Last updated 17th February 2026. To claim housing disrepair compensation, you will need copies of correspondence, photographs, and other evidence showing you notified your landlord about an issue (e.g., plumbing problems) they were responsible for, but that no repairs were made within a reasonable timeframe. Payouts are usually determined as a percentage of the rent paid while the home was in disrepair. If the disrepair caused an injury or illness, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.
Important Points
- Your housing disrepair claim may be against a private landlord, local council or a housing association, depending on the ownership of the property.
- If the housing disrepair causes you any injuries or illness, you can make a personal injury claim as well.
- Your housing disrepair claim may include compensation for your pain and suffering, along with financial losses.
- It is essential to collect evidence in support of your claim for housing disrepair compensation.
- Our No Win No Fee solicitors may be able to assist you in your housing claim if you are eligible.
Here at Legal Expert, we understand how distressing it can be to live in a home that endangers your health and safety rather than being the safe space it should be. If your landlord was at fault, we can help you claim compensation. Our dedicated No Win No Fee solicitors actively support clients by building strong cases, handling communications, and filing all required paperwork.
If you are looking for legal representation that understands the nuances of housing disrepair claims and prioritises the interests of clients, then one of our solicitors is ready to give you the support you deserve. You can learn more about how we can help you or ask any questions about the claims process by reaching out to our team of advisors today.
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What Is Classed As Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair is a situation wherein a rented accommodation becomes uninhabitable or unsafe due to minor or serious issues. This could include various issues, such as:
- Plumbing problems or drain blockages.
- Broken locks.
- Rat or insect infestations.
- Faulty wash basins or taps.
- Rotten doors or window frames.
- Damaged pipes or gutterwork.
- Damp and mould.
- Defective fire and/or carbon monoxide alarm.
Call us now to learn when you may be eligible to make a claim for housing disrepair compensation.
What Repairs Are Landlords Responsible For?
Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 underlines the following repairs as the landlord’s responsibility:
- Heating and hot water appliances.
- Exterior features like doors and windows.
- Sanitary installations, such as sinks, showerheads, and toilets.
- Electrical wiring.
- Containing any infestations.
- Maintenance of sewage, drainage and plumbing systems.
The landlord is supposed to ensure that the above installations and facilities are in good working condition. If they fall into disrepair and the landlord fails to take action in a reasonable timeframe, you may be able to make a housing disrepair compensation claim.
Speak to our advisors now for more information on electric shock accident claims.
How To Make A Claim For Housing Disrepair Compensation
To seek housing disrepair compensation, it is necessary to ensure that you have an eligible claim. You will need to prove that your landlord failed to adhere to their duties as a landlord and this led to your housing deterioration.
For example, if you reported to your landlord that your boiler was broken with a leaky pipe and you had no hot water, and they failed to send someone out to fix it within a reasonable time frame, you may be able to claim.
Similarly, if you reported to your landlord that you have broken or missing roof tiles and they fail to make repairs and you get hurt as a result, such as slipping on a leak, you could make a compensation claim.
Your claim for compensation may be against a housing association, local council (for council housing) or a private landlord. According to the Homes (Fitness For Human Habitation) Act 2018, private tenants are guaranteed the same rights as council or housing association residents.
Compensation For Injuries Caused By Disrepair
You could also be eligible to claim compensation for the injuries caused by disrepair. Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972 allows tenants to make a claim, provided they can prove:
- The landlord knew about the disrepair, e.g. you reported it to them
- They did not make any repairs within a reasonable timeframe
- This caused a tenant to suffer an illness or personal injury
Some examples of when you may be able to claim include:
- The heater in your accommodation has been non-functional for over 3 months, and despite the landlord’s efforts, no action has been taken. This could cause you frequent colds and fever in addition to mental illness, like anxiety.
- You have been requesting your landlord to repair the mould in your bathroom for the past 6 months, but there has been no action taken. This mould causes you to suffer from asthma and other respiratory ailments.
- The landlord was aware that your staircase had been faulty for the past 4 months. However, no repairs were carried out, and you tripped and fell over, breaking your ankle and suffering from psychological injuries.
