Housing Disrepair – Claim Compensation to Your Landlord
If your council or housing association property has problems our housing disrepair lawyers and solicitors are ready to get you the compensation you deserve.
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Housing Disrepair means if the rented property where you live is in bad condition and it needs to repair, therefore that you live safe and sound. It’s your landlord’s responsibility to provide you with a suitable environment to live in.
We have helped thousands of clients with their council housing disrepair claims. Achieving thousands of pounds in compensation for clients and making houses a home again with high standard repair works. We listen and care about your housing needs and deliver the results you deserve.
We believe in ‘Justice for tenants’. That’s why our panel of solicitors mainly try to fund claims on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis. We monitor our competitors’ success fees and charging rates to offer our clients the right deal for the legal services they need, meaning more money for you.
Can You Get Evicted From the Property for Making a House Disrepair Claim?
Absolutely not, as long as you are still fulfilling your obligations under the tenancy agreement, i.e. keeping up with rent payments. If you keep up payments on your end of the tenancy agreement but your landlord fails to keep up their end of the agreement by not making the necessary repairs then this will significantly strengthen the claim you make.
Can You Get Evicted?
As a tenant, you should report the issue to your landlord straight away. If you have already done this and your landlord has not responded to you or arranged for the repairs within 2-3 months then you are well within your rights to make a claim for housing disrepair.
What Types of Housing Disrepair Can You Claim Compensation for?
Anything that is more than merely cosmetic and it’s hazardous to health. Typical examples are:
Damp and mould problems,
Structural defects,
Problems relating to water and heating, including leaks and boiler problems leading to issues with hot water and heating,
Electrical problems,
Problems with roofs, windows, gutters and drains,
Rodent and pest infestations,
Health issues or injuries arising from this repair or exacerbating a pre-existing condition.
Find Out if You’re Eligible to File a NO WIN, NO FEE Disrepair Claim Today
Do you rent a property with physical defects, such as leaks and mould on the walls and ceilings?
If so, don’t worry. Housing disrepair solicitors are here to assist you with getting the compensation that you deserve. We can help you with all of the below and more on a NO WIN – NO FEE basis.
Compensation for damp & mould
Compensation for leaking ceilings, roofs & tiles
Compensation for electrical safety issues
Compensation for leaks from your heating system
Compensation for rats, vermin & cockroaches
Compensation for loose or rotten windows & doors
Landlords Have a Duty to Keep Your Home in an Adequate State of Repair.
If there are defects that are more than cosmetic then you can expect it to be rectified within a reasonable timeframe which depends on the nature of the disrepair. If this does not happen then you are entitled to make a housing disrepair claim which can include the following:
The cost of rectifying the problem
Additional damages for inconvenience, suffering and discomfort,
Any personal injury that was caused by the disrepair, for example, issues with breathing and skin conditions.
Why SLS Solicitors
SLS solicitors have decades of experience dealing with housing disrepair claims and claimant and defendant litigation work. They are a confident team of lawyers to have on your side.
SLS solicitors have recovered thousands in compensation for their clients. SLS lawyers have a fantastic 5-star google review and are trusted by their clients.
We’re proud to be independent
We’re more than qualified
Specialist solicitors in housing disrepair
We’re easy to talk to
We would never confuse you
We don’t take on too many clients
SLS solicitors, do it right, work well with others and take the lead.
ebony ekwe
2023-01-17
“SLS Solicitors provided thorough assistance in my housing disrepair case and achieved a successful outcome for us. Several law firms, if not many, in a toxic region wouldn’t take on this case. Toxic, as in, unpurposeful and health hazardous until I recollect Justin Bieber’s PURPOSE album. Did my research again, discovered SLS and left it to a responsible team. Not religious fanatics, displaying unity in progress for themselves.
Maryann Anandrajah
2023-01-03
All the staff from beginning to end were friendly, helpful and efficient. I would highly recommend SLS solicitors for housing disrepair to anyone who feels like their landlord are not listening to your housing problems. SLS have resolved and managed to get a settlement agreed within two months from when I contacted them. I was so frustrated with my landlord for the past seven years I have had problems with leaks and damages. They weren’t willing to resolve the ongoing problems until SLS got involved. Now my repair are being dealt with and I received compensation for the stress they caused which I really wasn’t expecting. THANK YOU SLS, Rebecca and the team!! I am encouraging others tenants in my building to contact SLS.
Shadi Shambayati-Ghajar
2022-11-28
Highly highly recommend working with these guys if you’re a tenant that needs representation and/or legal advice. Sheik and his team provided thorough communication and reassurance with my claim- thank you!
