Renting a home in the UK comes with certain legal rights, especially when it comes to property conditions. Tenants have the right to live in safe, well-maintained housing. Unfortunately, many renters experience ongoing problems such as damp and mould, pest infestations, water leaks, and faulty heating systems. These issues can have a serious impact on health and well-being and are collectively known as housing disrepair.
This article will walk you through everything tenants need to know about housing disrepair in the UK, what your landlord is responsible for, and how you can seek help from professionals like the Housing Disrepair Team UK.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any situation where a rented property falls into a state of deterioration that affects its habitability, safety, or structure. Common examples include:
Damp and mould on walls or ceilings
Leaks from roofs, pipes, or appliances
Infestations of pests such as rats or cockroaches
Broken heating systems during winter months
Damaged windows or doors affecting security
Unsafe electrical or gas installations
If your home suffers from any of the above issues and your landlord has not acted within a reasonable time after being informed, you may have grounds to make a housing disrepair claim.
Legal Responsibilities of Landlords
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords have a legal obligation to keep rental properties in good repair. This includes:
Maintaining the structure and exterior (walls, roofs, doors, windows)
Ensuring heating and hot water systems work properly
Keeping plumbing, sanitation, and drainage systems in working order
Addressing health hazards like damp, mould, and infestations
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 strengthens these responsibilities by giving tenants the power to take legal action if a property is unfit for living.
How Long Should Repairs Take?
Once you’ve reported an issue to your landlord in writing, they should take prompt and reasonable action to address it. While there is no fixed legal timeline, repairs that involve health or safety risks (like mould, broken heating in winter, or leaks) should be treated urgently.
If your landlord delays repairs or ignores your complaint entirely, you have the right to escalate the issue to your local council or seek professional legal support.
How Housing Disrepair Affects Tenants
Living in poor conditions can take a serious toll on your physical and mental health. Mould and damp, for example, can trigger asthma, respiratory problems, and skin conditions. Pest infestations can lead to allergies and infections, and water leaks can cause long-term damage to your personal belongings.
Housing disrepair doesn’t just harm your health; it can also affect your quality of life. If you’ve had to live without heating, hot water, or been forced to stay in a cold or unsafe property, you may be entitled to compensation.
How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim
If your landlord is neglecting their responsibilities, here are the steps you should take:
Report the Issue in Writing: Always notify your landlord via email or letter and keep a copy.
Take Photos and Videos: These serve as evidence of the damage and its impact on your living conditions.
Log Communication: Record all messages and responses (or lack thereof) from your landlord.
Contact the Council (if needed): Environmental Health can inspect your home and issue an enforcement notice.
Seek Professional Help: Work with claim experts like the Housing Disrepair Team UK who can manage the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
A successful claim may result in compensation for:
Distress and inconvenience caused by the disrepair
Health issues linked to poor housing conditions
Damage to personal belongings (e.g. clothes, furniture)
Higher utility bills from using extra heating or equipment
Time off work or other financial losses caused by the disrepair
The amount you can claim depends on the severity, duration, and how it has impacted your daily life.
Why Work with Housing Disrepair Team UK?
Navigating housing laws and making a formal claim can be complicated. That’s where the Housing Disrepair Team UK steps in.
They specialise in helping tenants across England and Wales who are suffering due to landlord negligence. From the initial evidence collection to pursuing your claim through the correct legal channels, their team provides full support — and often on a no-win, no-fee basis.
With years of experience and a strong track record of success, they ensure your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let ongoing disrepair issues continue to affect your health and quality of life. If your landlord isn’t responding, it’s time to take action. Reach out to the Housing Disrepair Team today — we’ll help you understand your rights and support you through the claims process.