Housing Disrepair Claims
Living with damp, mould or broken heating your landlord ignores? Claim repairs and compensation.
Reviewed by Sannah Khatoon — Litigation & Housing Disrepair Solicitor, SRA #654258 (Admitted 2018). Last reviewed 15 September 2026.
If you've reported serious disrepair and nothing's been done, the law's on your side. We run housing disrepair claims against private and social landlords from start to finish — getting the work done and recovering compensation for the misery and the belongings ruined by damp, mould and leaks.
Your rights and the law
Your landlord's repairing duties don't depend on goodwill — they are written into law. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (s.11) the landlord must keep in repair the structure and exterior of your home and the installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot water. Since the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (which added s.9A to the 1985 Act) there is also an implied term that the home is fit for human habitation at the start of, and throughout, the tenancy — that covers serious damp, mould and cold. Councils assess hazards such as damp and excess cold under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): the most serious, 'Category 1' hazards, must be acted on. Where premises are 'prejudicial to health', a tenant can also bring proceedings in the magistrates' court for a statutory nuisance (Environmental Protection Act 1990, s.82). Compensation is assessed on the facts of your case — how bad the conditions were and for how long — so we don't quote a fixed figure; we build the evidence and value it properly.
How we can help
- Damp, mould, leaks, heating and structural hazards
- Claims against private and social landlords / councils
- Compensation for inconvenience and damaged belongings
- Court orders compelling repairs
How the process works
- Report and record. We help you put the disrepair in writing to the landlord (if you haven't already) and gather the dated evidence that proves it — this is what turns a complaint into a claim.
- Follow the Pre-Action Protocol. Housing conditions claims in England follow a court Pre-Action Protocol: a formal letter of claim, disclosure of records, and a single joint expert's inspection before proceedings. We run this for you correctly.
- Get an expert survey. An independent surveyor inspects the property and reports on the cause, extent and category of the hazards — the backbone of both the repairs order and the compensation.
- Recover repairs and compensation. We negotiate a settlement or, if needed, ask the court to order the works done and to award compensation for the discomfort, inconvenience and any belongings ruined by damp, mould or leaks.
Evidence that helps your case
- Dated photos and video of the damp, mould, leaks or damage
- Every report to the landlord — emails, texts, letters, the housing portal
- The landlord's replies (or the silence)
- A record of repairs promised and missed
- Receipts or photos for belongings, clothing or furniture that were ruined
- Medical evidence if the conditions affected your or your children's health
We work on a transparent fixed-fee basis for most housing matters, so you'll know the cost up front — and where a case can be run on a no win, no fee agreement (a CFA, usually with After the Event insurance), we'll explain whether that fits your situation. For urgent help, call 0203 051 7823.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for damp and mould?
Often, yes. If you've told your landlord about serious disrepair — damp, mould, leaks, broken heating — and they've failed to put it right within a reasonable time, you may be able to force the repairs and claim compensation. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 your home must be fit to live in throughout the tenancy. We handle the whole claim for you.
What repairs is my landlord actually responsible for?
Under section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 the landlord must keep in repair the structure and exterior and the installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot water. That covers things like a leaking roof, faulty boiler, damaged pipes and dangerous wiring — regardless of what your tenancy agreement says.
How much compensation will I get?
There's no fixed figure. Compensation for housing disrepair is assessed on the facts — how serious the conditions were, how much of your home was affected, how long it went on, and any damage to your belongings or health. We gather the evidence and an expert report so your claim is valued properly rather than guessed at.
How long does a disrepair claim take?
It varies. Straightforward cases settle in a few months once the landlord faces a properly evidenced claim; contested cases that need a court hearing take longer. The Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims builds in time for the landlord to inspect, disclose records and respond before any court proceedings.
Can I be evicted for complaining about disrepair?
Retaliatory eviction is restricted by law. Under the Deregulation Act 2015, a Section 21 notice can be invalid where you complained about disrepair in writing and the council responded with an improvement notice. If your landlord threatens eviction because you asked for repairs, tell us — it strengthens your position rather than weakening it.
Do you handle claims against councils and housing associations?
Yes. We bring disrepair claims against private landlords, councils and housing associations. Social landlords are under the same repairing and fitness duties, and there are additional complaints routes (including the Housing Ombudsman) that we use where they help.
What if my belongings were damaged by the damp or a leak?
You can claim for that too. Special damages cover the cost of clothing, furniture, carpets, electricals and other belongings ruined by disrepair, so keep receipts and photos. We include these in the claim alongside compensation for the inconvenience of living with the problem.
Sources & further reading
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s.11 (repairing obligations)
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, s.9A (fitness for human habitation)
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
- Environmental Protection Act 1990, s.82 (statutory nuisance)
- HHSRS operating guidance (GOV.UK)
- Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims (England)
- GOV.UK — Repairs if you rent privately
This page is general information about the law in England & Wales, not legal advice. Legislation and figures can change — for advice on your circumstances, contact us. Authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.