A practical checklist for a housing disrepair claim: what photos to take, how to write a complaint letter, which medical and council records help, and what we do with it.
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A housing disrepair claim stands or falls on evidence. The good news is that most of what you need is simple to gather, and you can start today with the phone in your pocket. This checklist walks through exactly what to collect and why it matters.
Photos and video
Photographs are the backbone of any disrepair claim. Take clear, well-lit pictures of every affected area: the mould on the wall, the leak under the sink, the broken boiler, the damaged window. Get both a wide shot that shows the room and a close-up that shows the detail.
Make sure the date is captured. Most phones record this automatically in the photo's information, and it is worth checking that the date and time are set correctly on your device. Short videos help for anything that moves or spreads, such as water dripping or an active leak. If a problem is getting worse over weeks, take new photos at intervals so there is a timeline.
Written complaints to your landlord
A claim is far stronger when you can show you told your landlord and gave them a chance to put things right. Always report in writing, by email or through your landlord's online portal, rather than relying on a phone call.
Keep it simple and factual. Say what is wrong, where it is, when it started, and ask for it to be inspected and repaired. Save a copy of every message you send and every reply you get. If you have been chasing for weeks, that trail of unanswered messages is powerful on its own. Text messages and WhatsApp chats count too, so do not delete them, and consider screenshotting the full thread with dates visible.
Medical evidence
If the disrepair has affected your health or your family's, medical evidence can support that part of your claim. A visit to your doctor about a cough, a chest infection, or a skin condition creates a record. You can ask your doctor to note where symptoms may be linked to your housing conditions, and you can request a copy of your medical records.
You do not need a diagnosis to begin. Even a simple note of when you sought help, and for what, adds to the picture.
Council or housing ombudsman records
If you have already involved others, gather those records too. A report to your council's environmental health team, or any inspection they carried out, can carry significant weight, especially if they identified a hazard. If you complained to the Housing Ombudsman, keep that correspondence as well. These outside records show the problem was serious enough that you raised it formally.
What Support For Tenants does with your evidence
You do not have to work out whether your evidence is "enough" on your own. Support For Tenants is an FCA-authorised claims management company, not a solicitor. We look at what you have, tell you honestly whether you appear to have a housing disrepair claim, and where you do, we connect you with a solicitor from our panel who works on a no-win, no-fee basis.
If anything is missing, we will tell you what would help. There is no upfront cost to find out where you stand, and the advice is free and independent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single most important piece of evidence?
Clear, dated photos of the disrepair, combined with written proof that you reported it to your landlord. Together they show both the problem and that the landlord had a chance to fix it.
Do my WhatsApp messages count as evidence?
Yes. Text messages and WhatsApp chats with your landlord or agent are useful records. Do not delete them, and consider screenshotting the thread with the dates showing.
Do I need a medical diagnosis to claim?
No. You do not need a diagnosis to begin. A record from your doctor of when you sought help, and for what, can still support the health side of a claim.
Do I need a damp survey before I start?
Not to begin. Start with photos and your written reports. A survey can be arranged later as part of a claim to confirm the cause.
What if I am not sure my evidence is enough?
Get free, independent advice. We will review what you have, tell you honestly where you stand, and explain what else, if anything, would help.
Ready to put your evidence to work?
You may have more of a case than you think. Get a free, independent view today. Call free on 0800 030 4669 or start your claim.
Sources
Support For Tenants is a trading name of Cyntex Group Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as a Claims Management Company. FRN 1020217. Registered in England and Wales.
Reviewed against current housing law for England and Wales as at 2 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.
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