Glossary
Disrepair
The legal term for a property falling below the condition required by the tenancy agreement or by statute. Includes damp, mould, broken heating, leaks, structural defects, and more.
Related terms
Pre-action protocol (PAP)
The formal first stage of a court claim. Your solicitor writes to the landlord setting out the claim, the evidence and the remedy sought. The landlord has 21 days to respond. Required before any housing disrepair court claim.
Renters' Rights Act 2025
The Act that abolishes Section 21 'no-fault' eviction in England, makes all new private tenancies periodic, extends disrepair duties to the private rented sector, and introduces a national landlord database. Phased into force from 1 May 2026.
Schedule of works
A surveyor's itemised list of what needs to be repaired in a property, with costs and priorities. The central piece of evidence in most housing disrepair claims.
Service charge
Charges a leaseholder pays to the freeholder for shared services and maintenance. Disputes about service charges are separate from disrepair claims, but often arise alongside them.
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Glossary entries explain the words. If you have a damp, mould, heating or repair problem your landlord is ignoring, we can help. Call free or start your claim online.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 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.