Talisha Deans
2022-11-28
Rebecca Barnes has been amazing through the whole process in dealing with my case, even when it was over she was still very helpful in continuously pursing my case
Ruth Swain
2022-11-24
Ashley was very efficient, friendly, gets the job done. Highly recommended
خالد الحميد
2022-11-07
I have found SLS to be utterly professional and they have resolved my issue i want to thank all the members of the SLS team in general, especially Soliciter Rebecca
natisha antionette
2022-10-18
First of all I would like to say how fantastic SLS solicitors are and if you are looking for a solicitor that will have good communication and are reliable i will say look no further!! From the moment I found SLS solicitors on Google i new they was the right company that will help me sort out my housing situation. Rebecca and her colleagues are fantastic and had explain every thing to me step by step and always kept me updated..xx
patrick mahoney
2022-10-14
My experience with SLSSOLICITORS was excellent Mr Eliot Galea and Rebecca Barnes were a very good team to have on my case, again thank you both. Patrick Mahoney
Michaela neale
2022-10-03
Would definitely recommend everything was sorted for me and very quickly very reliable and friendly staff also
Find Out How Much Your House Disrepair Claim is Worth With Our FREE Instant Claim Calculator.
If you are living in social housing and you have been suffering from damp and/or mould in your home that your landlord has failed to address, then yes. You’re likely able to claim for compensation.
Our solicitors can help you assess the issue in your home by sending over an expert before getting started with your claim, to help you get the compensation and repair is needed.
Mould and damp can cause serious illness to adults, children and the elderly. Respiratory conditions are common after regular exposure to mould and damp and we have found that many of our clients have suffered from asthma they developed while they were living in these conditions. Your current conditions can also be a exacerbated and new ones developed:
Trips and falls on poorly maintained stairs and carpets,
Electrocution.
You deserve to live in a safe home that doesn’t cause you or your family any form of illness. So, if you’re suffering from asthma or another condition caused by damp and mould then get in touch. Our housing disrepair team will work together with our respiratory disease specialists to get you the repairs you need as well as get you the compensation for your illness that you deserve.
As per your tenancy agreement, this would be a breach of your tenancy so you must continue to pay rent.
If you do you refuse access to your landlord, this is also a breach of your tenancy agreement. If you have a solicitor instructed, please take further advice as soon as possible.
We collect details of your property and its disrepair over the phone or email and then arrange an appointment with a surveyor to view your property.
The surveyor will make a report of the disrepair – this is a free report and will not cost you anything. We then act for you; we request disclosure from your landlord and serve the agreed disrepair report. We then get the work and force your landlord to complete the schedule of work agreed to a high standard. We also get you the compensation you deserve.
You are entitled to compensation if you suffer from disrepair, notified your landlord about the disrepair and they haven’t fixed the issue in reasonable time or are ignoring you.
We offer free, no-obligation advice to everyone who contacts us a standard. If you’re unsure, you can receive advice over email – just fill in our contact form or send us an email: ######
You also can carry out triage or an inspection of your home. This is a free, no-obligation report of your disrepair.
The compensation value is based on its own merits which take into account:
Type of disrepair,
Length of disrepair,
Notices made,
Inconvenience caused,
Loss of belongings,
Any expenses,
Age of the tenant,
Vulnerable occupants,
Any health issues,
Defendants response/defence,
Litigation risk.
The disrepair which falls into section 11 repairs will need to be carried out by your landlord and we will make sure this is done to a high standard. Prior to this, you will agree a schedule of work to be carried out by the landlord and these will need to be completed within reasonable and agreed timescale.
No, your landlord cannot punish you or evict you for seeking what you’re entitled to. Revenge of action by your landlord will not be accepted by the court.
The Ministry of Justice’s pre-action protocol for housing conditions claims (England) should be followed in all cases.
Once the tenant has issued the letter of claim, the landlord should reply within 20 days of receipt of the letter. The landlord’s response should include whether a single joint expert is agreed or whether the landlord agrees to a joint inspection.
If the landlord does not respond within 20 working days of receipt of the letter of claim or not at all, there is a breach of the protocol and the tenant is then able to issue proceedings against the landlord.
If your landlord refuses to make repairs to your property that they are responsible for then you may be able to make a claim against them.
To be eligible to make a claim you must have informed your landlord about the disrepair, you will need to provide evidence and we can assist you with this process. If your landlord has failed to make a repair within reasonable time limits then you can claim against them.
