Housing Disrepair Claims
If tenants are looking a compensation for a housing disrepair claim. Instant Assist is here. Our experts guide and ensure you get the maximum compensation as soon as possible.
Start Your Claim

What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to the poor state of a rental home, which can be caused by structural damage, damp and mould, or even other issue like water leaks, and broken heating systems.
These issues can have a serious impact on the health of tenants. You may be able to file a housing disrepair claim if your landlord does not maintain the property and fails to address the issues.
Housing Disrepair Issues Include:
- Damp and mould
- Water leaks and damages
- Broken heating systems
- Structural damage
- Faulty electrical wiring
- Broken windows & doors
Feel free to contact our Instant Assist team for more information about your claim eligibility.
What Are Housing Disrepair Claims?
Housing disrepair claims are legal cases brought by tenants when their rented property is in poor condition and the landlord, council, or housing association fails to fix the issues. As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, well-maintained home.
Disrepair can include problems such as:
- Leaking roofs or broken windows
- Damp, mould, or structural cracks
- Faulty heating or plumbing systems
- Electrical hazards or pest infestations
If your landlord has been informed of these issues and hasn’t resolved them within a reasonable timeframe, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Compensation can cover the cost of repairs, any damage to your belongings, and even discomfort or health issues caused by the disrepair.
Making a claim can help ensure your living conditions improve while holding your landlord accountable for maintaining the property. Many tenants are surprised to learn they can often receive free legal support to pursue their claims.
If you’re dealing with ongoing property problems, don’t hesitate to seek advice and explore your right to a better living environment.
Common Examples of Housing Disrepair Claims
If a landlord refuses to fix repairs or take action should a property fall into disrepair, a tenant has the right to take legal action and make a housing disrepair claim for compensation. The most common examples of housing disrepair claims are given below:
- Structural issues
- Pest problems
- Damp and mould
- No central heating or faulty central heating system
- Gas or water leaks
- Broken windows, doors or gates
- Plumbing Issues
What Are Landlord Responsibilities for Property Maintenance?
Landlords are legally required to make sure that the rental property is safe and habitable.
That includes:
- Maintaining the property in good repair
- Maintenance of the heating, plumbing and electrical systems
- Assuring the property is not a serious health risk, such as mould or pest infestations
- Repairs should be carried out promptly
You have the right, if your landlord fails to meet these obligations, to file a claim for housing disrepair.

Eligibility Criteria for Housing Disrepair Claims
In order to be eligible for a housing claim for disrepair, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be a renter (not an owner).
- The landlord must repair any damage.
- Disrepair can affect your health and quality of life.
- The landlord should have been notified and given a reasonable amount of time to rectify the problem.
When Can I Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?
You can make a housing disrepair claim when your rented property has significant maintenance issues that your landlord, council, or housing association has failed to fix after being notified.
Here are key situations when you may be eligible to claim:
- Health and Safety Risks: Issues like damp, mould, faulty electrics, or heating problems affecting your health or safety.
- Property Damage: Damage to your belongings caused by leaks, structural issues, or other disrepair.
- Unresolved Repairs: If your landlord ignores your repair requests or takes too long to resolve the problem.
- Impact on Daily Life: When the disrepair makes your home uncomfortable or difficult to live in.
Before making a claim, it’s important to inform your landlord in writing and give them a reasonable timeframe to fix the problem. Keep records of all communication, photos of the disrepair, and any evidence of health issues or financial losses.
If your landlord fails to act, you may be entitled to claim compensation and force them to carry out the necessary repairs. Legal advice can help you navigate the process and strengthen your case.
Do I Need Any Evidence for the Housing Disrepair Claim?
Yes, evidence is required for a claim of housing damage. You can use:
- Photos or videos of the damage
- Reports by professionals (plumbers, electricians)
- Correspondence (emails or letters) with your landlord
- Reports on your health if the state of disrepair affects your wellbeing
Your claim will be stronger if you can provide evidence to support it.
How Long Does the Disrepair Claim Process Take?
Every disrepair claim is different from the other. For some tenants, the time frame from submitting the complaint to receiving compensation might be relatively short. For others, it can take a while. It depends on the level of disrepair and whether your landlord accepts liability. However, most housing disrepair claims take around 9-12 months to settle.
How Much Compensation Can I Get for Housing Disrepair?
The amount of compensation you can receive for housing disrepair depends on several factors, including the severity of the problem, how long it persisted, and the impact on your life.
Here’s what can be covered in a claim:
- Property Damage: Compensation for damage to your belongings, such as furniture, clothing, or electronics caused by issues like leaks or mould.
- Inconvenience and Discomfort: Payment for the inconvenience caused by living in poor conditions, including stress or disruption to daily life.
- Health Impact: Compensation for health problems caused by disrepair, such as respiratory issues from damp and mould.
- Rent Reduction: You may receive a refund of part of your rent for the period you endured the disrepair, typically between 25% to 50% of your rent, depending on the severity.
Each case is unique, so it’s difficult to give an exact figure upfront. However, compensation can range from a few hundred to several thousand pounds.
Contact us our expert team will help you understand the value of your claim and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

