Understanding Your Rights as a Tenant: What to Do About Housing Disrepair

Many tenants across the UK are forced to live in homes that are in poor condition. From leaking pipes to pest infestations, these issues can have serious effects on health, safety, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, UK laws protect tenants from such conditions—and if your landlord fails to make repairs, you may be entitled to legal action and compensation.

If you are experiencing housing disrepair, the Housing Disrepair Team can help you understand your rights and take the necessary steps to resolve the issue. We specialise in supporting tenants who are struggling with landlords that fail to fulfil their repair responsibilities.

What Is Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to any damage or fault in a rented property that makes it unsafe, unfit to live in, or affects your ability to live comfortably. Some of the most common issues include:

• Damp and mould
• Pest infestations
• Leaky roofs or water damage
• Broken windows and doors
• Faulty plumbing
• Heating or hot water system failures
• Structural defects

If these problems are left unresolved, they can impact your physical health, cause damage to your belongings, and make your daily life unnecessarily stressful.

Your Landlord’s Legal Obligations

Under UK law, landlords are required to ensure that the property they rent out is in good repair and fit for human habitation. This includes:

• Keeping the structure and exterior of the building in repair (e.g., walls, roof, windows, gutters)
• Maintaining heating and water systems
• Ensuring proper sanitation (toilets, sinks, drains)
• Preventing hazards such as damp, mould, and infestations

These responsibilities are outlined in key legal documents such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

If your landlord is aware of a problem but fails to fix it within a reasonable time, they are in breach of their duty, and you may have grounds to take legal action.

How to Report a Disrepair Issue

When you first notice a problem in your rented property, follow these steps:

1. Report it in writing – Email or send a letter to your landlord describing the issue clearly.
2. Keep records – Document the problem with photos, videos, and dates of correspondence.
3. Allow access – Give your landlord or their contractors reasonable access to inspect and repair the issue.

If they do not respond or fail to take appropriate action within a reasonable time, it's time to seek legal support.

How We Help at Housing Disrepair Team

At Housing Disrepair Team, we work with tenants across the UK who are dealing with unacceptable housing conditions. Our goal is to ensure your landlord is held accountable and that you receive the repairs—and compensation—you deserve.

We provide:

• Free case assessments
• Legal support on a no-win, no-fee basis
• Help obtaining expert reports on your home’s condition
• Support through the legal claims process

Many tenants suffer in silence, not knowing they have the legal right to demand safe and livable housing. We're here to make sure you’re not one of them.

Compensation for Housing Disrepair

You may be eligible to claim compensation if housing disrepair has:

• Affected your physical or mental health
• Damaged your belongings (e.g., mould-damaged clothing, furniture)
• Forced you to spend extra money (e.g., higher heating bills, temporary accommodation)
• Caused inconvenience or distress

The amount you can claim depends on how severe the disrepair is, how long it has lasted, and the impact on your daily life.

Common Disrepair Problems We Handle

Here are some common cases we successfully handle for tenants:

• Damp and mould – Often due to leaks or poor ventilation; can cause asthma, allergies, and other health issues.
• Water leaks and damage – Can cause structural problems and damage to flooring and furniture.
• Broken heating systems – Particularly dangerous in winter and affects your right to live in warmth.
• Pest infestations – Rats, mice, or cockroaches not only damage property but pose serious health hazards.
• Unsafe windows and doors – Broken locks or fittings can compromise your safety and security.

If any of these apply to your home, reach out to us for a consultation.

What if You're a Council or Housing Association Tenant?

Tenants of local councils or housing associations have the same rights as those renting from private landlords. If your landlord fails to make repairs after being informed of the issue, you have the right to take legal action.

We regularly assist social housing tenants whose complaints have been ignored for months—or even years. With our help, many have secured both repairs and substantial compensation.

Timeframes for Repairs

There is no fixed time period in which a landlord must act, but “reasonable time” usually depends on the severity of the issue:

• Emergency repairs (like no heating or water) should be addressed within 24-48 hours.
• Urgent repairs (like leaks or electrical faults) generally within a week.
• Non-urgent repairs may be expected within 2-4 weeks.

Failure to repair within these windows, especially after multiple complaints, gives you strong legal grounds for compensation.

Don’t Let Landlords Ignore You

Too often, tenants believe they must simply “put up with it.” But the law is on your side. If your landlord continues to ignore your concerns, it’s essential to escalate the matter legally. That’s where the Housing Disrepair Team comes in.

We make the process simple and stress-free:

• No upfront costs
• We handle all legal documentation
• Fast-track assessments and expert inspections
• Strong legal representation

You don’t have to suffer in silence—let us help you assert your rights.

Conclusion

Housing disrepair is a serious issue that no tenant should have to tolerate. Whether you’re dealing with damp, pests, or broken systems, you are entitled to live in a safe, well-maintained home. If your landlord is failing in their duties, the Housing Disrepair Team is here to help you claim the repairs and compensation you’re owed.

Reach out today to find out if you qualify—and take the first step toward a better home and peace of mind.