Yes. If your landlord sold the property while it was in disrepair, you can still claim against the landlord who was in breach during that period. Selling up
On this page
The short answer
Yes. If your landlord sold the property while it was in disrepair, you can still claim against the landlord who was in breach during that period. Selling up does not wipe out their liability.
Who is the claim against?
Your claim is against the landlord who owned the property and failed to carry out repairs during the period you lived there. That obligation does not transfer when the property is sold.
If the new owner bought the property and then continued to ignore the same disrepair, they also take on the repair obligation under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 from the moment they became your landlord. In that case, you may have a claim against both the old and new landlord, each covering their own period of ownership.
What if I have already moved out?
You can still claim even if you no longer live at the property. You can seek compensation for the period during which you lived with the disrepair, including loss of enjoyment of the home, any health impact, and damage to belongings caused by the disrepair. What matters is that the disrepair existed, that the landlord knew about it, and that they failed to fix it within a reasonable time.
How long do I have?
The standard limitation period for a housing disrepair claim is six years from when the cause of action arose. For ongoing disrepair, the clock does not simply start from when you first reported the problem. Each month of continuing disrepair can extend the period you can claim for.
If you moved out some time ago, take advice sooner rather than later. The closer you are to six years, the more urgent it becomes.
What evidence do you need?
The key evidence is what you had at the time. This includes:
- Photographs with dates (check your phone's camera roll, which usually preserves metadata)
- Text messages, emails, or letters showing when you reported the problem
- Any written responses from the landlord
- Medical records if the disrepair affected your health
- Records of any costs you incurred, such as for damaged items or alternative heating
If you reported repairs verbally, think about whether there are any other records: a repair portal entry, a rent book note, or a witness who was present.
A note for social tenants
If you rented from a council or housing association, you may also have a route through the Housing Ombudsman, though this requires you to have gone through the landlord's internal complaints procedure first. The civil claim route via a solicitor remains available regardless.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
Contact us if your previous landlord sold the property and you are unsure whether you can still claim, if you have already moved out but lived with disrepair for a significant period, or if you are unsure how long you have left to bring a claim.
Call us free on 0800 030 4669. 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.
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)
Related articles
- How long do I have to claim disrepair?
- Can I claim housing disrepair after I have moved out?
- What evidence do I need?
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 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.
Related guides
Complete guide to housing disrepair claims in England and Wales
Everything tenants need to know about housing disrepair claims. The law, your rights, the process, evidence, compensation, deadlines, and what to do step by step.
Read
Do I need a solicitor for a housing disrepair claim?
You do not strictly need a solicitor, but doing it yourself is slow and the awards are smaller. Here is the honest comparison, and how we make the bigger route work with no upfront cost to you.
Read
What is no win, no fee? (housing disrepair, plain English)
No win, no fee explained: how it works, what comes out of your compensation, and what happens if you lose. Plain English, no jargon.
Read
Still stuck?
Call us free or start a claim online. We'll tell you honestly whether you have a case worth pursuing.