Housing disrepair claims can be made either during your tenancy or after your tenancy, however, you must make the claim within 6 years of the date that you provided notice to your landlord about the disrepair. Personal injury claims must be made within 3 years of receiving notice. I
t’s important to note that your landlord may not be responsible for repairs including repair faults if they are a result of you either not taking care of the property properly or doing something unreasonable. We currently do not accept private landlord claims, as a rule of thumb if you have used a letting agent or your landlord is an individual we may not be able to assist you.
Unfortunately, damp is a common problem that many tenants experience in their rented homes. Excess moisture in your home can lead to many problems including mould growth, peeling paint, fungal growth, structural problems, musty smells, wet patches and further damage.
If you are experiencing damp problems in your home then your landlord may be responsible for fixing the issue. However, it can be difficult to know whether your landlord is responsible for your damp issue as this depends on the type of damp you have and why it has occurred. These things can be difficult to know without the help of qualified surveyors.
Your landlord is generally responsible for fixing a damp problem if it was caused by a repair problem or if your health and safety is at risk as a result of the damp. Tenants have certain responsibilities when it comes to preventing damp and this can impact whether your landlord is responsible.
Damp problems can occur for a number of reasons including leaking pipes, rising moisture or lack of ventilation. There are several types of damp, the type of damp that you have could impact whether it is your landlord’s responsibility to fix the issue.
We currently specialise in claims against your local council, local authority, social housing & housing associations, unfortunately we cannot accept claims from tenants against private landlords.
The process of making a claim against your landlord is difficult, which is why you will need the help of a legal expert in housing disrepair. If you wish to make a claim then the first thing that you should do is speak with a professional about your situation to find out whether your case meets the criteria for a claim.
Before you can make a claim, you must follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims. The pre-action protocol outlines a number of steps that you must follow before you can make your claim. If you fail to follow these steps then you could face sanctions at a later point during proceedings. The steps include attempting to find an Alternative Dispute Resolution, submitting a letter of claim to your landlord and requesting necessary documents from your landlord.
If your landlord fails to respond you your letter of claim or the response is not satisfactory then you can issue proceedings by applying to the county court.
We know that living with housing disrepair can be a stressful and frustrating experience that can put the health and safety of you and your family at risk, that’s why we are here to support you. Our team of lawyers specialise in housing law and are experts when it comes to dealing with disrepair cases as well as personal injury claims. With their expertise, you can get the help and compensation that you deserve.
Housing disrepair cases are very complex, this is why it is highly recommended that you seek the assistance of a legal professional to help you with your case. As specialist housing disrepair lawyers, we know exactly what it takes to make a successful claim based on the repair issues.
We can do an initial assessment of your case to find out the details and determine whether you are eligible to make a housing disrepair claim. From here we can provide you with reliable legal advice about what your next steps should be. If you decide that you would like to go ahead with your claim then our team will assist you throughout the process, this includes ensuring that you follow the pre-action protocol, submitting your claim, helping you to gather all of the required evidence and representing you at your hearing.
At SLS Solicitors will be there for you throughout the entire process. For more information about the services that we offer, contact our team today on 01616975959
Filing a claim can be a costly process. Depending on the severity of your case you could be entitled to Legal Aid to help you with these costs, however, Legal Aid funding is only available in cases where there is a serious risk to the health and safety of the tenants living in the property.
If Legal Aid is not available then you will need to cover the costs yourself, the cost varies depending on the court route you take. There are three court routes available, they are known as small claims, fast track and multi-track.
If your claim for compensation is under £10,000 then your case could be heard in small claims court. However, if you are seeking an order for repairs to be made then the case can only be heard in small claims if the cost of repair work is under £1000 and the damages are under £1000. If your case is not eligible for small claims then it will usually be allocated to the fast-track court.
If you win your case then your landlord can be ordered to cover your costs for you. Court proceedings & fees can vary from case to case, our lawyers can tell you more about the fees that you will need to pay, call us on 01616975959 to claim today.
It doesn’t matter whether your landlord is the local authority council or a housing association, if they fail to uphold their responsibility of ensuring that you are safe and comfortable in your home then you can sue them because of your poor living conditions which include damages for personal injury and we would generally look to file a personal injury claim at the same time.
We believe that everyone should be able to access reliable and professional assistance with their housing disrepair issues, this is why we work on a no-win, no-fee basis however we can not assist you if you are a private tenant, you still have rights and we would advise you to review the tenant act before you instruct legal action or seek advice from a firm that caters for private tenants with the legal costs covered on a no win no fee basis.
This means that if you lose your case, you won’t be charged legal costs for our services. You won’t need to pay any up-front costs, instead, if your case is successful the payment will simply be deducted from the compensation that you receive. A ‘no win no fee basis, is formally known as a conditional fee agreement. We are regulated by the solicitors regulation authority, we are not middlemen nor are we a claims management company so by working with us directly you will receive the best possible service.
