Understanding the housing disrepair claims process: What tenants need to know
Do you feel like your living conditions are deteriorating? When your home is suffering from damp, mould, leaks or faulty electrics, it’s not just inconvenient, it can feel distressing. And this problem is only exacerbated by your landlord’s reluctance to resolve the issue.
When you notify your landlord about housing defects in your rental property, your concerns should not be ignored. As a tenant, you have legal rights. We can put you in touch with housing disrepair solicitors who will guide you through the housing disrepair claims process and take action to ensure that your landlord is held accountable and reminded of their legal duties. You don’t have to put up with poor housing conditions that are impacting your quality of life, we are here to help.
What actually counts as “Disrepair”?
If you’ve got issues in your rented home that are making the property unsafe, unhealthy or unpleasant to live in, and your landlord’s not dealing with it, then that would constitute housing disrepair.
Some common disrepair problems:
- Leaky roofs and ceilings
- Damp and mould
- Plumbing problems, such as blocked drains or toilets.
- Faulty electrics
- Pest infestations
- Cracks or damage to the structure of the property
If you’ve raised any of these issues to your landlord and they have chosen to ignore you, it may be time to consider entering a housing disrepair claims process where you will be guided through the process by an expert who can give you a solution.
Do I really need a solicitor?
If you find yourself in a situation where housing disrepair is affecting your quality of life, and your landlord is persistently failing to address these issues, then it may be worth getting a solicitor.
A solicitor can help you get the situation resolved.
Here is what a solicitor will do for you:
- Talk you through your rights, because most tenants don’t realise the level of protection they have under the law.
- Look at your case and advise you if you’ve got a claim.
- Raise the issue to your landlord on your behalf
- Issue a legal notice to your landlord via a letter
- Attempt to reach a settlement without having to escalate it to court. Most of the time, cases will be settled reasonably quickly.
- If your landlord still won’t cooperate, your solicitor will represent you in court and put forward a legal case
If your landlord is refusing to address your defects to the property, a housing disrepair claims process provides tenants with a viable route of getting justice. It’s time to take control and have your legal rights respected.
When should you get legal help?
There is no specific time you should get legal help. When or if you choose to get legal help is down to you. However, we advise that the moment you start feeling frustrated, fed up or you are losing sleep because of your living conditions is probably a clear indication that it’s time to consider contacting a solicitor.
This could include when:
- You’ve reported the problem and been ignored.
- The issue is affecting your health or safety.
- You want compensation
- You’ve lost money replacing damaged stuff.
- You’re feeling stressed out, anxious or just plain fed up.
If you’re ticking any of these boxes, the housing disrepair claims process might be the right path to start exploring.
What will a solicitor actually do?
Please do not feel worried or overwhelmed by the idea of being paired with a solicitor. The process is simple and stress free. Here’s how the housing disrepair claims process usually works:
- Chat About What’s Going On
They’ll ask what’s happening, look at your messages or emails to the landlord, maybe some photos, and help figure out the next step. - Collect the Right Evidence
Sometimes that means a report from a surveyor. If your health’s been affected, maybe documentation from your GP. - Send a Formal Letter
This isn’t just a complaint, it’s a legal letter that says what the issues are, what needs fixing, and how much compensation is being claimed. - Try to Settle Things Early
No one really wants to go to court. Most of the time, the landlord sorts it once the solicitor gets involved. - Go Legal if They Have To
If your landlord still won’t act, the solicitor can take legal action. If your evidence is solid, you’re in a strong position.
The goal of the housing disrepair claims process is to get things fixed and get you what you’re owed, without dragging it out.
What we do at Disrepair Support
We’re not solicitors ourselves, but we work alongside firms that have a thorough understanding of the housing disrepair claims process. Our job is to help tenants get the ball rolling, and match them with solicitors who can take things from there.
Here’s what we offer:
- Free case check. No pressure. Just honest advice on whether you’ve got a case or not.
- If your case is unsuccessful or invalid, there will be no cost.
- Support all the way. We’ll help you collect the right info, speak to the right people, and make sure nothing gets missed.
These are the issues we see most often
You’re not alone. These are the kinds of problems tenants routinely approach us with:
- Damp and mould. It ruins clothes, furniture, and your lungs.
- Leaks. They usually start small and then get worse and worse.
- Broken heating or hot water. Especially dangerous and unpleasant in winter.
- Faulty or unsafe electrics
- Rodents and pests
- Cracks, broken ceilings or wobbly floors
Each of these could be valid grounds to begin the housing disrepair claims process and seek support.
Thinking about getting help?
If you feel that you are continually being ignored by your landlord, might be time to stop asking and start taking action. Your home should be a place of comfort, not an environment where you feel distressed.
If your landlord’s failing to keep up their side of the deal, we can help connect you with someone w
📞 Drop us a quick message or give us a ring, we’ll listen to what’s been going on and let you know what your options are, and guide you through the housing disrepair claims process.