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Housing Disrepair – A Complete Guide for Tenants Across England & Wales
Call our helpline on 0800 098 2791
Housing disrepair affects hundreds of thousands of tenants each year. Whether you’re renting from the council, a housing association, or a social landlord, you have a legal right to live in a safe, healthy and well-maintained home.
If your property suffers from damp, mould, leaks, faulty heating, unsafe electrics or other hazards and your landlord has failed to fix them, you may be entitled to repairs, compensation and support.
At Tenants Advice, we help tenants understand their rights, assess their situation, and access No Win No Fee support to resolve housing disrepair issues quickly.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair is when a landlord fails to keep a rented property in good repair, causing:
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Damage to the home
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Health issues
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Loss of enjoyment
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Financial costs
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Unsafe or unhealthy living conditions
Under the law, your landlord must make sure your home is fit for human habitation at all times.
If repair problems have been ongoing for 3 months or longer, or your landlord has ignored your reports, you may have a strong housing disrepair case.
Start a Claim Today
Common Housing Disrepair Problems We Help With
Many tenants experience problems that fall under “disrepair”, including:
Damp and Mould
Often caused by leaks, poor ventilation or structural defects. Can worsen asthma and allergies.
Leaks and Water Damage
From roofs, upstairs neighbours, bathrooms or pipework.
Heating & Hot Water Issues
Broken boilers, faulty radiators, unreliable heating — especially harmful during winter.
Unsafe Electrics
Exposed wiring, faulty sockets, flickering lights or electrical hazards.
Structural Defects
Cracks, damaged brickwork, unstable ceilings, broken floors or unsafe balconies.
Pest Infestations
Rats, mice, cockroaches and bed bugs due to poor maintenance or gaps in the structure.
If you’re dealing with any of these issues, you may qualify for compensation.
Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities
Your landlord must keep your home safe, healthy and free from hazards under:
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Landlord & Tenant Act 1985
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Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
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Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Landlords are responsible for repairs to:
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Structure & exterior (walls, windows, roof, doors)
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Heating & hot water
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Boilers & radiators
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Pipework & plumbing
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Electrical systems
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Ventilation
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Communal areas in flats
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Leaks & water ingress
They must also ensure your home is maintained to a habitable standard throughout your tenancy.
The Results We Deliver.
Dangerous, exposed light fitting
Repaired and restored bedroom wall
Replastered and repair lounge wall
Talk To An Expert
Your Responsibilities as a Tenant
While the landlord is responsible for most repairs, tenants must:
Report issues promptly
Keep the property reasonably clean
Look after appliances they own
Avoid causing damage beyond normal wear and tear
You cannot be blamed for problems caused by poor maintenance or structural issues.
Do You Qualify for a Housing Disrepair Claim?
You may be eligible if:
You rent from the council, a housing association, or another social landlord
You have reported problems at least once
The issues have continued for 3+ months
Repairs have been ignored, delayed or poorly handled
The disrepair affects your health, safety, or quality of life
Not sure if you qualify? We can check this for you, free of charge.
Start a Claim Today
Housing Disrepair Compensation
Compensation varies based on:
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Severity of the disrepair
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Duration of the issue
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Impact on your health
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Damage to belongings
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Loss of enjoyment of your home
Most tenants receive somewhere between £1,000–£10,000, depending on their circumstances.
How the Housing Disrepair Process Works
We make the process as simple and stress-free as possible:
Tell us about your housing issue
A quick form or call to explain what’s been happening.
We assess your eligibility
We review your situation, timeline and evidence.
You’re connected to No Win No Fee help
Experts handle your case while keeping you in control.
Repairs + compensation
Repairs are arranged and compensation is awarded where appropriate.
Areas We Cover
We support tenants nationwide, including:
Greater London
Major Cities
Regions
- West Midlands
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North West
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Yorkshire
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North East
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And more
See the full list on our Areas We Cover page.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re dealing with damp, mould, leaks or other repair issues in your council or housing association home, these common questions may help.
If not, please reach out — our team is here to support you.
help@tenantsadvice.co.uk
How long should repairs take?
Urgent issues should be fixed quickly — often within 24 hours to 7 days. Other repairs must be completed within a reasonable timeframe.
Can I claim if I am still living in the property?
Yes — nearly all tenants claim while staying in the home.
Do I need to confront my landlord?
No. Communication can be handled on your behalf.
What if my landlord denies responsibility?
We can help gather evidence and outline your legal rights.
What does “No Win No Fee” mean?
You pay nothing upfront, and nothing at all if your case is unsuccessful.
Your Housing Disrepair Experts
Tenants Advice are the experts in getting housing disrepair claims resolved throughout England & Wales. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
We’ll discuss your unique situation, assess your eligibility, and clearly explain how we can help you secure the repairs you need and the compensation you deserve.
Alternatively call our helpline on 0800 098 2791 or fill out our online contact form to get started.