Are You Living With Housing Disrepair? Here's What You Can Do Today

  

Living in a rental property should feel safe, clean, and secure — not stressful and hazardous. Yet across the UK, thousands of tenants live with unresolved housing disrepair issues like persistent mould, water leaks, pest infestations, and broken heating systems.



If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and more importantly, you have rights.

The Problem: Dangerous Living Conditions Are More Common Than You Think

From damp walls to leaking roofs, many tenants put up with disrepair far longer than they should. Often, landlords delay or ignore requests, leaving tenants to suffer from:

  • Black mould that affects breathing, especially in children and the elderly

  • Damp patches causing paint and wallpaper to peel

  • Dripping taps and plumbing leaks leading to water damage

  • Infestations of rats, mice, or cockroaches

  • Faulty heating systems during freezing winter months

  • Unsafe electrics, broken sockets, or flickering lights

  • Broken windows and doors that threaten security and insulation

These problems are not only inconvenient — they’re dangerous to your health and can reduce your quality of life significantly.

Why Tenants Often Feel Stuck

Too many tenants fear reporting disrepair due to concerns like:

  • “What if my landlord evicts me?”

  • “I don’t want to cause conflict.”

  • “They’ll fix it when they’re ready.”

But these concerns are often based on misunderstandings of tenant rights. Under UK law — especially the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 — landlords are legally responsible for maintaining their property. And retaliation (like eviction or harassment) for reporting disrepair is illegal.

The Solution: Take Action — Here’s How

If you’re living with unresolved disrepair, here’s a step-by-step guide to reclaiming control.

1. Document the Disrepair

Start by taking clear photos and videos of the issue. Include timestamps, and keep a written record of when you noticed each problem. If your health or belongings have been affected, keep medical reports or receipts for damages.

2. Report the Issue in Writing

Contact your landlord or housing association in writing (email is best). Explain the issue, how long it has been present, and what impact it’s having. Ask for a clear timeline for repair.

3. Keep a Paper Trail

Save all communication. If the landlord ignores or delays repairs, your written proof will be key in escalating the matter.

4. Seek Professional Help

You don’t have to face housing disrepair alone. If your landlord continues to ignore you, consider speaking to a housing disrepair expert. These professionals help tenants get necessary repairs done and may assist you in claiming compensation for distress, inconvenience, and damaged belongings.

What You May Be Entitled To

Depending on your circumstances, you could receive:

  • Repairs to your home at no cost to you

  • Financial compensation for inconvenience, health effects, or damaged items

  • Rehousing assistance if the property is unsafe

  • Legal protection from eviction or retaliation

The longer the issue has gone unresolved — and the more it has impacted you — the stronger your case for compensation.

Real-Life Examples of Housing Disrepair

  • A family in Manchester suffered from damp and mould in their child’s bedroom for over a year. They received over £3,000 in compensation after medical reports confirmed it affected their child’s asthma.

  • In Birmingham, a tenant experienced repeated boiler failures for two winters. With expert help, they forced the landlord to install a new system and received £2,500 for discomfort and inconvenience.

  • A London couple reported mice infestation and leaking ceilings. After their complaints were ignored for 6 months, they took legal action and secured repairs and financial compensation.

Preventative Tips for Tenants

While landlords are responsible for repairs, tenants can still take steps to prevent or manage minor issues early:

  • Ventilate rooms regularly to reduce condensation

  • Report small issues before they become major problems

  • Avoid overloading electrical sockets

  • Keep records of appliance faults or plumbing concerns

Even if you've taken all reasonable precautions, remember that long-standing issues are not your fault — and you shouldn't be the one to suffer.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Safe, Livable Home

Housing disrepair is not something tenants should accept as “just part of renting.” From crumbling ceilings to heating breakdowns, these issues affect your health, safety, and peace of mind.

If your landlord has failed to act — even after multiple reports — it’s time to take action. Whether through direct resolution or by working with housing disrepair professionals, help is available. The key is knowing your rights, gathering evidence, and making your voice heard.

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