Yes. You can still claim disrepair compensation for the time you lived with the problem, even after your landlord has finally fixed it. Here's how.
On this page
Direct Answer
Yes. You can still claim even if your landlord has now fixed the problem. Disrepair compensation pays you back for the time you lived with it, not just for putting it right. So a finished repair does not end your claim. Two things matter: you told your landlord about it while it was still broken, and you are still inside the time limit. In England and Wales you usually have up to 6 years to claim for the disrepair itself, and 3 years for a related health problem.
Why a finished repair does not end your claim
Compensation looks backwards, not forwards. The repair sorts out the future. Your claim is about the months or years you spent living with damp, no heating, a leak, or another fault. That harm already happened, and the law lets you claim for it.
The main part of a claim, called general damages, is worked out as a share of the rent you paid while the home was in disrepair. See how disrepair compensation is calculated. You can also claim for ruined belongings and for any effect on your health.
The time limit (this is what really matters)
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you normally have:
- up to 6 years to claim for the disrepair itself (your landlord broke their repair duty), and
- up to 3 years to claim for a health problem the disrepair caused or made worse.
So even though the repair is done, you can still claim for the period within those limits. See how long do I have to claim disrepair.
You must have told your landlord while it was broken
Your landlord is only on the hook from the point they knew about the problem. That is why your written reports matter so much. An email, a text, a letter, or a repairs-portal entry from when the fault was still there is the proof that they had notice. See how to report disrepair to your landlord.
What if I have no photos now it is fixed?
You can still claim. Useful evidence includes:
- the messages or letters you sent reporting the problem, and the dates
- your landlord's own repair records (you can ask for these)
- any medical records if your health was affected
- old photos or videos on your phone, even if the fault is now gone
- a note of who else saw the problem (family, a support worker, a neighbour)
The trail showing your landlord knew, and how long it took them, is the most important part.
Common worries
"It's fixed, so there is nothing to claim." Not true. You are claiming for the time it was not fixed.
"I only reported it by phone." It is harder without writing, but phone logs, repair records, or the landlord's own notes can still show they knew.
When should I contact Support for Tenants?
If your home was in disrepair, even if it has now been fixed, call us on 0800 030 4669 for a free eligibility check.
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
- Limitation Act 1980 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, Section 11 (legislation.gov.uk)
- Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims, England (justice.gov.uk)
Related articles
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 18 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.