Lodgers who live with their landlord usually cannot bring a disrepair claim, but you still have some rights. Here is what to do and who can help.
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Direct answer
Usually not. A lodger normally lives in the same home as their landlord and counts as a licensee, not a tenant. That means you usually cannot bring a housing-disrepair claim the way a tenant can. But your situation might actually be a tenancy, and you still have some rights. To check where you stand, call us free on 0800 030 4669.
Why lodgers are different
A tenant has their own home and a tenancy agreement. A lodger shares a home with their landlord and has a licence to stay. The law gives lodgers fewer housing rights, and Section 11 disrepair claims are usually for tenants, not lodgers.
But check your real situation
Labels can be wrong. If you have your own self-contained part of a property, and your landlord does not really live with you, you may be a tenant after all. If you are not sure, call us and we will help you work it out.
What you can still do
- Your live-in landlord should keep the home reasonably safe, including gas and electrical safety.
- For advice on your rights as a lodger, Citizens Advice and Shelter (0808 800 4444) can help.
How we can help
If it turns out you are actually a tenant, not a lodger, we may be able to help with a disrepair claim. Call us free on 0800 030 4669 and we will check.
Free call: 0800 030 4669 | Start your claim
Sources
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 If you spot something out of date or wrong, email help@supportfortenants.co.uk.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 25 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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Still stuck?
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