Housing Disrepair: Your Legal Rights as a Tenant in the UK (2025 Guide)

🏠 Housing Disrepair: Your Legal Rights as a Tenant in the UK (2025 Guide)

Living in a home that is damp, cold, unsafe, or in poor condition can seriously affect your health and wellbeing. Many tenants are unaware that UK law protects them — and that landlords are legally required to repair certain issues within a reasonable time.

If your landlord has failed to fix problems after being notified, you may be entitled to make a Housing Disrepair Claim.
This guide explains your rights, what landlords must repair, and how compensation works.

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1️⃣ What Counts as Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to any problem in your home that your landlord is legally responsible for fixing.

✔ Common disrepair issues include:

• Damp and mould
• Water leaks and flooding
• Broken heating or no hot water
• Faulty electrics
• Pest infestations
• Broken windows and doors
• Bathroom and toilet issues
• Structural damage

These problems can affect:

• Your health
• Your safety
• Your personal belongings
• Your quality of life

If any of the above apply, you may have a valid claim.

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2️⃣ Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must repair and maintain:

🧱 Structure & exterior

• Walls
• Windows
• Doors
• Roof
• Ceilings
• Stairs

🔌 Essential installations

• Heating systems
• Boilers
• Hot water
• Electrical wiring
• Gas pipes
• Plumbing

🛁 Bathroom & sanitation

• Toilets
• Sinks
• Baths
• Drainage systems

If your landlord ignores repair requests, they are breaching the law.

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3️⃣ How to Report Housing Disrepair Properly

A strong claim begins with proper communication.

Step 1 — Report the issue in writing

Email your landlord or housing association. Include:

• Description of the problem
• Photos or videos
• How long it has been happening

Step 2 — Allow time for repairs

Landlords must fix urgent issues immediately and non-urgent issues within a reasonable time (usually 14–28 days).

Step 3 — Keep evidence

Save:

• Photos
• Emails
• Text messages
• Doctor’s notes (if health affected)

This evidence strengthens your claim.

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4️⃣ When Can You Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

You may be able to claim if:

✔ You reported the issue
✔ Your landlord failed to repair it
✔ The issue caused health problems, inconvenience, or damage to belongings

A solicitor will assess your case and guide you through the next steps.

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5️⃣ What Compensation Can You Receive?

Compensation is calculated based on:

💷 1. Rent Reduction (General Damages)

If part of your home was unusable, you may receive a percentage of your annual rent back.

🧺 2. Damage to Personal Belongings

Such as:

• Clothes damaged by mould
• Furniture affected by leaks
• Electrical items damaged by damp

🧑‍⚕️ 3. Health Issues

Breathing problems, skin irritation, stress, anxiety, and more.

💼 4. Additional Costs

Medication, cleaning, dehumidifiers, temporary accommodation, etc.

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6️⃣ How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?

You generally have 6 years from the date the issue was first reported.
(Shorter limits apply if claiming for health problems.)

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7️⃣ Why Choose Harrison Bryce Solicitors for Your Claim?

We specialise in No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair claims and handle everything for you:

• ✓ Free initial assessment
• ✓ Full evidence review
• ✓ Legal notices sent to your landlord
• ✓ Expert negotiation for maximum compensation
• ✓ Support throughout the process

You focus on your health — we handle the legal work.

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📞 Speak to Harrison Bryce Solicitors Today

If your landlord has ignored repair requests or your living conditions are affecting your health, you are not alone — and you have legal rights.

➡ Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and find out if you can make a Housing Disrepair Claim.

Your home should be safe, warm, and liveable — and we’re here to help make that happen.