Making a disrepair claim
How claims work, the evidence you need, the time limits, and how the process runs from first call to settlement.
Guides in this topic
39 plain-English guides. 3 to 5 minute reads, no jargon, free to use.
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 · 9 min
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 · 4 min
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 · 2 min
Can I get legal aid for a housing disrepair claim?
Legal aid, government funding for legal representation, is not available for housing disrepair claims in the way that some people hope. But there are ways to
Read · 3 min
How much compensation could I get for housing disrepair?
Typical disrepair compensation in England and Wales ranges from £1,000 to £15,000+. Here's what drives the figure up or down.
Read · 2 min
How is housing disrepair compensation calculated?
Disrepair compensation is the rent you paid times the months affected times a severity percentage (courts use 10% to 100%), plus out-of-pocket costs and any injury award.
Read · 4 min
What evidence do I need for a housing disrepair claim?
The full evidence checklist for a disrepair claim: photos, written reports, medical notes, receipts, and the paper trail that wins cases.
Read · 2 min
What photos to take for a disrepair claim
A simple photo checklist for damp, mould, leaks, broken heating, and disrepair. What to capture, how to date it, and how to store it safely.
Read · 2 min
What is a Pre-Action Protocol? (housing disrepair, plain English)
The Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims sets the rules before any court case. Here's what it means for tenants and landlords.
Read · 2 min
How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
Most disrepair claims settle in 6-12 months. Here's what happens at each stage, what can speed it up, and what tends to slow it down.
Read · 2 min
How long do I have to make a disrepair claim?
There are time limits for a housing disrepair claim, usually six years, and three years for illness caused by the disrepair. Here is what they mean and why acting sooner helps.
Read · 1 min
Can I claim if the repair has already been fixed?
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.
Read · 3 min
Can I claim disrepair against a private landlord?
Yes, private tenants in England and Wales can claim disrepair under Section 11 and the Fitness for Human Habitation Act. Here's how it works.
Read · 2 min
Can I claim for disrepair if I'm a lodger?
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.
Read · 1 min
Can I claim housing disrepair after I have moved out?
Often yes. You usually have up to 6 years to claim for disrepair, even after you have left. Here is the law and what proof helps.
Read · 2 min
Can I claim for belongings damaged by disrepair?
Mould-ruined mattresses, warped flooring, soaked electronics: what counts as 'special damages' in a disrepair claim and how to evidence it.
Read · 2 min
Can I claim disrepair if I'm behind on rent?
Rent arrears do not block a disrepair claim. Here's how arrears interact with compensation, and what you should know before claiming.
Read · 2 min
Can I get money back on my rent for disrepair?
If your home was not fit to live in, your compensation can include money back on the rent you paid during that time. Here is how that works.
Read · 1 min
If disrepair has caused an injury or made me ill, can I claim?
If a leak, mould, unsafe wiring or other disrepair has caused an injury or illness, you may be able to claim for both the disrepair and the harm.
Read · 1 min
My service charge bill seems wrong, what can I do?
Leaseholders can challenge unreasonable service charges at the First-tier Tribunal. Here is how to ask for a breakdown, get free advice, and where we fit in.
Read · 1 min
Can you help with a group claim for a block of flats?
If several flats in your block have the same disrepair, here is how it works. We handle each home as its own case and can line them up together. Call 0800 030 4669.
Read · 1 min
Is there any cost to you? How our fees work
No upfront cost for tenants. You only pay if your claim wins, the fee comes out of the compensation, never out of your own pocket, and if you do not win you pay nothing. Here is how it works.
Read · 1 min
What happens after you contact us?
After you get in touch, we call you back, book a free home inspection, and pass strong cases to a no win, no fee solicitor. Here is the journey, step by step.
Read · 1 min
Do you cover my area?
Support for Tenants helps tenants across England and Wales. Wherever you live, call 0800 030 4669 and we will tell you straight away if we can help.
Read · 1 min
What is a Defective Premises Act claim?
The Defective Premises Act 1972 gives tenants, visitors, and neighbours a right to claim when a landlord's failure to maintain property causes harm.
Read · 4 min
My home is unfit to live in. What are my rights?
If your home is unfit to live in, you have legal rights under the Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018. Here is what you can do and who can help.
Read · 4 min
My landlord sold the property while I still had disrepair: can I still claim?
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
Read · 3 min
Letter before action for housing disrepair: what it is and how it works
Before making a formal legal claim against your landlord for housing disrepair, you will usually need to send a letter before action (also called an LBA or
Read · 4 min
Rent-to-rent: who is responsible for repairs?
Rent-to-rent (sometimes called guaranteed rent) arrangements have become common in the private rented sector. Under these arrangements, a company or
Read · 3 min
Court injunction to force repairs: getting an order for specific works
An injunction is a court order that makes your landlord actually carry out the repairs, not just pay compensation. It is used when the work is urgent or the
Read · 4 min
How to report disrepair to your landlord: and what to do if they ignore you
Reporting disrepair correctly is the first and most important step. If you later want to make a claim or ask the council to get involved, having a clear
Read · 3 min
Small claims court and housing disrepair: what you need to know
If your landlord has failed to carry out repairs and you have suffered loss as a result, you may be able to make a claim through the county court without
Read · 3 min
Scott schedule in housing disrepair claims: what it is and how it works
A Scott schedule is a document used in civil litigation to set out competing positions on a list of disputed issues. In housing disrepair cases, it is
Read · 3 min
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
Read · 3 min
How housing disrepair settlements work
Most housing disrepair claims are settled before they reach a court hearing. A settlement means the landlord and tenant reach an agreement, usually on
Read · 3 min
Expert witnesses in housing disrepair claims
Expert witnesses play a crucial role in disrepair claims. They provide independent, professional opinions on the condition of a property, the cause of
Read · 3 min
Interim payments in housing disrepair claims
In some housing disrepair cases, a tenant can apply to the court for an interim payment, a sum paid by the landlord before the case is finally resolved. Here
Read · 3 min
Can I make a housing disrepair claim without a solicitor?
Yes. You are not legally required to use a solicitor, and tenants do bring claims themselves, usually through the Pre-Action Protocol and the small claims
Read · 4 min
Medical evidence in a housing disrepair claim: why it matters
If your home's condition has affected your health, medical evidence can significantly increase your claim, because it supports a personal-injury element on
Read · 3 min
Free tools that might help
Ready to take a step? These are free to use, with no email required.
Estimate your compensation
Move three sliders to see a rough compensation range for a disrepair claim. No form, no email.
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Build a complaint letter
Make a formal disrepair letter to your landlord that cites the right law. Free, no email needed.
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Free letter templates
Plain-English letters to copy, fill in or print: to your landlord, for complaints, and a repair diary.
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This is what we do. You may have a claim.
If your landlord has left your home in disrepair, we can check whether you have a claim. Free call, no pressure. No upfront cost; you only pay if we win.