Please note that if you are eligible, you may be able to claim for both housing disrepair and personal injury simultaneously. Speak to our advisors for more information on the difference between the two kinds of claims.
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The Average Amount Of Housing Disrepair Compensation
Housing disrepair compensation can include general and special damages.
General damages are awarded for any illnesses or injuries you have suffered. General damages can be calculated by referring to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document provides compensation guidelines for a wide range of injuries and illnesses broken down into severity.
The compensation table below contains some of the JCG figures. However, the top row is not from the JCG, and this table should be used only as guidance.
Injury Compensation Guidelines
Multiple Severe Injuries and Special Damages Up to £300,000+
Scarring to the Body - Burns Covering 40%+ of the body Likely to exceed £127,930
Head Injury - Moderate (iii) £52,550 to £110,720
Back Injury - Severe (iii) £47,320 to £85,100
Asthma - Severe and Permanent Disablement £52,550 to £80,240
Asthma - Chronic £32,090 to £52,490
Asthma - Wheezing and Bronchitis £23,430 to £32,090
Lung Disease - (e) £25,380 to £38,210
Dermatitis and Other Skin Conditions - (a) £16,770 to £23,430
Dermatitis and Other Skin Conditions - (b) £10,550 to £13,930
Claiming Back Housing Disrepair Financial Losses
In addition to the physical or mental harm, you may be able to include financial losses under special damages in your housing claim. Some examples of special damages include:
- Loss of earnings due to an inability to report to work.
- Medical expenses, including the cost of travelling to and from appointments.
- Rising electricity bills as a result of running dehumidifiers for mould treatment or inefficient heating systems.
- Cost of professional care due to impaired mobility after a fall or cleaning services due to a pipe burst.
- Expenses incurred for physical aids, such as a nebuliser, inhaler or crutches.
You will have to provide evidence of your special damages, such as bank statements or receipts.
Use our compensation calculator or call our advisors for further guidance on valuing your claim.
How Do You Prove A Housing Disrepair Claim?
The evidence you would need to claim housing disrepair compensation may be divided into the following categories:
Proving Disrepair
Here are examples of the evidence you could use to support your disrepair claim:
- Photographs of visible disrepair, such as damp and mould on walls, rotting doors or window frames, and faulty stairs.
- Contact details from any flatmates/cohabitants of the living space for witness statements.
- Copy of the rent agreement to establish the liability of the landlord/housing association.
- Communication records to prove that you have informed your landlord of the disrepair and reminded them.
Proving Injuries
You may use the following to prove your personal injury:
- Medical records, such as prescriptions, diagnostic test results or a doctor’s note.
- Diary entries or any other personal narrations related to the physical or mental illness symptoms.
- Invoices related to physical aids, such as a nebuliser or a wheelchair.
- Photographs of visible symptoms, such as rashes or lacerations on the body.
Call our advisors now for assistance in collecting or procuring evidence.
Time Limits For Housing Disrepair Claims
The time limits for starting housing disrepair claims are generally up to 6 years where no harm occurs, or 3 years in cases of personal injury or illness resulting from disrepair. These timeframes are established by the Limitation Act 1980 and apply to when a claim should be started, not when it should be concluded.
The time limit typically applies from the following dates:
- Housing disrepair: The 6-year time limit begins on the date a landlord is notified of an issue but fails to carry out the repairs within a reasonable timeframe. This failure is referred to as a ‘breach of contract.’
- Personal injury: Here, the 3 years begin from the date you suffered the injury or illness. You can get further information on the time limit for personal injury claims by reading our comprehensive limitation period guide.
There are some exceptions where the time limit will not apply due to certain circumstances. Our advisors are ready to explain the exceptions and provide clear, detailed answers to any other questions you may have about time limits. They can also help you determine, for free, whether you have sufficient time to start a housing disrepair claim.
No Win No Fee Housing Disrepair Claims
If you have an eligible housing compensation claim, our advisors can get you in touch with our No Win No Fee solicitors. They offer their services under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which will lighten your financial burden in the following ways:
- There is no upfront payment for your solicitor’s work.
