Housing disrepair
Living in poorly maintained accommodation provided by a council or housing association?
You deserve better.
See if you are eligible to get repairs AND compensation.
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Our specialist housing disrepair service is live. Answer a few quick questions to find out if you have a claim. It takes just minutes and is completely free.
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Recognising housing disrepair: know your rights
If you live in a council or housing association owned property, your landlord has a legal duty to keep your home safe and habitable. If you're experiencing any of these issues, you may be entitled to compensation:
Damp & mould problems
- Black mould on walls or ceilings
- Condensation issues causing health problems
- Musty smells and visible damp patches
- Landlord ignoring ventilation problems
Heating & hot water issues
- No heating during winter months
- Broken boilers left unrepaired
- Radiators not working properly
- No hot water for extended periods
Water damage & leaks
- Leaking roofs causing interior damage
- Burst pipes flooding your home
- Faulty guttering damaging walls
- Windows letting in water
Structural problems
- Cracked walls or unsafe foundations
- Damaged stairs or balconies
- Broken doors or windows
- Unsafe electrical wiring
Pest infestations
- Rats, mice, or insect problems
- Landlord refusing to treat infestations
- Structural damage allowing pests entry
Safety hazards
- Faulty electrical systems
- Gas leaks or unsafe appliances
- Broken smoke detectors
- Dangerous plumbing
What makes your landlord legally responsible
They've been notified of the problem (in writing is best)
Your landlord has had a reasonable time to carry out the repairs. In practice, our panel solicitors generally look for problems that were first reported at least 3 to 7 months ago and have still not been properly fixed.
The issue affects your health, safety, or comfort
You have the right to
Live in a property that's safe and habitable
Have repairs completed within reasonable timeframes
Receive compensation for inconvenience and damage
Take legal action if your landlord fails to act
Claim compensation for your suffering and expenses
Don't let your landlord ignore you.
Many tenants suffer in silence, unaware they can claim compensation. Whether you're in council, housing association or local authority owned accommodation, you have rights that we'll help you enforce.
Important: You don't need to move out or risk your tenancy. We handle everything professionally while protecting your housing situation.
Been dealing with these issues for months or years? The longer you've suffered, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
How the process works
We know it can be stressful living in poor housing conditions, and even more stressful trying to fix it. That's why we've made the process simple and supportive from the start.
You get in touch
Share a few details with us about your housing situation. You can fill out our quick form or reach out in the way that's easiest for you.
We gather information about your potential claim
If step 1 is successful, we gather more information about you and your situation so we get a better understanding of what has happened.
Your case is reviewed
Once we've received your information, it will be carefully reviewed to see if your case meets the criteria for a potential housing disrepair claim.
You're connected with a specialist firm
If your case is suitable, it will be passed on to one of our trusted legal partners, firms who deal with housing disrepair claims every day. They'll handle your case from here and explain exactly what happens next.
We only work with regulated and experienced firms who specialise in this area, so you can feel confident you're in good hands.
The legal process begins
The solicitor will gather the evidence, speak to your landlord and work to get the repairs done and compensation arranged. Most cases are sorted without going to court.
What it costs
We never charge you, and if your case is referred to a solicitor we receive a referral fee from them that is not charged to you. Your solicitor works on a no win, no fee basis. If your claim succeeds, their success fee is 25% of your compensation plus VAT (30% in total), deducted from your award. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. Solicitor fee and cancellation details
Cancellation policy
You can cancel your agreement with us at any time before we pass your case to a solicitor by contacting us in writing, by phone or by email. We will not charge you for cancelling. Once you have signed up with a solicitor, if you cancel after their 14-day cooling-off period, withdraw against their advice, or don't co-operate, you may have to pay costs already incurred, including disbursements and, in some circumstances, your landlord's legal costs. Your solicitor will explain this before you sign.
Alternative Option
You do not need to use a claims management company, and by using a claims management company it does not mean your claim will be dealt with quicker or that you will receive a better service. You can complain to your landlord, then the relevant ombudsman (England: Housing Ombudsman; Wales: Public Services Ombudsman for Wales), for free.
Common questions
Will it cost me anything to make a housing disrepair claim?
We never charge you. If your case is referred to one of our panel solicitors, they work on a no win, no fee basis. If your claim succeeds, their success fee is 25% of your compensation plus VAT (30% in total), deducted from your award. If it is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. Costs may apply if you cancel after the solicitor's 14-day cooling-off period, withdraw against their advice or don't co-operate; your solicitor will explain this before you sign.
Do I have to use a claims management company?
No. You can complain to your landlord, then the Housing Ombudsman (England) or Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, for free. Using a claims management company does not mean your claim will be quicker or get a better outcome.
Could I be evicted for making a claim?
Making a housing disrepair claim is not, on its own, a reason for your landlord to end your tenancy. Keep paying your rent as normal. If you have rent arrears, tell us, as this can affect your claim and your solicitor will advise you.
How long does a claim take?
Once we have everything we need, preparing your file usually takes 1 to 2 weeks. After that, timescales depend on your case and your landlord's response; your solicitor will tell you what to expect. Most cases are settled without going to court.
What happens if my claim is not successful?
You will not pay us anything. Under a no win, no fee agreement you will not pay your solicitor's legal fees either, as long as you have co-operated with them, followed their advice and acted honestly.
How long ago do I need to have reported the problem?
Our panel solicitors generally look for problems first reported to your landlord at least 3 to 7 months ago that have still not been properly fixed. If you reported it more recently, we may suggest giving your landlord more time and using its complaints process first.
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