What is no win, no fee? (housing disrepair, plain English)

In short

No win, no fee is formally called a Conditional Fee Agreement, or CFA. The exact funding promise is: 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.

How it actually works

When Support for Tenants matches you with a panel solicitor, they review your case at no cost. If they take it on, you sign a CFA. From that point you are not invoiced for solicitor's time, surveyor and inspection fees, or court fees. The solicitor is paid by the landlord if your case wins, plus a fee deducted from your compensation.

For housing conditions claims, the solicitor's fee comes only out of the part of your compensation that is for the inconvenience of living with the disrepair, and they explain it in full before you sign. It does not touch any compensation paid specifically for damaged belongings or rent you should not have paid.

What if I lose?

The written agreement explains what happens if the claim ends unsuccessfully. An After-the-Event (ATE) insurance policy may cover costs the landlord might otherwise be entitled to. Ask the panel solicitor when any premium is due and how it is calculated.

The agreement also explains your duties, including giving honest information and cooperating with the solicitor. Read those terms carefully and ask questions before signing.

Is Support for Tenants free?

Support for Tenants is a claims management company regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 1020217). Our eligibility check is free. If your case proceeds, the CFA you sign is with the panel solicitor, not with us. For a clear walk-through of fees in your specific situation, call 0800 030 4669 or read how much compensation could I get.

Sources

• Courts and Legal Services Act 1990 (conditional fee agreements) (legislation.gov.uk)
• Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 (legislation.gov.uk)