The compensation awarded for housing disrepair claims varies from case to case. Compensation is calculated based on several factors including:
• How much your rent cost weekly • How long (in weeks) the issues have persisted since you informed your landlord • The severity of the disrepair
In some cases, if your property is completely uninhabitable, you could be awarded 100% of the cost of your rent for the duration of time that the issue has persisted, however, this is unusual. Generally, you can expect to receive between 15% to 50% of your rent in compensation and in extreme cases 50%-100%.
It’s important to note that as a tenant you have responsibilities too.
You are expected to make sure that the property remains well-ventilated at all times because good ventilation helps to avoid mould such as black mould in rented property from growing and spreading. If you don’t keep your home aired out enough and mould or damp develops, we wouldn’t be able to help you start a claim against your landlord.
However, if you have been unable to keep your home ventilated as a result of other disrepair issues which aren’t your fault, our surveyor will be able to see that and we could help you make a claim. If the damp or mould is mainly down to how you have treated the property, you may want to try the following:
• Keep your house adequately heated to avoid walls getting too cold • Dry-washing and towels outside when this is possible • Open your bathroom window after showering or taking a bath and ventilate all other areas in the house for at least 15 minutes each day • Keep your kitchen fan on when you are cooking • Keep large appliances and furniture an inch away from the walls to avoid tight spots that could accumulate damp and cause mould without it being noticed • Use mould cleaner to remove any mould immediately if it does occur
Mould and damp issues could well be the result of your landlord’s negligence to fix other problems, such as structural defects. Even if your landlord is at fault, you should try to carry out the above steps. We understand that it might feel irritating to do so because the problem isn’t your fault. However, for your health and safety, it’s a good idea to do what you can.
This simply means your obligation and how you use your home which includes:
• keeping your home reasonably clean • safety checks on electrical appliances you own • keeping gardens or outside areas in a reasonable state • minor maintenance such as changing light bulbs or smoke alarm batteries • Report any repairs to your landlord as soon as possible. • You must allow access to your home at reasonable times if the landlord or someone acting for them wants to inspect the condition of the property.
You only need to maintain your home to a reasonable level. You don’t have to leave it in a better condition than when you moved in.
• fixing appliances or furniture you own • damage caused by you, your family or your guests • any minor repairs set out in your tenancy agreement
You might have to pay for a repair problem you caused, even if your landlord would normally be responsible.
Your landlord could ask you to pay repair costs for things like blocked drains, pipes or toilets if you didn’t take reasonable care to keep them free of blockages.
Your landlord might fix things that you’ve damaged but they can charge for this. You’re not responsible for normal wear and tear in your home.
In all types of disrepair, you will need to allow a ‘reasonable’ amount of time for the landlord to arrange an inspection and implement repairs before you can start a claim. If you feel that the landlord is taking more than a ‘reasonable’ amount of time to act, contact them again by all available means. Always include a formal letter, as it can be legitimately used as evidence in court.
Depending on the severity of disrepair, vulnerability, risk of hazard, and the potential effect on health vulnerability reasonable time could be 1 week to 2 months.
If unsure contact us free for housing disrepair advice on 01616975959
No. Raising disrepair concerns with your landlord is not enough for you to withhold rent outright. Going into arrears could also put you at risk of being evicted.
If you have a viable claim for disrepair compensation, a court will determine whether or not you are owed rent back as compensation – invariably the court does decide that this is the case if you win a housing disrepair claim.
No. Relationships with your landlord can sometimes deteriorate so much that you simply refuse them access into the home. However, this is counterproductive, as not only does it mean they will find it harder to fix the disrepair, but it could also see you evicted for breaking the tenancy agreement.
Always let your landlord or workmen into the property when they have scheduled work or a visit.
No. In order to force your landlord to fix the disrepair, you need to provide full evidence of the fault or issue. If you partially repair the problem, you are weakening your chances of a court finding in your favour.
It also goes without saying that if there is an electrical problem or an issue which requires professional assistance that you should stay clear and not put yourself in any danger.
Conducting major repairs on the property will also be out of the remit of your tenancy agreement. So, as much as you want the repair to fixed, you cannot do it yourself.
No. Living with disrepair is not just “a fact of life”. No one deserves to live in cold, damp unliveable conditions. Getting on with it may seem easier at first, but over time the disrepair could cause severe health issues and potentially damage your belongings.
We recommend raising the disrepair issue as soon as you are aware of it.
