Letter asking your landlord for compensation
When to use this
- Your landlord has admitted there was a problem, or it has now been fixed.
- You want to ask formally for compensation for the time you suffered.
- You have medical evidence, damaged belongings, or a clear record of impact.
What to attach
- Photos of the problem before repairs were done
- A letter from your doctor if your health was affected
- Receipts for any damaged belongings
- Your repair diary or correspondence log
The template (copy or print)
[Your full name] [Your address, including postcode] [Today's date] [Landlord's name and address, or housing officer's email] Dear [Landlord or Housing Officer name], Re: Request for compensation, [describe the problem] at [Your address] My home suffered from [describe: damp and mould / broken heating / a persistent leak / etc.] from approximately [start date] to [end date or 'the present day']. I reported this on [date(s)] and [it took X months to be resolved / it still has not been fully resolved]. During this period [describe the impact honestly: my bedroom was unusable / my children suffered from chest infections / I had to buy a portable heater / my furniture was damaged / I experienced significant stress and anxiety]. [Include if health affected: I attach a letter from my doctor dated [date] confirming that my [condition] was worsened by conditions at home.] [Include if belongings were damaged: I attach receipts for the belongings damaged, totalling approximately £[amount].] I am asking you to compensate me for this harm. Please confirm in writing within 28 days whether you are willing to discuss compensation, and at what level. If I do not receive a satisfactory response, I will take further legal advice. Yours sincerely, [Your full name] [Your phone number] [Your email address]
After you send it
If your landlord ignores or refuses, take advice on a formal disrepair claim. You do not need their agreement to start a legal claim.
See also: the related guide.
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