Housing association disrepair claims: what you need to know

Housing associations are registered social landlords. They rent out homes at lower prices. Just like private landlords, they have a legal duty to look after their homes. Has your housing association failed to do repairs? You may be able to make a disrepair claim. Here is how to do it.

Key facts

• The 2024 to 2025 English Housing Survey found about 9% of homes in England, around 2.3 million, had a category 1 (most serious) hazard under the HHSRS. In the private rented sector the figure was 10%. English Housing Survey 2024-25, GOV.UK
• The same survey found about 15% of homes in England, around 4.0 million, did not meet the Decent Homes Standard. In the private rented sector the figure was 22%. English Housing Survey 2024-25, GOV.UK

Do housing associations have the same repair duties as private landlords?

Yes. Housing associations must follow the same laws as private landlords:

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, this says they must keep the structure, the outside, and key parts working (heating, plumbing, and so on)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, this says the home must be fit to live in for the whole time you rent it
• Secure and assured tenancy terms, their tenancy agreements often add more repair duties

Housing associations may have extra repair duties in their own tenancy agreements too. These can go beyond what the law asks for.

How do I report a repair to a housing association?

Tell them through their repair reporting system. This is usually by phone, online, or in writing. Always get a reference number when you report it. Write down the date you reported it. If you report it by phone, follow up in writing. This gives you a paper trail.

Has the repair not been done in a reasonable time? Then chase it up in writing. Keep copies of every letter and email.

What if the housing association does not fix the repair?

You have reported a repair. The housing association has not dealt with it properly. Here is what you can do:

1. Formal complaint to the housing association, use their official complaints process. Ask for an answer in writing
2. Escalate to the Housing Ombudsman, if your formal complaint is not sorted out the way you want, you can take it to the Housing Ombudsman Service. The Ombudsman deals with complaints about social landlords (councils and housing associations)
3. Make a housing disrepair claim, if the disrepair has caused harm or is still going on, you may have a legal claim for money and repairs

The Housing Ombudsman and the disrepair claim are two different things. You can make a disrepair claim even while the Ombudsman process is going on, or after it has ended. A firm can advise you on the right path for your case.

Can I get compensation from a housing association?

Yes. Did your housing association fail to do repairs they had to do by law? Has this caused you harm, money loss, or a lot of trouble? Then you may be able to get compensation in a civil claim.

Compensation in social housing disrepair cases is worked out the same way as for private tenancies. It is based on how bad the disrepair is, how long it lasted, and how much it affected your life.

Is the process different from a private landlord claim?

The law is the same, but there are a few real differences:

• Housing associations tend to keep better records of repair reports than private landlords. These records can be evidence on your side
• They usually have legal teams or insurers who answer claims formally
• Some housing associations try to sort out disrepair claims before they go to court

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We help tenants with housing disrepair claims against housing associations and private landlords. Has your housing association failed to fix repairs that have hurt your health or your quality of life? We can help.

Call us 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)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (legislation.gov.uk)
• Awaab's Law: guidance for social landlords (GOV.UK)
• Housing Ombudsman Service

Related articles

• How to report disrepair to your landlord