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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:

  • Damage to the home

  • Health issues

  • Loss of enjoyment

  • Financial costs

  • 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.

Damp Walls Social Housing
Start a Claim Today
Noticeable Mildew Discolouration showing Housing Disrepair in London flat

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.

Damaged Windows and Doors

Broken or rotten windows and doors can affect security, insulation and energy efficiency.

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:

  • Landlord & Tenant Act 1985

  • Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

  • Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS)

Landlords are responsible for repairs to:

  • Structure & exterior (walls, windows, roof, doors)

  • Heating & hot water

  • Boilers & radiators

  • Pipework & plumbing

  • Electrical systems

  • Ventilation

  • Communal areas in flats

  • Leaks & water ingress

They must also ensure your home is maintained to a habitable standard throughout your tenancy.

Ealing Housing Mould Damage Repairs

The Results We Deliver.

Unfinished dangerous light fitting Improved safe light fitting

Dangerous, exposed light fitting

damaged mould ridden wall finished replastered wall

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:

N

Report issues promptly

N

Keep the property reasonably clean

N

Look after appliances they own

N

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:

R

You rent from the council, a housing association, or another social landlord

R

You have reported problems at least once

R

The issues have continued for 3+ months

R

Repairs have been ignored, delayed or poorly handled

R

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
Damp Walls Social Housing
Noticeable Mildew Discolouration showing Housing Disrepair in London flat

Housing Disrepair Compensation

Compensation varies based on:

  • Severity of the disrepair

  • Duration of the issue

  • Impact on your health

  • Damage to belongings

  • 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.
l

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.
Sheffield Housing Estate Disrepair

Areas We Cover

We support tenants nationwide, including:

Greater London

London

Major Cities

Regions

  • West Midlands

  • North West

  • Yorkshire

  • North East

  • Staffordshire

  • And more

See the full list on our Areas We Cover page.

Living With Outstanding Repairs?

Call our helpline today.

0800 098 2791

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.