Housing association disrepair claims: what you need to know

Housing associations are registered social landlords that provide affordable rental housing. Like private landlords, they have a legal duty to maintain their properties. If your housing association has failed to carry out repairs, you may be able to make a disrepair claim. Here is how to go about 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 are bound by the same legal framework as private landlords:

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, requires them to maintain the structure, exterior, and key installations (heating, plumbing, etc.)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, requires that the property is fit to live in throughout the tenancy
• Secure and assured tenancy terms, their tenancy agreements typically include additional repair obligations

Housing associations may also have additional repair obligations under their own tenancy agreements, which may go beyond the legal minimum.

How do I report a repair to a housing association?

Report it through the housing association's repair reporting system, usually by phone, online portal, or in writing. Always get a reference number for the report and keep a record of when you reported it. If you report by phone, follow up in writing to create a paper trail.

If the repair is not carried out within a reasonable time, chase it up in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence.

What if the housing association does not fix the repair?

If you have reported a repair and the housing association has not responded properly, your options include:

1. Formal complaint to the housing association, use their published complaints procedure. Request a written response
2. Escalate to the Housing Ombudsman, if the formal complaint is not resolved to your satisfaction, you can refer it to the Housing Ombudsman Service. The Ombudsman handles complaints specifically about social landlords (councils and housing associations)
3. Make a housing disrepair claim, if the disrepair has caused harm or is ongoing, you may have a legal claim for compensation and works

The Housing Ombudsman and the disrepair claim route are separate. You can pursue a disrepair claim even if the Ombudsman process is ongoing or has concluded, though a firm may advise on the best approach for your specific situation.

Can I get compensation from a housing association?

Yes. If your housing association has failed to carry out repairs that they were legally required to do, and this has caused you harm, financial loss, or significant inconvenience, you may be entitled to compensation in a civil claim.

Compensation in social housing disrepair cases is calculated in the same way as for private tenancies, based on the severity of the disrepair, the length of time it lasted, and the impact on your life.

Is the process different from a private landlord claim?

The legal framework is the same, but there are some practical differences:

• Housing associations tend to have better documentation of repair reports than private landlords, which can be evidence in your favour
• They typically have legal departments or insurers who respond formally to claims
• Some housing associations actively try to resolve disrepair claims before they reach court

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims against housing associations as well as private landlords. If your housing association has failed to fix repairs that have affected your health or 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