations. When they fail after being notified, tenants may be able to seek repairs and compensation.
Common Housing Disrepair Issues
Damp and Mould
Structural defects, poor ventilation, or leaking pipes causing health problems
Leaking Roofs & Pipes
Water ingress damaging walls, ceilings, and personal belongings
Broken Heating
Landlords must maintain heating systems — broken boilers can make homes uninhabitable
Faulty Electrics
Exposed wiring, broken sockets, and outdated systems posing safety risks
Structural Damage
Cracks, subsidence, damaged floors, and unsafe staircases
Pest Infestations
Rodents and insects indicating underlying structural problems
Council Housing
Council tenants have the same right to safe living conditions
How to Report Disrepair to Your Landlord
Report the Problem in Writing
Keep a Record of All Communication
Allow Reasonable Time for Repairs
Escalate if Necessary
Contact your local council's environmental health department. Read our guide on reporting disrepair to your council.
What Evidence Helps Support a Claim?
Photos & Videos
Dated images showing damage, including close-ups and wider shots
Correspondence
Copies of emails, letters, or messages reporting the problem
Medical Records
If disrepair has affected health, e.g. respiratory issues from mould
Council Reports
Environmental health inspection reports
Receipts & Invoices
Records of costs incurred due to the disrepair
Tenancy Agreement
Outlines landlord obligations for reference
How Cases Are Typically Reviewed
Initial Assessment
Evidence Gathering
Solicitor Review
Resolution
Is your landlord ignoring repair issues?
If your landlord has failed to address serious repair problems in your home, you can submit your details to see whether your situation may qualify for further review.
Discover More About Housing Disrepair ClaimsFCA Regulated Claims Management Company FRN: 1030701
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Who Can Claim Housing Disrepair?
You rent your home (privately, from a council, or from a housing association)
There is a disrepair issue that your landlord is responsible for
You have reported the problem to your landlord in writing
Your landlord has failed to carry out repairs within a reasonable time
The disrepair has caused you inconvenience, damage, or health problems
Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 places clear responsibilities on landlords. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 further strengthened protections by requiring rented homes are fit for habitation throughout the tenancy.
Protection from retaliation: Under the Deregulation Act 2015, landlords cannot evict tenants for reporting genuine repair issues to the council.
Related Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
This article provides general information about housing issues in England and Wales and does not constitute legal advice. Legal services may be provided by independent solicitors where appropriate.