Housing disrepair claims for tenants across England
If your landlord has failed to repair your home after you reported the problem, you have legal rights. We act for tenants on a no win, no fee basis to secure compensation and a court order forcing the repairs — and we have done so for over 40 years.
A housing disrepair claim is a legal claim brought by a tenant against a landlord who has failed to keep the property in repair. If you reported a problem and your landlord did not fix it within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to compensation and a court order requiring the repairs to be carried out.
You can usually claim if:
- You rent from a council, housing association or registered social landlord
- You reported the disrepair to your landlord
- Your landlord had a reasonable time to act and did not
- The disrepair affected your health or your use of the home
The types of disrepair we claim for
We act on every category of housing disrepair claim. If your problem is not listed below, contact us anyway — if it makes your home unfit or unsafe, it is likely actionable.
The law that protects you
Your landlord’s repairing obligations are set out in law, not just in your tenancy agreement. The main protections are:
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of your home in repair, along with installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot water.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (sections 9A–9B) requires that rented homes are fit for human habitation at the start of and throughout the tenancy. This covers damp, mould, infestation and other hazards.
Awaab’s Law sets strict legal timescales for social landlords to investigate and fix dangerous hazards such as damp and mould. Read our full guide to Awaab’s Law →
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Section 82) allows tenants to take a statutory nuisance case to the Magistrates’ Court where a property is in a state prejudicial to health. More on EPA Section 82 →
You may be eligible to claim if:
Check your eligibility
“Landlords often assume tenants won’t push back. Our job is to make sure they do — and that the repairs actually get done, not just promised.”
Stephen Lund · Director
What you can claim
A successful housing disrepair claim can secure both repairs and money. The two work together: the court can order the work to be done and award compensation for the period you lived with the problem.
A court order requiring your landlord to carry out the outstanding works within a set timescale.
Damages for the discomfort, distress and loss of enjoyment of your home during the period of disrepair.
The cost of furniture, clothing, carpets or electricals ruined by damp, leaks or other defects.
Where disrepair has affected your or your family’s health, and for related out-of-pocket costs.
For a detailed breakdown of how compensation is calculated, see our compensation guide and our evidence guide on what to gather before you make a claim.
How the claims process works
Most housing disrepair claims follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims. In outline:
1. Free assessment. We review your situation and tell you whether you have a claim — at no cost and with no obligation.
2. Letter of claim. We notify your landlord formally and request the repairs and disclosure of records.
3. Expert inspection. An independent surveyor inspects your home and reports on the disrepair.
4. Negotiation or court. Most claims settle. Where a landlord refuses to act, we issue court proceedings.
Find out if you have a claim — free
Tell us what’s wrong with your home. We’ll review it at no cost and with no obligation, and tell you honestly whether you have a claim.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to make a claim?
We act on a no win, no fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not pay our fees.
[PLACEHOLDER — CFA/ATE DISCLOSURE] The full regulated no-win-no-fee disclosure (success fee cap, After-the-Event insurance premium, staged premiums with IPT, when ATE does not apply, cancellation terms, and the ATE insurer’s name and FCA reference) must be inserted here verbatim from Spec Section 24.10. Do not paraphrase regulated figures — confirm current ATE pricing with compliance before publishing.See our full costs and funding page for the complete breakdown.
How long do I have to make a claim?
For disrepair causing damage to belongings or affecting your enjoyment of the property, claims generally must be brought within six years. Where the disrepair has caused personal injury or ill health, a shorter three-year limit usually applies. Time limits can be complex, so it is best to seek advice as early as possible.
Can I be evicted for making a claim?
It is unlawful for a landlord to evict you in retaliation for asserting your legal rights over disrepair. So-called “retaliatory eviction” protections exist precisely to stop this. If you are worried about your landlord’s response, tell us and we can advise you on your position before anything is sent.
What if I rent privately rather than from a council?
Private tenants have similar repairing protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. However, the way we are able to assist private tenants may differ. Get in touch and we will let you know how we can help with your particular situation.
Do I need to have reported the problem in writing?
A written report by email, letter, the landlord’s app or repairs portal, is the strongest evidence that your landlord knew about the problem. However, a claim is not automatically lost if you reported it by phone or in person. We can advise on the evidence available in your case. Our evidence guide explains what helps.
How long does a claim take?
It varies. Straightforward claims where the landlord engages early can resolve in a matter of months. Claims that require court proceedings take longer. We keep you updated at every stage and push to get the repairs done as quickly as possible, often the most urgent priority.
What is Awaab’s Law and does it apply to me?
Awaab’s Law places strict legal timescales on social landlords to investigate and fix serious hazards such as damp and mould. It applies to social housing tenants. We have a dedicated guide explaining how it works and what it means for your claim — see our Awaab’s Law page.
“I set this firm up over 40 years ago. I am proud of the reputation we have built helping tenants stand up for their rights and hold their landlords to account.”
Antony Hodari · Founder & Director
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