Often yes. You usually have up to 6 years to claim for disrepair, even after you have left. Here is the law and what proof helps.
Direct Answer
Often yes. Moving out does not always end your right to claim. For most disrepair claims you have up to 6 years from when the problem happened to make a claim. So if your old home was in disrepair and your landlord ignored you, you may still be able to claim.
What the law says
A housing disrepair claim is usually a breach of contract claim under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. The time limit for these is normally 6 years. The clock runs from when the disrepair happened and you reported it, not from when you moved out.
There are limits. You can usually only claim for the time you lived there and were affected. Once you have left, you cannot ask for repairs to be done, but you can still ask for compensation for the harm while you lived there.
What proof helps
- Any emails, letters, or texts you sent your landlord about the problem, with dates.
- Photos or videos of the disrepair from while you lived there.
- Medical notes if your health was affected.
- A note of any belongings that were damaged.
If you did not keep records, still get in touch. We can often help you gather what is needed.
Your options
A no-win-no-fee claim is one route open to you.
- A no-win-no-fee claim: a panel solicitor takes your case. If you do not win, you pay nothing. If you win, you pay an agreed fee out of your compensation, never out of your own pocket, and we explain it clearly before you start.
Support for Tenants is a regulated company, not a solicitor. Panel solicitors run the cases.
Read about your rights as a tenant or how much you could claim.
Talk to someone
If you have moved out of a home that was in disrepair, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Sources
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Limitation Act 1980 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
We review every guide at least twice a year and update it when the law changes. If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 20 May 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.
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