Living in a rented property should mean having a safe, secure, and well-maintained home. Unfortunately, many tenants across the UK suffer from serious issues such as damp, mould, leaks, pest infestations, and broken heating systems. These problems are not just frustrating — they are breaches of your rights.
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we specialise in helping tenants stand up for those rights. With the support of our housing disrepair solicitors and housing disrepair experts, you can make a housing disrepair claim and secure the repairs and compensation you deserve.
This article will explain your key rights as a tenant, how landlords are legally obligated to act, and how you can pursue a housing disrepair compensation claim if those obligations are ignored.
What Are Tenant Rights in Housing Disrepair Cases?
As a tenant, UK housing law provides you with strong legal protections. If your landlord fails to keep your home in good repair, you have the right to:
- Live in a Safe and Habitable Home
- Your landlord must ensure that your property is structurally sound, free from damp, and safe to live in.
- Have Repairs Completed in a Reasonable Time
- Once you’ve reported a problem, landlords are legally required to act quickly and carry out repairs.
- Seek Compensation for Disrepair
- If your landlord ignores their responsibilities, you can make a compensation claim for housing disrepair.
- Protection Against Retaliation
- It’s unlawful for a landlord to evict or harass you for making a legal claim.
Landlord Responsibilities Under the Law
Landlords are bound by several legal obligations, including:
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
Requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair, as well as plumbing, heating, and electrical systems. - Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Ensures rental homes are fit for living, covering issues like damp, ventilation, heating, and infestations. - Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
Local councils can enforce housing standards where health and safety risks are identified.
If your landlord ignores their responsibilities, you are legally entitled to pursue a housing disrepair compensation claim.
Common Housing Disrepair Issues That Breach Tenant Rights
Here are the problems most frequently reported by tenants:
- Damp and Mould – Can cause respiratory problems and damage belongings.
- Water Leaks – Lead to structural damage and create unsafe living conditions.
- Broken Heating Systems – Particularly dangerous in winter.
- Pest Infestations – Rats, mice, or insects spread disease.
- Faulty Windows and Doors – Cause heat loss and security risks.
- Unsafe Electrics – Create fire hazards.
Each of these issues represents a direct breach of your rights as a tenant.
Making a Housing Disrepair Claim: Your Options
If your landlord ignores repair requests, you have several options:
- Self-Help Repairs (Not Recommended Without Advice)
- Some tenants consider fixing issues themselves, but this is rarely advisable as it can affect your legal rights.
- Report to Local Council
- Councils can force landlords to make repairs if conditions are unsafe.
- Make a Housing Disrepair Claim
- The strongest option — with help from housing disrepair solicitors, you can secure both repairs and compensation.
Compensation: What Can You Claim For?
When you make a housing disrepair compensation claim, you may be entitled to payment for:
- General Damages (Loss of Enjoyment)
Compensation for inconvenience and stress caused by disrepair. - Special Damages (Financial Losses)
Covering damaged belongings, higher utility bills, or alternative accommodation. - Personal Injury
If your health has been affected, you may also claim for medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost income.
How Compensation Is Calculated
Most compensation claims are based on a percentage of your rent. For example:
- 25% of rent: If part of your home is uninhabitable.
- 50% of rent: If half the property is affected.
- 100% of rent: If the whole property is unfit to live in.
On top of this, you can claim for health issues and financial losses, increasing your overall payout.
The Role of Housing Disrepair Solicitors
While tenants can try to negotiate with landlords directly, the reality is that landlords often deny responsibility or offer unfair settlements.
That’s why it’s so important to work with housing disrepair experts. At Housing Disrepair Claims, our solicitors:
- Gather strong evidence.
- Obtain expert surveyor reports.
- Calculate fair compensation.
- Handle all negotiations with landlords.
- Take cases to court if necessary.
This professional support ensures you don’t just win your case — you win the maximum compensation possible.
The Claims Process Step by Step
Here’s what to expect when you contact Housing Disrepair Claims:
- Free Consultation – We review your case and explain your options.
- Evidence Gathering – We help collect photos, videos, medical reports, and receipts.
- Formal Notification – Your landlord is contacted through an official legal process.
- Negotiation – Our team negotiates repairs and compensation on your behalf.
- Court Proceedings (if required) – We represent you in court if your landlord refuses to cooperate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I claim if I’m in a housing association property?
Yes. Council and housing association tenants have the same rights as private tenants.
Q: How long do claims take?
On average, cases take 3–9 months, depending on landlord cooperation.
Q: Do I have to move out while making a claim?
Not usually. Most tenants stay in their home while the claim progresses.
Q: What does “no win, no fee” mean?
It means you won’t pay us anything unless your claim is successful.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Claims?
We are not just another law firm — we are a team of dedicated housing disrepair experts who fight for tenants every day.
- We’ve helped thousands of tenants secure justice.
- We work on a no win, no fee basis.
- We’re recognised as one of the best housing disrepair solicitors services in the UK.
Our mission is simple: to protect tenants and ensure landlords are held accountable.
Final Thoughts
Tenants across the UK have strong legal rights when it comes to housing disrepair. If your landlord is ignoring their responsibilities, you do not have to suffer in silence. You have the right to safe housing — and the right to compensation when that right is breached.
📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Claims today for a free consultation and let our expert team of housing disrepair solicitors help you start your claim.
