Is your landlord refusing to do your council housing repairs? Here’s how Disrepair Support can help you
If you’ve reported problems in your home and your landlord isn’t fixing them, you’re not alone. Whether it’s damp, broken heating, leaks, or faulty wiring, disrepair can make your life stressful and unsafe. The good news? As a tenant, you’ve got rights, and you don’t have to put up with being ignored. In this guide, we’ll explain what your landlord is legally responsible for, what steps you can take if they won’t act, and how to make a council housing repairs claim if needed.
Your right to a safe, liveable home
Tenants in the UK have legal rights when it comes to living in a rented property. This includes the right to reside in a home that is safe, secured and well maintained. Landlords, including councils and housing associations are required by law to take care of essential repairs. That includes all council housing repairs needed to maintain basic living standards.
What the law says
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord must keep your home in a good state of repair. That includes:
- Making sure the structure and exterior (e.g., roof, walls, windows) are sound
- Maintaining heating, plumbing, and electrical systems
- Fixing leaks, pest infestations, mould and damp issues
This applies even if your tenancy agreement doesn’t mention it, it’s a legal duty. These responsibilities cover all necessary council housing repairs, and failure to act could mean your landlord is breaching the law.
Health and safety hazards
Your home shouldn’t pose a risk to your health. Issues like mould, faulty wiring, or water damage can seriously affect your wellbeing. If problems like these are left unresolved, it could count as a breach of your landlord’s responsibilities under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). This includes unaddressed council housing repairs that make your living situation unsafe.
Problems landlords often overlook (but shouldn’t)
Some repairs get brushed aside, either because landlords want to avoid the cost, or they’re simply slow to respond. Issues that we commonly see are:
🦠 Damp and mould
Often caused by leaks or poor ventilation, mould can cause serious health related problems, especially if you or someone in your home suffers with asthma or allergies.
❄️ No heating or hot water
Having broken boilers and faulty heating systems can be dangerous during winter, especially if you live with somebody who is vulnerable. Landlords must act quickly when heating or hot water is unavailable.
⚡ Electrical issues
Loose wires, broken sockets, flickering lights, these can all pose serious dangers, and should be sorted without delay.
🚰 Leaks and blocked drains
Whether it’s a leaking roof or water coming in through windows or walls, water damage can quickly spiral if left untreated.
🐀 Pests
Mice, rats, or cockroaches are not just unpleasant, they’re a health hazard. Your landlord is responsible for dealing with infestations as part of essential council housing repairs.
What to do if your landlord isn’t doing repairs
You’ve reported the issue, but nothing’s being done. Here’s how to take the right steps, in the right order.
- Put It in Writing
Make sure your landlord has been formally notified about the repair. A quick phone call might not be enough. Instead, send an email or letter describing:
• What the problem is
• How long it’s been going on
• How it’s affecting you
When you raise these concerns to your landlord, please ensure that you notify them that these council housing repairs are essential. Keeping a copy of this interaction is also important as you may need to use it later as evidence (if your landlord refuses to cooperate).
- Give them a reasonable deadline
Landlords need a fair amount of time to get repairs sorted, but that doesn’t mean waiting forever.
• Emergency repairs (like major leaks or no heating): Within 1-3 days
• Less urgent issues (like minor damage): Usually up to 28 days
If nothing has been done after that, you can escalate your case.
- Collect evidence
Take clear photos or videos of the problem. If your belongings have been damaged or you’ve had health issues, keep a record of that too. And don’t forget to save all emails, texts, or letters you’ve exchanged about the council housing repairs. - Report it to the council
Still no action? You can ask your local council’s housing or environmental health team to inspect your home. If they agree that your landlord is failing to adhere to their legal duties, they can issue a repair notice. These notices often relate to ignored council housing repairs that pose a risk to tenants. - Speak to a housing disrepair specialist
If your landlord continues to do nothing and the problem is affecting your health or safety, it may be time to speak to a legal expert. At Disrepair Support, we work with regulated solicitors who deal with council housing repairs and housing disrepair cases daily. If your case qualifies, they can help you claim compensation and ensure that the landlord will carry out repairs, all on a no win, no fee basis.
Can I make a housing disrepair claim?
Yes, if your landlord has neglected repairs and it’s caused you stress, illness, or inconvenience, you may be entitled to claim.
What you can claim for:
- Pain and suffering, if the disrepair has affected your health
- Damage to belongings, furniture, clothes, or personal items ruined by leaks or mould
- Loss of enjoyment, living without heating or hot water, or being unable to use parts of your home due to unresolved council housing repairs
What you’ll need:
- Evidence of the damage (photos, doctor’s notes, receipts for damaged items)
- Proof that you reported the problem and gave your landlord time to respond
Your solicitor will take care of the legal work, from sending formal letters to negotiating compensation or going to court if needed.
What happens to landlords who ignore repairs?
Landlords who fail to meet their legal responsibilities for council housing repairs can face serious consequences:
- They may be ordered by the court to carry out the repairs
- You may be awarded compensation
- They could be fined by the local authority for neglect
Their reputation may take a hit, making it harder for them to rent out properties in future
Don’t let disrepair continue – we are here to help
Living in a property that’s in poor condition isn’t just frustrating, it’s unacceptable. If you’ve asked your landlord for council housing repairs and nothing’s being done, you don’t have to face it alone.
At Disrepair Support, we help council and housing association tenants take action. We’ll assess your situation for free, and if your case qualifies, connect you with a solicitor who can handle your council housing repairs claim on a no win, no fee basis.
👉 Start your free assessment today and take the first step towards a safer, more comfortable home.