What Can I Claim Compensation for in Housing Disrepair Cases?
If your landlord refuses to fix the property, you can force them to do the work and also claim compensation. You can receive compensation for several different reasons when bringing a Housing Disrepair claim. You can recover compensation for:
- Damage to Belongings
Compensation for damage to belongings will only cover the cost to you of repairing or replacing the damaged goods. This means that you may get less than the cost of the item new, as you would be expected to buy second-hand items to replace them.
- Personal Injury
You can claim for any ill health that the disrepair has caused you or anyone who is living within the property. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on several factors, including the severity of your illness and how long it has lasted.
- Any Inconvenience
You will also be able to recover any financial losses you have incurred as a result of your illness, such as lost earnings.
How Much Does It Cost to Claim for Housing Disrepair?
Most housing disrepair cases are handled on the basis of “No Win, No Fee,” which means that you do not pay anything unless your claim is successful. There are no fees if you lose. If there are fees involved, these are usually covered by the compensation that you receive in the event of a successful claim.
*The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.*
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Housing Disrepair Claim
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Failure to notify the landlord of the problem in writing.
- Insufficient evidence of the damage.
- Refusing to seek legal advice and delaying the claims process.
- Keep no records of your communication with the landlord.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase the chances of your claim being handled successfully and with a higher chance of success.

How Much Does It Cost to Claim for Housing Disrepair?
Most housing disrepair cases are handled on the basis of “No Win, No Fee,” which means that you do not pay anything unless your claim is successful. There are no fees if you lose. If there are fees involved, these are usually covered by the compensation that you receive in the event of a successful claim.
*The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.*
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making a Housing Disrepair Claim
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Failure to notify the landlord of the problem in writing.
- Insufficient evidence of the damage.
- Refusing to seek legal advice and delaying the claims process.
- Keep no records of your communication with the landlord.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can increase the chances of your claim being handled successfully and with a higher chance of success.
How Long Does a Housing Disrepair Claim Take?
The length of a claim for housing disrepair varies depending on how complex the case is and how responsive the landlord is. The process can last anywhere between a few weeks and over a whole year. Legal professionals can speed up the process by handling your negotiations.
What Happens After You File a Housing Disrepair Claim?
After you file a claim:
- Our team of experts will examine the case and gather evidence.
- The landlord is notified of the problem and asked to fix it or to respond to the complaint.
- If necessary, a settlement offer could be made, or the case may go to court.
Repairs will be carried out, and compensation will be awarded if the claim is successful.
No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair Claims
No-win, no-fee agreements allow you to avoid paying any upfront fees. You won’t be charged anything if your claim fails. It is easier for tenants to file claims as they are not exposed to financial risk.
*The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.*
How Can We Help with Housing Disrepair Claims?
We specialize in helping tenants navigate housing disrepair claims, offering expert support every step of the way. Here’s how we can assist you:
Free Consultation: We provide a no-obligation consultation to assess your situation and explain your rights, helping you understand if you have a valid claim.
Legal Support: Our team of experienced professionals can handle the legal aspects of your claim, ensuring all paperwork is correctly filed and deadlines are met.
Evidence Collection: We guide you in gathering important evidence, such as photos, repair requests, and health impacts, to build a strong case.
Negotiation with Landlords: We can communicate directly with your landlord or housing authority to ensure repairs are made and you receive appropriate compensation.
Compensation Claims: We help you claim compensation for the inconvenience, property damage, health issues, and rent reductions you may be entitled to.
No Win, No Fee: We offer a no-win, no-fee service, meaning you don’t pay unless your claim is successful.
Our aim is to make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible, ensuring you get the repairs and compensation you deserve.
*The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.*

Why Choose Us for Housing Disrepair Claims?
Choose Instant Assist for:
- Expertise in the law of housing disrepair
- No-win, no-fee guarantee
- Service that is fast and efficient
- Your case will be handled with care by a dedicated team
We will guide you through the entire claim process to ensure a successful and smooth outcome.
*The solicitor we recommend will charge you a fee of 36% (inclusive of VAT) off your compensation. The solicitor may charge a termination fee if you cancel your agreement with them after the cancellation period, please read their Terms and conditions for more information.*
Frequently Asked Questions
The amount of compensation you will receive depends on the severity of the disrepair, how long the disrepair has been present and the effect on you as an individual.
Speak to our team at +442030264595, and we can explain exactly how we can help and what you can claim.
According to section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act (LTA) 1985, the landlord will:
- Keep in repair the structure and exterior of the dwelling, including drains, gutters and external pipes,
- Keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling for the supply of water, gas, electricity and sanitation (including basins, sinks, baths and sanitary conveniences.
- Keep in repair and proper working order the installation in the dwelling for space heating and heating water.
Yes, it is possible to claim your landlord for damp issues that continue to create poor housing conditions in your property. For example, if the damp has damaged your belongings, disrupted your daily life or has made you ill.
Yes, if your landlord fails to make repairs you can claim for damage, personal injury, financial loss or nuisance. Our team will need to see a copy of the tenancy agreement including the tenancy conditions upon instruction.
Simply contact us at +442030264595 to arrange a free consultation with our team of housing disrepair experts. They will assess your case, gather evidence, and guide you through the process.