Housing Disrepair Solicitor – Do You Need One for Your Claim?

Housing Disrepair Solicitor
16
Feb

A housing disrepair solicitor helps tenants take legal action when landlords fail to fix unsafe or unhealthy living conditions. 

If your landlord has ignored complaints about damp, mould, leaks, structural damage, heating issues, or electrical faults, a solicitor can help you force repairs and claim compensation.

If you are dealing with damp or mould issues, specialist legal guidance can help. Our

Housing Solicitors – Expert Legal Help for Housing Disrepair & Damp Claims

support tenants in enforcing repairs and claiming compensation when landlords fail to act.

Across the UK – especially in areas like housing disrepair in London — tenants are increasingly taking legal action when landlords breach their legal obligations under housing law.

What Is a Housing Disrepair Solicitor?

A housing disrepair solicitor is a legal professional specializing in tenant rights and housing law. They represent tenants living in rented properties (council, housing association, or private rentals) where landlords have failed to carry out necessary repairs.

They help tenants to:

  • Prove landlord liability
  • Enforce urgent repair works
  • Secure court repair orders
  • Claim financial compensation
  • Protect tenants from eviction or retaliation
  • Negotiate settlements outside court

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords have a legal duty to maintain the structure and exterior of the property and ensure it is safe and fit for habitation.

When Should You Contact a Housing Disrepair Solicitor?

You should seek legal advice if:

  • Repairs have been delayed for months
  • Damp or mould is affecting your health
  • There are leaks, electrical faults, or heating failures
  • Children, elderly residents, or vulnerable individuals are at risk
  • The landlord has ignored written complaints
  • Temporary fixes keep failing
  • You are being threatened with eviction after complaining

Early legal intervention often results in faster repairs and stronger compensation claims.

Common Housing Disrepair Issues

A specialist solicitor frequently handles claims involving:

These issues can affect both property condition and tenant health.

What Evidence Does a Housing Disrepair Solicitor Need?

Strong evidence improves the success of your claim. Your solicitor may request:

  • Photographs and videos of damage
  • Copies of complaints sent to your landlord
  • Repair request records
  • Inspection reports
  • Medical records (if health is affected)
  • Proof of increased utility costs
  • Witness statements

The more documentation you provide, the stronger your case becomes.

No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair Claims

Most housing disrepair solicitors operate on a No Win, No Fee basis.

This means:

  • No upfront legal costs
  • No payment if your claim fails
  • Fees only deducted if compensation is awarded
  • Reduced financial risk for tenants

This arrangement makes legal action accessible for tenants who may already be facing financial pressure.

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation depends on the severity and duration of disrepair. A housing disrepair solicitor may help you claim for:

  • Damp and mould compensation
  • Health-related damages (respiratory issues, skin conditions)
  • Emotional distress and inconvenience
  • Damage to personal belongings
  • Rent refunds for uninhabitable conditions
  • Increased energy bills

Compensation is typically calculated based on the percentage of rent paid during the disrepair period.

You can estimate potential damages using our damp compensation calculator.

Housing Disrepair Claims in London

Housing disrepair in London is particularly common due to:

  • Ageing housing stock
  • High-density living
  • Delayed council repairs
  • Housing association backlogs

London tenants frequently experience prolonged delays, making legal intervention necessary to secure action.

Why Choose Specialist Housing Disrepair Solicitors?

Housing law is complex. A specialist solicitor understands:

  • Pre-action housing disrepair protocols
  • Court procedures
  • Evidence requirements
  • Landlord defence tactics
  • Settlement negotiation strategies

Specialist legal support increases the likelihood of:

  • Faster repairs
  • Higher compensation
  • Reduced stress
  • Protection from retaliatory eviction

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does a housing disrepair claim take?

Most claims resolve within 3 to 9 months, depending on complexity and whether the landlord disputes liability. Urgent repair orders can sometimes be obtained more quickly.

2. Can my landlord evict me for making a housing disrepair claim?

Landlords cannot legally evict you as retaliation for requesting repairs. If eviction is attempted, your solicitor can challenge it as unlawful or retaliatory eviction.

3. How much compensation can I receive?

Compensation typically ranges between 10% to 50% of rent paid during the disrepair period, depending on severity, duration, and health impact.

4. Do I need to complain before contacting a solicitor?

Yes. You must give your landlord reasonable notice of the problem. Keep written records of all complaints. If the landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, you can escalate legally.

5. Can council tenants make housing disrepair claims?

Yes. Council tenants, housing association tenants, and private tenants all have legal rights to safe and habitable accommodation.

6. What if mould is affecting my child’s health?

If mould or damp is causing health problems — particularly for children or vulnerable residents — you should seek urgent legal advice. Medical evidence strengthens your claim and may increase compensation.

7. Will I need to go to court?

Most housing disrepair claims settle before trial. However, if the landlord refuses to cooperate, your solicitor can issue court proceedings.

Start Your Housing Disrepair Claim Today

If your landlord is failing to act, legal support is available.

Contact Tenant Housing Disrepair today for a free, no-obligation case review.

✔ No win, no fee
 ✔ Free legal advice
 ✔ Fast repair action
 ✔ Real compensation results

Don’t continue living in unsafe conditions.
Take action today and enforce your tenant rights.

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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.