Is your landlord not repairing the property or ignoring repairs?
If your landlord is not repairing your house or simply ignoring repeated repair requests, you don’t need to tolerate this any longer. Every tenant in the UK has the legal right to live in a home that is safe and well maintained. If you feel like your landlord is ignoring disrepair issues, we can help you take action.
At Disrepair Support, based in Manchester, we help tenants across the UK hold landlords accountable. This guide will walk you through practical steps you can take when your landlord is ignoring repairs and how a qualified housing disrepair solicitor can help you claim what you’re owed.
Your legal rights as a tenant
As a tenant, you have a legal right to live in housing that is safe and habitable. UK legislation also states that it is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that these standards are met. This includes:
- Fixing leaks, damp, or mould
- Maintaining heating and hot water systems
- Repairing unsafe electrics
- Addressing pest infestations caused by disrepair
These responsibilities are reinforced by the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which obligates landlords to maintain the structure, exterior, and key installations in a property, including gas, water, and heating systems. If your landlord is not repairing the house, particularly when the disrepair is structural or affects your quality of life, legal action may be justified.
If your landlord is not repairing the house despite being notified, they could be in breach of their legal responsibilities under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. A housing disrepair solicitor can help you understand whether your landlord’s inaction qualifies for legal intervention and compensation. If you feel like any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth getting in touch with us to see where you stand.
Signs your landlord is ignoring repairs
If your landlord is not repairing the house, it’s important to recognise the warning signs early. If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, your landlord may be ignoring you:
1. You’ve reported it but nothing happens
You’ve emailed, called, or messaged multiple times and received little to no response. This is a clear sign your landlord is ignoring repairs.
2. Empty promises
They say, “We’ll get it sorted,” but no one shows up and nothing gets fixed. If your landlord is not repairing your house and there are delays without updates, this show a lack of intent to resolve the problem. This is most likely an indication that your landlord is ignoring repairs.
3. Quick fixes that fail
If temporary repairs are made but the issue keeps coming back, like mould returning after being painted over your landlord is not repairing the house. They are ignoring your legal rights.
4. Blaming you
Landlords often blame tenants for disrepair, especially for mould to avoid fixing underlying issues. However, if the issue stems from damp or structural faults, the responsibility falls on the landlord
5. Unsafe living conditions continue
If your health or safety is at risk and your landlord still hasn’t acted, they’re in breach of the law.
Before getting in touch with a housing disrepair solicitor, you should try and work with your landlord and give them reasonable time to get the repairs fixed. If your landlord is not repairing the house, and continues to ignore the repairs, please get in touch with Disrepair Support and we can advise you on the next steps.
Step-by-step: What to do when your landlord refuses to fix urgent problems
Step 1: Record everything
Start by documenting the problem. Take clear, dated photos and videos. Log every conversation and report made to your landlord. This paper trail will be vital if things progress to a later stage.
Step 2: Make a formal complaint
Write to your landlord or managing agent. Clearly describe the issue and how it’s affecting your living conditions. Set a clear deadline for response, typically 14 days for non-urgent problems, less for anything that poses a health risk.
Step 3: Contact a housing disrepair solicitor
If your landlord continues to ignore you, it’s time to get legal support. A housing disrepair solicitor can review your case, explain your rights, and help you make a formal claim to force repairs and secure compensation. If we believe you have a case to make, we will put you in touch with a housing disrepair solicitor who will be able to help you.
How a housing disrepair solicitor can help
At Disrepair Support, we specialise in helping tenants whose landlords are not repairing their houses. Here’s what we do:
- Evaluate the condition of your property
- Establish whether your landlord is in breach of their legal duties
- Guide you through filing a claim
- Help secure financial compensation if you’ve suffered due to disrepair
A housing disrepair solicitor ensures you’re not facing these problems alone. We know how to push back when landlords are not repairing your house, or they are ignoring repairs after you have reported them.
What you might be able to claim
If your landlord is not repairing the house or your landlord is ignoring repairs and it’s impacting your health, finances, or ability to use parts of your home, you may be entitled to compensation. Examples include:
- Mould-related health issues
- Damaged belongings from damp or leaks
- Stress and inconvenience from living in unsafe conditions
A housing disrepair solicitor will calculate the value of your claim based on how long the issue has been ignored and how it has affected you. Please contact us today and we will talk you through it and provide you with more information.
Common disrepair issues we see
You’re not alone. Some of the most common repair issues that lead to claims include:
- Mould and damp that won’t go away
- Faulty heating systems
- Unsafe stairs or loose flooring
- Persistent leaks from plumbing or roofing
- Rodent infestations due to structural defects
If your landlord is not repairing your house, or if they are ignoring repairs entirely, we can review your case and put you through to a housing disrepair solicitor.
Based in Manchester, serving tenants across the UK
Disrepair Support is proud to support tenants who live in social housing in both Manchester and across the UK. You deserve a safe place to live. If your landlord is not repairing the house, we’re here to make sure you get the support and the results you need. We can put you through to a housing disrepair solicitor who will help you stand up for your legal rights.
Ready to take action?
You shouldn’t have to chase your landlord just to get basic repairs done. If your landlord is ignoring repairs or is simply not repairing your house, let us help. Our team is ready to connect you with an experienced housing disrepair solicitor who can help you start your claim.
Frequently asked questions
When should I seek help from a housing disrepair solicitor?
If you’ve reported the issue and nothing has been done within 14–28 days, it’s usually time to speak with a housing disrepair solicitor.
If my landlord is ignoring repairs or if my landlord is not repairing my house, can I receive compensation for health issues which have been caused by this?
Yes. If mould, damp, or other hazards have made you ill, this could strengthen your claim.
What if I can’t afford a solicitor?
Many disrepair claims are handled on a no-win, no-fee basis. Contact us to learn your options.
If my landlord is refusing or ignoring repairs, do I need to move out of my home before I can start a disrepair claim?
No. You can claim while still living in the property and you absolutely should if the situation is impacting your health or safety.
If your landlord is not repairing the house or continuously ignoring repairs, don’t wait. Legal help is available. At Disrepair Support, we’re here to help you take control of the situation and secure the home you’re entitled to live in. Once we’ve reviewed the details, a housing disrepair solicitor will be there to advise and support you from start to finish.