What evidence do I need for a housing disrepair claim?
The strongest housing disrepair claims show three things: the problem, that your landlord knew, and that it was not fixed in time. Keep dated photos and videos of the disrepair, copies of every report or complaint you sent your landlord and their replies, a record of dates and repair visits, and any medical notes if your health was affected. The more of this you have, the stronger your claim.
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Key facts
- Dated photos and videos, taken over time, show the problem and how long it has lasted.
- Copies of every report or complaint to your landlord, and their replies, prove they were told.
- A record of dates, missed appointments and failed repairs shows the delay.
- Medical notes help if the disrepair affected your or your family's health.
- Put things in writing where you can; written proof is stronger than a phone call.
Photos and videos
Take clear photos and videos of the disrepair, both wide shots and close-ups, and date them. Repeat this over time so there is a record of how long the problem has lasted and whether it is getting worse.
Proof your landlord was told
Keep copies of every report, email or complaint you sent your landlord, and their replies. This is some of the most important evidence, because it fixes the date your landlord was put on notice, which is when the legal duty to act within a reasonable time begins.
A timeline of what happened
Note the dates you reported the problem, any visits or inspections, appointments that were missed, and repairs that were attempted but failed. A simple timeline makes the delay clear.
Health evidence
If the disrepair affected your health or your family's health, keep any medical notes or letters. This supports the personal injury part of a claim, which has its own shorter time limit.
What we do with your evidence
You do not need everything ready to start. We review what you have for free, and an independent surveyor can produce a report on the condition of your home as part of the claim. Send us what you have and we will tell you what else would help.
Related questions
Do I need a surveyor's report to start?
No. A surveyor's report is often obtained as part of the claim, but you do not need one to get started.
What if I only reported the problem by phone?
Put it in writing now as well, even a short email or message, so there is a written record that your landlord was told.
How many photos should I take?
Enough to show the problem clearly and how long it has lasted. Date them, and take fresh ones if it gets worse.
Do I need medical evidence?
Only if you are claiming for the effect on your health. The disrepair claim itself does not require it.
If your landlord has left repairs undone, we can take it forward for you. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Published:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 20 June 2026. Checked by our SRA-regulated panel solicitors. This is general information, not legal advice for your specific case. Any compensation figures or ranges shown are illustrative only and not guaranteed; every case is different.