You may have disrepair at your house but to get compensated for housing disrepair claim:
• The tenant must have notified the landlord of each disrepair. • The tenant has proof of each complaint made • The tenant followed up on any complaints or returns of disrepair • The tenant has reported health issues linked to disrepair to GP • The disrepair must not have been caused by the tenant’s lifestyle. • The tenant did not refuse access when requested.
The more proof of complaints you can evidence the stronger your case.
When you make disrepair claim the court can order your landlord to carry out the repairs. As well as this, you can also be awarded compensation for several reasons, including:
Damage to belongings – compensation for any belongings that have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the poor condition of the property. You can also claim for damage to belongings that were caused during repairs that your landlord made.
Financial loss – If you have suffered financial loss as a result of your landlord failing to carry out repairs then you can claim for this. Note if you are in rent arrears this will impact your outcome.
Personal injury – If you have been injured as a result of your landlord’s negligence then you could make a personal injury claim. This could include respiratory problems as a result of damp or mould, injuries as a result of slipping or tripping hazards, carbon monoxide poisoning and other types of injuries. We can assist you with medical reports, expert evidence and court action proceedings.
Inconvenience – compensation for inconveniences such as general disruption to your daily life, not being able to use your home or having to wait for repairs to be carried out.
Damp and mould can cause serious health and structural problems in a property. If your landlord is responsible for fixing the issue and they have failed to do so, you may be entitled to compensation.
Document the issue, make a claim to your landlord or the courts, and get our experts advice. Your landlord is responsible for providing a safe and habitable living environment, and compensation may be due if they have failed in this obligation.
If you are a tenant and experiencing leaks in the ceiling, roof or tiles, it is likely that your landlord is responsible for fixing the issue. A leaking roof or ceiling can cause significant damage to a property, including water damage, mould growth, and even structural damage. If your landlord has failed to address the issue and you have suffered loss or damage as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
To claim compensation, you should document the issue, including any damage or loss you have suffered, and take photos or videos to demonstrate the extent of the problem. You can then make a claim to your landlord or the courts.
Living in a property with structural defects can be a serious safety risk. If you are a tenant in social housing and your landlord has neglected to repair such defects, resulting in an unsafe or unhealthy living environment, we are here to assist you.
Our team of housing disrepair specialists can help you claim for the necessary repairs and compensation if your landlord has failed to address the structural defects even after being notified of the issue.
We operate on a no win, no fee basis for all social housing disrepair claims, ensuring that you have access to legal assistance without incurring any upfront costs.
If you are experiencing disrepair issues in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to us to see if we can help.
Under the law, your landlord is responsible for ensuring that your rental property is properly maintained. This includes addressing any pest or vermin infestations that may arise, as these can pose serious health and safety risks.
In some cases, the landlord may be held liable for the infestation if it was caused by a pre-existing disrepair issue, such as a hole in the building that the landlord failed to repair. However, if the vermin were present when you moved into the property, the responsibility may fall on you as the tenant.
It's crucial to report any pest or vermin issues to your landlord as soon as possible and to keep detailed records of all communication regarding the matter. This includes any letters, texts, or emails exchanged between you and your landlord, as well as notes from any phone or in-person conversations. Gathering photographic evidence of the infestation can also strengthen your case.
Remember that as a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable living space, and your landlord is obligated to take action to address any issues that may arise.
As a tenant, you have the right to expect that your landlord will keep the heating and hot water system in good condition. This includes ensuring that the boiler is checked regularly and a gas safety certificate is produced at least once a year.
If you report a fault with the heating or hot water and you are left without either, your landlord is expected to rectify the problem within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few days. Failure to do so could result in you being entitled to compensation for any inconvenience caused by your landlord's failure to comply with their legal obligations.
In addition to claiming compensation for any inconvenience, you may also be able to claim for any additional costs incurred as a result of the disrepair. For example, if you have to spend extra money on heating due to the faulty system, you may be able to claim this back from your landlord.
It is important to remember that as a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities, and your landlord has a legal obligation to ensure that the property is kept in a safe and habitable condition. If you have any concerns about the condition of your heating or hot water system, you should contact your landlord immediately.
Poorly maintained home can cause physical or mental health issue to you and your family. The Disrepair can cause a direct injury, a direct health issue or exacerbate an ongoing condition. A gas leak, water leak, mould, damp, a broken step or a vermin/ mice infestation are all examples of disrepair that can cause health issues to you and your family . If you or members of your family have suffered from any health issues as a direct result of the poor conditions in your home, we want to help you.
You deserve to be happy and healthy in the place that you live, your health is paramount and at times you may not be sure if your health is affected, Our experts can help.
