Housing Disrepair Advice
If your landlord has failed to maintain your home — damp, mould, broken heating, structural damage — you have legal rights to claim compensation. Understand those rights and take action.
Covers
All tenancy types
Legal basis
HFHHA 2018
Report cost
£99
Your Legal Rights as a Tenant
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords in England and Wales are legally required to keep the structure, exterior, and essential services of the property in repair throughout the tenancy.
Where they fail to do so after being notified in writing, tenants are entitled to compensation — and in some cases, a court order compelling the repairs. This is a legal right, not a complaint process.
Common Types of Housing Disrepair
Damp & Mould
Rising damp, penetrating damp, and mould caused by structural defects — not condensation from tenant lifestyle.
Heating Failures
Broken boilers, faulty radiators, and inadequate heating systems that leave the property cold and uninhabitable.
Structural Damage
Cracks, subsidence, roof failures, defective windows and doors, and other structural problems.
Plumbing Issues
Leaking pipes, blocked drains, broken toilets, and inadequate hot water supply.
Pest Infestations
Rodent or insect infestations caused by structural defects in the property.
Safety Hazards
Electrical faults, unsafe flooring, broken stairs, and other hazards that put occupants at risk.
How to Build Your Disrepair Claim
Five steps from identifying the problem to securing compensation.
Notify Your Landlord in Writing
Send a written notification — email, text, or letter — describing the problem clearly. Date it. Keep a copy. This starts the legal clock for their obligation to respond.
Document the Disrepair Thoroughly
Date-stamped photographs, written records of health impacts, receipts for damaged belongings, and records of communications with your landlord. The more evidence, the stronger the claim.
Build a Structured Claim Report
A professional claim report organises your evidence, applies the correct legal framework, and produces a document that courts, landlords, and councils can act on. Claim Builder generates this for you.
Send the Formal Pre-Action Letter
Your claim report becomes a formal pre-action letter — sent to the landlord as a final demand for repair and compensation before court proceedings. Many cases resolve at this stage.
Escalate If Necessary
If the landlord still fails to act, file a claim at the local county court. Small claims (under £10,000) are handled without a barrister and are accessible to any tenant.
Free claim check available
Ready to Take Action on Disrepair?
Start with the free claim checker, then build your structured claim report.
Housing Disrepair Advice by City
Find city-specific housing disrepair guidance and resources. View all cities →
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about housing disrepair in the UK
Related Legal Services
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Damp & Mould Claims
Specific guidance on damp and mould disrepair claims.
Property Disrepair Hub
All housing disrepair services and resources.
Homes Fitness Act Guide
Your rights under the HFHHA 2018.
Free Claim Checker
Check your claim strength for free.
Legal Disclaimer
This service provides general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. The information on this page is intended to help tenants understand their rights and take structured action. Every situation is different — if your case involves complex circumstances or you are unsure at any stage, we recommend seeking advice from a qualified solicitor or contacting Citizens Advice (citizensadvice.org.uk) before proceeding.