Support for Tenants
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For private tenants

Private tenant disrepair claims, what you can and can't claim for

Direct answer

We can currently help private tenants with 5 issues: damp and mould, subsidence, boiler and heating problems, and broken windows and doors. You need to have reported the problem to your landlord in writing first. For other issues, like leaks, pests, electrics or fire safety, your strongest free option is usually your council's environmental health team.

Issues we can currently help private tenants with

Damp and mould

Black mould, damp patches or condensation your landlord has not dealt with.

Subsidence and structural cracking

Cracking that affects the building.

Boiler and heating issues

No heating or hot water.

Broken windows and doors

Windows and doors that will not close, lock, or keep the cold and damp out.

Issues we usually can't place for private tenants

We would rather be honest than take on a case we cannot win. Right now, our solicitor panel can only fund the issues listed above for private tenancies. If your problem is one of these, we will point you to a free alternative instead:

  • Leaks and water damage
  • Pest infestations
  • Faulty or unsafe electrics
  • Fire safety, smoke alarms and fire doors
  • Roofing, guttering and drains

What you'll need before you get in touch

  1. Your tenancy agreement, showing you rent from a private landlord.
  2. Valid photo ID.
  3. At least 3 written reports to your landlord in the last 12 months. Text, email or letter all count, each with a date. More is better. It still counts even if you have also called or spoken to them in person.
  4. A report from your council's environmental health team, if you have one. It is not required to start, but it makes your case stronger.
  5. Photos or video of the problem, taken over time.

If you have not reported the problem in writing yet, our letter builder creates a dated, written report you can send today.

Where to go if we can't help

Your council's environmental health team

They can inspect your home for free and serve a legal notice on your landlord under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, Section 82.

Deposit disputes

If your dispute is about your deposit rather than repairs, see our tenancy deposit claims page.

Free, independent advice

Shelter and Citizens Advice both give free, independent advice on private tenancy disrepair.

FAQs, private tenant disrepair

Can I claim if I rent from a private landlord?
Yes. Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 applies to almost every tenancy, private or social. What differs is how easily a case can be placed with a solicitor. Private cases are currently harder to fund than social housing cases. That is why we only take on a specific set of issues for now.
Why can you only help with some issues for private tenants?
Private disrepair cases are more expensive to fund than social housing ones. Our solicitor panel can currently only take on issues where the evidence is usually strong and the case is more likely to succeed. That is damp, mould, subsidence, boiler and heating issues, and broken windows and doors.
What if my issue is not on the list?
Tell us anyway. If we cannot take the case on, we will point you to your council's environmental health team. They can serve a legal notice on your landlord for free, under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. We would rather be honest with you than take on a case we cannot win.
Do I need an environmental health report to start?
No. It is not required to get started, but if you already have one it makes your case stronger. If you do not have one and your case looks solid, we may suggest you contact your council's environmental health department before we go further.
How many times do I need to have reported the problem?
Aim for at least 3 written reports to your landlord in the last 12 months. Text, email or letter all count, each dated. More is better. A single verbal complaint is much harder to evidence, so put everything in writing from now on, even if you have already called.

Think your private tenancy case fits?

Free call. We will tell you honestly whether we can take the case on, or point you to the right free alternative.

Call 0800 030 4669Start online

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, not a promise; every case is different.

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