Housing Association Repairs Not Completed: How to Get Work Finished
Housing Repair Help Editorial Team · Reviewed by Reclaim Experts Ltd, FCA authorised (FRN 1030701). Editorial standards.
Published 29 September 2026. Last reviewed and updated 29 September 2026.
If housing association repairs were started but not completed, record exactly what remains outstanding and challenge any job marked complete before the defect has been properly fixed.
A contractor visit is not the same as a completed repair. Your landlord remains responsible when unfinished or poor work leaves the original defect in place.
What Counts as an Incomplete Repair?
The Job Was Closed Early
The repairs portal says complete even though the defect or damage remains
Making Good Was Left
A leak was stopped but damaged plaster, flooring, decoration or mould treatment was never completed
Parts or Follow-On Work Never Arrived
A contractor promised another visit, specialist inspection or replacement part that has not happened
The Repair Failed
The same problem returned soon after the visit because the underlying cause was not addressed
How to Get an Incomplete Repair Finished
Photograph the Unfinished Work
Reopen the Original Job
Request the Works Record
Complain About Premature Closure
Still waiting for your housing association to put things right?
If you reported the problems and they remain unresolved, check whether the delay may qualify for further review.
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Housing Association Repair Duties and Reasonable Timescales
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 generally requires social landlords to keep the structure, exterior and installations for heating, hot water, water, gas, electricity and sanitation in repair. The duty normally depends on the landlord receiving notice of the defect.
Emergency risk: a dangerous electrical fault, severe active leak or total loss of essential services should be made safe urgently.
Routine repairs: published targets often run for several working days or weeks, depending on the landlord and repair category.
Major works: structural or extensive work may need inspection and planning, but the landlord should explain interim safety measures and provide a written programme.
Awaab's Law: prescribed social-housing hazards must be investigated and addressed within applicable statutory timescales.
See the detailed guide to landlord repair timescales.
Escalating Through Complaints and the Housing Ombudsman
Make a Stage 1 Complaint to Your Housing Association
Request a Stage 2 Review
Ask the Housing Ombudsman to Review
Evidence to Keep While the Repair Remains Unresolved
Dated Photos and Videos
Record the defect, unfinished work and any worsening conditions over time
Reports and References
Keep portal messages, emails, letters, complaint responses and repair numbers
Repair Timeline
List every report, visit, cancellation, promise and attempted repair in date order
Contractor Details
Note who attended, what they said, what work was done and what remained
Household Impact
Record unusable rooms, damaged belongings, extra costs and relevant health effects
Requested Remedy
State the inspection, permanent work and completion date you are asking for
Do not stop paying rent because repairs are outstanding. Withholding rent can create arrears and possession risk. Use written reporting, complaints and independent advice instead.
When Incomplete Repairs May Lead to a Claim
Incomplete work may support a claim if your housing association had notice, the defect remained after attempted work, and the continuing disrepair caused a measurable impact.
The landlord received clear notice of the defect and had a reasonable opportunity to act
The defect concerns work for which the landlord may be legally or contractually responsible
The repair delay, failed work or refusal can be shown through dated records
The conditions caused inconvenience, loss of use, damaged belongings, extra expense or health effects
Compensation is not automatic. Responsibility, notice, delay, causation and evidence must be considered in each case.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Could you have a housing disrepair claim?
If you reported disrepair to your housing association and it has not been properly resolved, you may be able to make a claim.
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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.