- You don’t have to pay for their continued services as the claim progresses.
- If your claim is unsuccessful, your solicitor won’t charge for the work done on your case.
- In case of a successful result, you will only have to pay a success fee to your solicitor. This is a fixed percentage of your disrepair compensation, which will be mentioned in your No Win No Fee agreement. There is a legal cap on how much this fee can be to prevent any extortion.
Speak to our friendly advisors now for more information on No Win No Fee terms.
How Our Housing Disrepair Solicitors Can Help
We, at Legal Expert, strive to make the claims process simpler and less stressful for you. If you choose to make your housing disrepair compensation claim with us, we can help in the following ways;
- Explaining the complicated legal terms.
- Arranging an independent medical examination for proof of personal injuries.
- Communicating with the landlord for negotiations.
- Calculating the disrepair compensation amount.
- Collecting evidence in support of your claim.
- Determining the correct time limit for your claim.
Although it is possible to start a housing disrepair claim without a solicitor, it is always better to take the assistance of an expert. This is true especially when our housing disrepair solicitors have extensive experience in dealing with all kinds of claims related to poor housing conditions.
Contact Our Team Of Housing Disrepair Solicitors
If you would like to discuss your case, receive free advice and potentially be connected with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors, you can contact our advisors today by:
- Messaging them on live chat.
- Contacting us online through our form.
- Calling at 0800 073 8804.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following frequently asked questions further explore the process of claiming for housing disrepair compensation.
What Is A Housing Disrepair Claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a type of legal action that can compensate tenants for a landlord’s failure to make timely repairs to reported issues, such as broken plumbing. Compensation for housing disrepair will reflect the severity of the issue, the impact on the tenant, and the cost of damaged belongings.
Do Landlords Have To Fix Disrepair Issues?
Yes, private landlords do have to fix disrepair issues related to the property’s structure, heating, gas appliances, and electrical wiring. Landlords are also responsible for repairing hot water, ventilation, and sanitary fittings, such as sinks and baths.
Can I Claim If My Landlord Ignored Repair Requests?
Yes, you can claim if your landlord ignored repair requests, provided you notified them in writing and they failed to act within a reasonable timeframe. Keep copies of correspondence documenting these requests.
Can Damp And Mould Lead To Compensation Claims?
Yes, damp and mould can lead to compensation claims if the landlord’s failure to address the issue resulted in tenants experiencing unsafe living conditions, health problems, or damage to their belongings.
Can I Claim If Disrepair Damaged My Belongings?
Yes, you can claim if disrepair damaged your belongings, provided this directly resulted from the landlord’s failure to make timely repairs to known issues. These items can include furniture, carpets, bedding, and electrical appliances.
Who Is Responsible For Housing Disrepair In Rented Properties?
Landlords are responsible for housing disrepair in rented properties and must act within a reasonable time to rectify any issues that they have a legal duty to repair upon tenant notification.
Can Councils Be Liable For Housing Disrepair?
Yes, just like private landlords, councils can be liable for housing disrepair in properties they are responsible for if they fail to meet their legal duty to carry out repairs for issues they have been made aware of by tenants.
Are Housing Associations Liable For Disrepair?
Housing associations are liable for disrepair in properties they manage or own, as they have the same legal responsibilities as private landlords to make timely repairs to reported issues.
Do I Need To Report Disrepair Before Making A Claim?
You need to report the disrepair before making a claim, as tenants are legally required to notify their landlords of any issue that falls within the landlord’s legal responsibility to remedy.
Can Tenants Claim While Still Living In The Property?
Yes, tenants can claim while still living in the property affected by the disrepair. You also have the option of taking legal action after the end of your tenancy, as long as you reported the issue to your landlord, as you have up to 6 years to pursue compensation for housing disrepair.
Learn More
You can read some of our other guides for more information:
- Information on soft tissue injury compensation.
- Our guide on foot injury claims.
- Details on broken chair accidents.
Here are some external links which may be relevant:
- NHS guidance on cuts and grazes.
- Government resource on landlord responsibilities.
- Information from the government on deposit protection schemes.