Housing Disrepair Claims

Housing disrepair can create dangerous living conditions that lead to accidents, injuries, and health problems. If you or a loved one has suffered because your landlord failed to carry out necessary repairs, you could be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim for compensation.

Under UK housing legislation, landlords have a legal duty to keep homes safe, secure and habitable. Some of the most common examples of housing disrepair include damp, mould, faulty electrics, gas leaks and structural issues.

If your landlord failed to address such issues and you have suffered harm as a result, we are here to help you claim the compensation you deserve. To get started, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free case assessment or request a call back.

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Table of Contents

• What is housing disrepair?
• Can I claim compensation for housing disrepair?
• How do I make a housing disrepair claim?
• Who is responsible for housing disrepair issues?
• What are landlords legally responsible for?
• What accidents and injuries could housing issues lead to?
• What evidence do I need to make a claim against my landlord?
• What can I claim compensation for?
  • Damage to personal belongings
  • Personal injury
  • General inconvenience
• How much compensation could I receive for personal injuries caused by housing disrepair?
• Could I be evicted if I claim for housing disrepair?
• What is the time limit to make a claim for housing disrepair?
• Do housing disrepair solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis?
• Will I need to go to court to settle a housing disrepair claim?
• How long do claims for disrepair issues take to settle?
• Start your claim today!

What is housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to a rented property that is in an unsafe or unsuitable condition for occupation by a tenant. This can affect the safety, comfort and habitability of your home.

Common examples of housing disrepair include:

• Damp and mould, which can cause respiratory issues or worsen existing health conditions.
• Faulty electrics or gas appliances, which pose a risk for fires or carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Structural issues, such as cracked walls, leaking roofs, or unsafe flooring.
• Plumbing issues, including leaks, blocked drains, or non-functioning toilets and sinks.
• Broken windows, doors or locks, which compromise security.
• Pest infestations, such as rats, mice or insects, caused by poor maintenance.
• Broken heating systems, which can leave you without warmth or hot water.

Housing disrepair can lead to physical injuries, mental distress, and damage to your belongings. If you reported a housing issue to your landlord and they have failed to carry out repairs within a reasonable period of time, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Can I claim compensation for housing disrepair?

The eligibility criteria for housing disrepair compensation claims include:

• You have rented your home from a housing association, council or private landlord.
• You reported the problem to your landlord, and they failed to address it within a reasonable time.
• The disrepair caused damage to your belongings, physical injuries, health problems or significant emotional distress.
• You are within the legal time limit for starting a claim (which can be three or six years, depending on the type of claim you want to make).

The easiest way to find out if you may be able to claim against your landlord is through a free case assessment with a specialist personal injury solicitor.

How do I make a housing disrepair claim?

There are several steps you should take before you file a housing disrepair claim against your landlord, according to the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims. The key steps include:

• Formally notify your landlord of the issue, in writing, and give them a chance to fix it.
• Keep all copies of correspondence with them, including texts, letters or emails.
• Take photos of the disrepair, the damage to your belongings and any injuries you have suffered, documenting everything in as much detail as possible.
• Gather medical evidence, such as reports from your GP or medical specialists and the treatments you received.
• If your landlord does not fix the problem, consider escalating the complaint to the Housing Ombudsman.
• Get in touch with a specialist housing disrepair solicitor and explain your position.
• They will send a letter of claim to the defendant, including details of the defect, the damages incurred and the compensation you seek.
• Wait for the landlord’s response, which should typically be given within 20 working days of receipt.
• Attempt to find an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), such as negotiations, mediation or the right to repair scheme.
• If the defendant fails to cooperate or you cannot settle, your solicitor will issue court proceedings and prepare to take your case to court.

Who is responsible for housing disrepair issues?

In most cases, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring it is fit for human habitation. This duty is set out in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and reinforced by the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

The landlord could be a housing association, the local council or a private individual or company. Regardless of who your landlord is, they must comply with UK housing law and ensure your property is safe to live in. Their responsibilities are detailed in the section below.

