Broken windows and doors
If you have broken windows and doors in your home, your landlord must put it right. The law that covers this is Section 11(1)(a), Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Awaab's Law also applies (it started in October 2025). Once you report it, your landlord must act within 24 hours. How much you could claim depends on how long it lasted, how serious it was, and any effect on your health. Most cases take 6 to 18 weeks. There is no upfront cost.
Symptoms
- Windows that won't close, lock, or stay shut
- Cracked or broken glass
- External doors that don't lock properly
- Cold air or draughts coming in around frames
- Rotting wood in window or door frames
Health impact
- Security risk, burglary and personal safety
- Cold-related illness from draughts (especially over-65s)
- Mental health impact of feeling unsafe in your own home
Evidence to gather
- Photograph the failure (e.g., latch broken, glass cracked)
- Note dates reported, especially if a security incident followed
- Keep receipts for emergency repairs you arranged (e.g., locksmith call-out)
This really happens
An independent statutory ruling found severe failings after the London Borough of Harrow failed to fix multiple windows for three years.
Source: Independent statutory ruling, Learning from Severe Failings (August 2025) · case 202344547. This is a published decision, not a Support for Tenants client.
Frequently asked questions
How much money can I claim for broken windows and doors?
How much you could get depends on how bad it is, how long it went on, and how it affected your health, so we cannot promise a figure. The fee only comes out of your compensation if you win, never out of your own pocket.
How long does a broken windows and doors claim take?
Most broken windows and doors claims take 6 to 18 weeks. Once you report the problem, Awaab's Law (Section 10A LTA 1985, started 27 October 2025) gives your landlord 24 hours to act.
What proof do I need for broken windows and doors?
Photos and videos with the date on them. A note of when you told your landlord and what they said. A letter from your doctor if anyone has been ill.
Can I claim if I owe rent?
Yes. Owing rent does not stop you making a disrepair claim. They are separate things in law. We will talk through your situation honestly.
Read more about broken windows and doors
Broken windows and doors at your landlord
Awaab's Law deadlines and your rights for broken windows and doors with these social landlords.
Broken windows and doors where you live
Your rights for broken windows and doors in these areas.
This is worth a claim
Tenants are owed real money when a landlord leaves problems like broken windows and doors unfixed. This is what landlords were made to pay across England in one recent year, and it is what we help you claim.
- £5.4m
- compensation ordered for tenants in one year
- 26,901
- orders made to put things right
- 40%
- of it for damp, mould and leaks
- £32,000
- the largest single award
Figures from the independent statutory review, Annual Complaints Review 2024 to 2025. These are sector-wide outcomes for social housing tenants in England.
By: Support for Tenants editorial team
Last updated:
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 15 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.