How to Deal with Landlords Who Ignore Housing Disrepair Issues in the UK

Thousands of UK tenants live in rented homes that are in a poor and often hazardous state of repair. Mould-covered walls, leaking roofs, broken boilers, and unsafe electrics are unfortunately common in many council or housing association properties. If your landlord is ignoring your requests for essential repairs, it's important to know that legal help is available.

The Housing Disrepair Team provides expert legal support to tenants dealing with unaddressed housing issues. They help renters fight for proper living conditions and obtain financial compensation when landlords fail to meet their legal duties.

What Counts as Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair covers any damage or fault in a rented home that has not been repaired within a reasonable time. Common issues that qualify include:

• Damp and mould on ceilings or walls

• Leaking roofs, windows, or internal plumbing

• Non-functional heating systems

• Rodent or insect infestations

• Broken locks, doors, or windows

• Electrical hazards

• Crumbling brickwork or unstable floors

Even if the problem seems minor, it could become more serious over time—and your landlord has a duty to act.

Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities

UK law places a clear responsibility on landlords to ensure their properties remain in a safe, habitable condition. According to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must:

• Maintain the structure and exterior of the property

• Keep plumbing, heating, and electrics in good working order

• Repair damage or defects once reported

• Ensure the property is free from health risks and hazards

This applies to both private and social housing landlords, including local councils and housing associations.

The Impact on Tenants

Living with disrepair isn’t just a nuisance—it can severely impact your life. Tenants often experience:

• Health problems such as asthma, allergies, and infections due to mould or pests

• Stress and anxiety, especially when dealing with unresponsive landlords

• Damage to personal belongings such as furniture, clothes, or electronics

• Financial loss due to temporary relocation, higher heating bills, or replacing damaged items

In extreme cases, the disrepair can render a home completely uninhabitable.

When Can You Make a Claim?

You may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim if:

• You have reported the issue to your landlord in writing

• The landlord has failed to make necessary repairs within a reasonable time

• You’ve suffered inconvenience, financial loss, or health issues as a result

• You can provide evidence of the problem and its impact

Even if you’ve been living with the problem for months or years, it’s still worth pursuing legal advice.

What Can You Claim?

A successful claim can include:

• Repair Orders: Forcing your landlord to carry out proper repairs

• Compensation: For pain, suffering, inconvenience, or financial loss

• Reimbursement: For out-of-pocket expenses like extra heating costs or temporary accommodation

• Damage Payments: If your belongings have been harmed by the disrepair

The amount varies, but many tenants receive between 25% and 50% of their annual rent as compensation, depending on how long the issue was unresolved.

How to Start the Process

Step 1: Report the Problem
Write to your landlord or housing provider. Keep a copy of all communication.

Step 2: Collect Evidence
Take photos or videos of the damage. Save any relevant receipts, medical records, or correspondence.

Step 3: Seek Legal Advice
Contact the Housing Disrepair Team for a free assessment. They’ll review your situation and explain your options.

Step 4: Begin Your Claim
If eligible, your solicitor will issue a formal notice to your landlord and initiate a legal claim if needed.

Why Choose the Housing Disrepair Team?

The Housing Disrepair Team has a proven track record of helping tenants in social housing claim what they’re legally owed. Their benefits include:

• No-win, no-fee service

• Specialised housing solicitors

• Quick action and effective legal support

• Supportive and transparent communication throughout

• Experience with local councils and housing associations

They manage everything on your behalf—so you don’t have to face your landlord alone.

Real Case Study

Dean, a tenant in Manchester, reported a severe leak in his bedroom ceiling to his housing association. Months went by with no response, and his mattress and clothing were ruined by mould and water damage. The Housing Disrepair Team helped him secure £5,700 in compensation, and the housing provider was legally forced to complete all repairs within 21 days.

Tips for Tenants Living in Disrepair

• Always report problems in writing—emails or letters, not just phone calls

• Follow up regularly if there is no response

• Photograph everything, especially if it gets worse over time

• Keep receipts for anything you've had to replace due to the disrepair

• Contact legal experts early, rather than waiting months or years

Acting quickly strengthens your case and increases the likelihood of getting repairs done faster.

Final Thoughts

You have a legal right to live in a property that is safe, secure, and in good repair. If your landlord is failing in their responsibilities, you don’t have to suffer in silence.

The Housing Disrepair Team is here to support you from the moment you get in touch. With expert knowledge of housing laws and a strong focus on tenant protection, they will help you get both the repairs and the justice you deserve.