Tenants also have some responsibilities, including:

• Take reasonable care of the property.
• Report any issues and hazards promptly.
• Repair the damage caused by their misuse, neglect or deliberate actions.

In some cases, a third party, such as a contractor or construction firm, may share liability if their negligence caused or worsened the disrepair.

What are landlords legally responsible for?

A landlord’s duties include, but are not limited to, ensuring that:

• The property, including the walls, doors, gutters, floors and windows, is kept in good repair and is structurally sound.
• Water, gas, electricity, heating, and sanitary systems are adequately maintained and safe to use.
• All electrical wiring and installations are safe and checked at least every five years by a qualified professional.
• The home meets fire safety standards and has smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed.
• The property is free from damp and mould and has adequate ventilation.
• Gas appliances are inspected annually, and a valid Gas Safety Certificate is provided to tenants.
• They carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe once they have been notified of the disrepair.
• Take reasonable steps to keep the property free from pests and vermin infestations.

What accidents and injuries could housing issues lead to?

A house that is in disrepair or poor condition can put tenants at risk of serious injuries and illnesses, and could lead to:

• Respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis and chest infections.
• Slip, trip and fall accidents, which can cause soft tissue injuries, broken bones and head injuries.
• Electrical accidents from faulty wiring, broken sockets, or exposed cables, which can cause burns and electrocution.
• Gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning from faulty appliances or a lack of detectors.
• Infections and skin problems, including bed bug bites and eczema.
• Emotional distress and mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
• Injuries from collapsing structures or falling objects, such as unstable shelves or fixtures.
• Exposure to harmful substances such as lead, asbestos and other contaminants.

If your landlord did not take the necessary steps to keep you safe from harm, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim against them.

What evidence do I need to make a claim against my landlord?

You will need strong evidence to file a claim against your landlord and secure compensation from them. This must prove that your landlord was aware of the problem and failed to carry out the necessary repairs.

You must also be able to prove that you suffered harm, inconvenience, or financial losses as a result. The evidence you could use includes:

• Clear, dated photos or videos of the disrepair and the damage it has caused.
• Photos of any visible injuries you suffered as a result and your recovery process.
• Copies of all communication with your landlord and their responses.
• Copies of formal reports made to the Housing Ombudsman.
• Medical evidence proving your injury or illness and linking it to the poor housing conditions.
• Medical records showing the treatments you received and your prognosis.
• Reports from independent specialists assessing the extent of the disrepair and the potential health and safety risks.
• Statements from anyone aware of the disrepair and how it has caused you harm and losses.
• The tenancy agreement outlining your landlord’s responsibilities.
• Evidence of losses and expenses incurred because of the disrepair.

What can I claim compensation for?

If your landlord has failed to carry out the repairs you asked of them within a reasonable amount of time and this has caused you harm or loss, you may be entitled to compensation.

A housing disrepair compensation claim could include:

Damage to personal belongings

If your possessions have been damaged due to disrepair, you can claim the cost of repair or replacement. This might include:

• Furniture, rugs, and curtains ruined by damp or leaks.
• Clothing or bedding damaged by mould.
• Electronics or appliances affected by water damage.

Personal injury

You can claim compensation for any injury or illness caused by poor housing conditions, such as:

• Respiratory illnesses from damp and mould.
• Injuries from falls, being hit by falling objects or electrocution.
• Stress, anxiety and other psychological harm linked to poor living conditions.

This includes any financial losses and expenses incurred as a result of your injury.

General inconvenience

Living in unsafe or uncomfortable conditions can affect your quality of life. You may also be compensated for:

• The general disruption to your daily life caused by the ongoing disrepair.
• General distress and loss of enjoyment.
• Inability to use certain rooms, facilities or your entire home.

How much compensation could I receive for personal injuries caused by housing disrepair?

