Housing Disrepair Claims

Living in a property with serious disrepair issues can severely impact your health, wellbeing, and quality of life. Whether you're dealing with damp and mould, structural defects, heating problems, or pest infestations, your landlord has a legal duty to maintain your home in a safe and habitable condition. When they fail to meet these obligations, you have the right to claim compensation.

At Royal Claims, our specialist housing disrepair solicitors have extensive experience helping tenants across the UK secure compensation for landlord negligence. We understand how frustrating and distressing housing disrepair can be, and we're committed to holding negligent landlords accountable while ensuring your home is properly repaired and you receive the compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Housing Disrepair

Housing disrepair takes many forms, and landlords are legally responsible for maintaining rental properties to a safe standard. We handle all types of housing disrepair claims:

Your Rights as a Tenant

UK law provides strong protections for tenants living in properties with disrepair. Understanding your rights is crucial:

Landlord Responsibilities Under UK Law

Your landlord has extensive legal obligations to maintain your home. These responsibilities include:

• Structural Repairs: Keep the property's structure and exterior in good repair, including walls, roof, windows, doors, and foundations
• Installations and Systems: Maintain and repair installations for water supply, heating, gas, electricity, and sanitation
• Common Areas: Keep communal areas like hallways, stairs, and lifts in good condition and properly lit
• Gas Safety: Conduct annual gas safety checks and provide valid Gas Safety Certificates
• Electrical Safety: Ensure electrical installations are safe and obtain Electrical Installation Condition Reports
• Fire Safety: Provide working smoke alarms on each floor and carbon monoxide detectors where required
• Energy Performance: Ensure properties meet minimum energy efficiency standards (EPC rating of E or above)
• Habitability Standards: Keep the property free from hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• Respond to Reports: Act on disrepair reports within reasonable timeframes, typically 24 hours for emergencies and 28 days for non-urgent repairs

Health Impacts of Housing Disrepair

Living in a property with serious disrepair can cause significant health problems, particularly for vulnerable individuals including children, elderly people, and those with existing health conditions. Common health issues include:

• Respiratory Problems: Asthma, bronchitis, chronic cough, and breathing difficulties from damp, mould, and poor air quality
• Allergies: Allergic reactions, skin rashes, eczema, and rhinitis triggered by mould spores and dust mites
• Mental Health Issues: Anxiety, depression, stress, and sleep disorders from living in poor conditions
• Cold-Related Illness: Hypothermia, increased susceptibility to flu, and worsening of chronic conditions due to inadequate heating
• Infections: Gastroenteritis and other infections from pest infestations or unsanitary conditions
• Injuries: Physical injuries from structural hazards, electrical problems, or unsafe conditions
• Psychological Impact: Reduced quality of life, embarrassment, social isolation, and loss of dignity

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Housing disrepair compensation covers all losses, suffering, and expenses resulting from your landlord's failure to maintain your home. Your claim may include:

General Damages

Compensation for inconvenience, discomfort, and loss of amenity:

• Physical discomfort from living in substandard conditions
• Health problems caused or worsened by disrepair
• Psychological distress, anxiety, and stress
• Loss of enjoyment of your home
• Inability to use parts of your property
• Embarrassment and social stigma

Special Damages

Financial losses and expenses directly resulting from the disrepair:

• Damaged Belongings: Furniture, clothing, electronics, and personal items damaged by damp, leaks, or mould
• Increased Energy Bills: Higher heating costs due to draughts, poor insulation, or inefficient heating systems
• Temporary Accommodation: Hotel or alternative accommodation costs if your home becomes uninhabitable
• Medical Expenses: GP visits, prescriptions, private treatment for health conditions caused by disrepair
• Cleaning Costs: Professional cleaning or redecoration needed due to mould or damp
• Storage Costs: Storing belongings while repairs are carried out
• Loss of Earnings: Income lost due to illness caused by housing conditions

Rent Reduction

You may also be entitled to a percentage rent reduction for the period your property was in disrepair, reflecting the diminished value and enjoyment of your home during that time.

How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim

Our straightforward claims process ensures you receive maximum compensation and get your home properly repaired:

What Evidence Do You Need?

Strong evidence is crucial for a successful housing disrepair claim. Gather and preserve:

• Photographs and Videos: Dated images showing all disrepair from multiple angles. Regular updates showing deterioration over time strengthen your case
• Written Reports to Landlord: All emails, letters, texts, or messages reporting issues. Written evidence is more powerful than verbal reports
• Landlord Responses: Any replies, promises to repair, or acknowledgments of the problems
• Medical Records: GP notes, prescriptions, hospital records documenting health impacts
• Receipts and Invoices: Proof of expenses including damaged belongings, increased energy bills, temporary accommodation, or cleaning costs
• Tenancy Agreement: Your rental contract showing the landlord's repair obligations
• Council Reports: If environmental health has inspected, obtain copies of their reports
• Witness Statements: Written accounts from family, friends, or neighbors who've witnessed the conditions
• Diary or Log: Dated records documenting when issues started, worsened, or affected your daily life

Time Limits for Housing Disrepair Claims

You generally have six years from when the disrepair began or from when you first reported it to make a housing disrepair claim. However, don't delay - starting your claim sooner means:

• Evidence is fresher and easier to gather
• You receive compensation sooner
• Repairs are more likely to be completed quickly
• Your health isn't at risk for longer than necessary

Why Choose Royal Claims for Your Housing Disrepair Case?

When you're dealing with housing disrepair, choosing experienced legal representation makes all the difference. Here's why tenants across the UK trust Royal Claims:

• Specialist Housing Expertise: Our solicitors focus exclusively on housing disrepair claims with extensive knowledge of tenant rights and landlord obligations
• True No Win, No Fee: Genuine Conditional Fee Agreement with no upfront costs and no hidden charges
• Fast Results: We work efficiently to secure repairs and compensation quickly
• Proven Track Record: Thousands of successful claims securing millions in compensation for tenants
• We Get Repairs Done: Our primary goal is ensuring your home is properly repaired, not just securing compensation
• Protection from Eviction: We safeguard your tenancy rights throughout the claims process
• Expert Surveyors: Access to independent housing surveyors who provide detailed property reports
• Personal Service: Direct contact with your dedicated solicitor throughout your claim
• Local Authority Claims: Extensive experience claiming against council landlords as well as private landlords
• Social Housing Specialists: We regularly handle claims for tenants of housing associations and social landlords

Social Housing and Council Tenants

If you're a council tenant or rent from a housing association, you have the same rights to live in a property free from disrepair. Local authority and social housing landlords must meet the same standards as private landlords. In fact, they often have additional obligations under the Housing Act and their own policies.

We have extensive experience making successful claims against:

• Local council housing departments
• Housing associations
• Social housing providers
• Arms-Length Management Organisations (ALMOs)

Don't be intimidated by claiming against a local authority - you have every right to safe, habitable housing regardless of your landlord type.

Frequently Asked Questions