What is a housing disrepair claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a legal action a tenant can take against a landlord who has failed to keep their home safe and habitable. Claims typically arise when problems such as leaks, damp and mould, or structural damage are left unresolved and begin to have a real impact on your health and quality of life.
Understanding your rights — and how the claims process works — is essential to making sure your home stays the safe environment it should be. Problems that commonly give rise to a claim include:
- Leaks & water damageDripping roofs, failing gutters and plumbing faults that let water into your home.
- Damp & mouldPersistent damp and mould growth that damages your belongings and threatens your health.
- Inadequate heatingBroken boilers and heating systems that leave your home cold and uninhabitable.
- Structural problemsDefects that compromise the safety and habitability of the building itself.
Who can make a claim?
The law protects every renter living with disrepair, but the tenants we are able to act for are those in social housing. We currently take on claims if you are:
- A council tenantLiving in a property provided by your local council.
- A housing association tenantRenting from a housing association or other social landlord.
Private tenants: private renters have the same legal protection against disrepair, but we are not able to take on claims against private landlords or letting agents at this time. If you rent privately, Shelter and Citizens Advice can point you to help.
Not sure where you stand? Our housing disrepair solicitors will assess your eligibility for free — get in touch and we’ll talk it through.
Every renter should know these rights
As a tenant, you have specific legal rights designed to protect your well-being and guarantee safe living conditions. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord has a legal obligation to keep the property well maintained. When that obligation isn’t met, you may be entitled to compensation for the damage caused and to have the necessary repairs carried out.
You also have a right to privacy: your landlord cannot enter your home without giving you notice. Knowing these rights puts you in a far stronger position to stand up for yourself — and if you believe your rights have been violated, always seek legal advice. You can read more on our tenant rights page.
Don’t leave it too late. You generally have six years to bring a housing disrepair claim. Acting promptly protects your rights, keeps your evidence fresh — and gets the repairs done sooner.
What does a housing disrepair claim cost?
Several factors shape the cost and complexity of a claim: the type of disrepair — leaks, mould or structural issues — how serious it is, and the steps involved, which can differ for council disrepair claims. Working with experienced disrepair solicitors helps you understand exactly what your case involves before you commit to anything.
The most important thing to know: we act on a no win, no fee basis. You pay nothing unless your claim succeeds. Wherever you are in England, our team will explain everything clearly and guide you through each stage — with no hidden surprises.
How our legal team helps with your claim
From the first conversation to the final settlement, Housing Disrepair Experts handle the hard work so you don’t have to:
We assess your situation
We start by looking closely at your circumstances and confirming you have grounds to claim — free of charge and with no obligation.
We gather the evidence
Photographs of the disrepair, repair requests and any messages exchanged with your landlord — we pull together everything that strengthens your case.
We put your landlord on notice
We formally notify your landlord of the problems and make sure they understand exactly what the law requires them to do.
We claim and negotiate for you
If your landlord still fails to act, we file a formal claim and negotiate for the compensation you deserve. Most claims settle through negotiation — but if court action becomes necessary, we’ll be with you all the way.
With our knowledge of housing law behind you, you can count on us to stand up for your rights and help improve your living conditions. See the full claim process for a step-by-step guide.