The compensation that is awarded for a personal injury suffered due to living with housing disrepair is based on two types of damages:

• General damages aim to cover the subjective impact of the injury, including pain, suffering and loss of amenity.
• Special damages compensate you for all the related financial losses and expenses, including medical bills, loss of earnings and care costs.

According to the Judicial College Guidelines and our injury compensation calculator, you could receive:

• £16,380 to £22,440 for bronchitis with no long-term effects.
• £22,440 to £36,700 for chronic asthma and breathing difficulties.
• £19,930 to £77,580 for bed bug bites that cause long-term irritation and scarring.
• £224,800 to £322,060 for severe brain injuries caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
• £7,830 to £22,730 for burns leaving moderate scarring to body parts other than the face.
• £7,780 to £12,010 for minor leg injuries with full recovery within a few months.

Could I be evicted if I claim for housing disrepair?

Many tenants worry that bringing a claim against their landlord will result in eviction. However, it would be illegal for them to evict you simply because you’ve made a lawful housing disrepair claim.

This type of retaliatory eviction is prohibited under UK housing law. Specifically, the Deregulation Act 2015 and the Housing Act 1988 provide protection for tenants who raise genuine repair or safety concerns.

However, you may be at risk of eviction, regardless of your claim, if you are behind on rent or have breached your tenancy agreement in any way.

If you are threatened with eviction, keep all correspondence, such as letters and emails, as evidence and contact a solicitor for legal advice. Such action may render your landlord liable to pay additional compensation.

What is the time limit to make a claim for housing disrepair?

There is a general six-year time limit to make a claim for property damage or inconvenience. However, you have only three years if the case involves a personal injury.

While this may seem like a long time, we advise you to act as soon as possible after the issue has arisen. This will make it easier to gather evidence, and your solicitor will be able to build a stronger case on your behalf.

There are a few exceptions to the limitation date, mainly for claims involving children and individuals who are mentally incapacitated. You can find more information about these here: How long do I have to start a personal injury claim?

Do housing disrepair solicitors work on a No Win No Fee basis?

Yes, the housing disrepair claims solicitors that we partner with will offer you a 100% no win no fee service if you are eligible to make a claim. This means you don’t pay any legal costs upfront, and there is no financial risk if you lose the claim.

You only pay your solicitor if the claim is successful. If you win compensation, they will deduct a success fee capped at 25% of your general damages and past financial losses. This covers the risk they took by offering you this agreement.

Will I need to go to court to settle a housing disrepair claim?

Most housing disrepair cases are settled out of court through negotiation. However, if your landlord refuses to cooperate or disputes liability, your solicitor may issue court proceedings.

This does not automatically mean that your claim will go to trial. Even so, most cases (over 96% of them) are resolved before the final hearing. This is mainly used to put pressure on the defendant to try to settle, as a court trial is more expensive, stressful and time-consuming.

Read more: How many personal injury claims go to court?

How long do claims for disrepair issues take to settle?

The time it takes to settle a claim for housing disrepair depends on several factors, including:

• The complexity of the case.
• The type and severity of your injuries.
• The severity of the disrepair.
• The defendant’s willingness to negotiate.
• The strength of evidence.

Simple claims where liability is admitted from the beginning may settle within six months. On the other hand, cases involving serious injuries, liability disputes or complex legal issues can take 12 to 18 months or longer to resolve.

You can read more about this here: How long does a personal injury take to resolve?

Start your claim today!

If your landlord has failed to maintain your property and you suffered a personal injury or illness, contact our team for free legal advice.

One of our experienced solicitors will offer you a free consultation to discuss your case, with no obligation to proceed. If you can and you choose to start a claim, your solicitor will:

• Provide you with a conditional fee agreement (no win no fee).
• Help you gather supporting evidence and build your case.
• Arrange for a free medical exam to assess the full extent of the harm you suffered.
• Handle all communication with the defendant on your behalf.
• Keep you updated at every step of the claims process.
• Negotiate the maximum compensation possible for your housing claim.

To get started, call 0800 470 0474 today or use our online contact form to request a call back.

Last edited on 21st Oct 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.