Housing Disrepair Claim

As a tenant, you have a legal right to live in a home that is safe and free from any issues of disrepair that could cause you or your family harm.

The housing law applies if you:

• Rent privately
• Rent from a housing association
• Rent from a local council/authority

The majority of landlords – whether they be private, council/local authorities or housing associations – are responsible and ensure that their properties are secure, safe and free from disrepair. However, claims against landlords can be made when the landlords are not as responsible, which results in their tenants living in conditions that are dangerous.

If you feel you are living in conditions of disrepair and have already raised the issues with your landlord, you should expect those to be resolved within a reasonable time of you making your complaint. If the landlord has not fixed the problem, you can take legal action in the form of a housing disrepair claim.

What is housing disrepair?

Your home is in a state of disrepair if your landlord has failed to maintain the structure and exterior of the property. Their failure to do so can result in water damage, a defective boiler or structural problems, to name just three examples. Other kinds of housing disrepair include:

• Unstable building
• Damp / mould issues
• Poor ventilation
• No hot water / heating
• Drainage and sanitation issues
• Roof leaks
• Electrical hazards
• Blown (misty) double glazed units