Housing Disrepair Checklist: Are You Living in an Unfit Property?

  Many tenants in social and council housing put up with poor living conditions for far too long — either because they don’t know their rights or they don’t realise how serious the damage really is. If you suspect that your home may be in disrepair, this step-by-step checklist will help you assess the situation.

You don’t have to suffer in silence. Use this guide to understand the signs of housing disrepair, your landlord’s obligations, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.



🔍 1. Spot the Signs of Disrepair

Walk through your home and check for the following common issues:

  • Damp and mould: Are there black or green patches on your walls or ceilings? Can you smell a musty odour?

  • Water leaks: Look for stains on ceilings, wet carpets, or dripping taps and pipes.

  • Broken heating systems: Is your boiler functioning properly? Do you have consistent hot water and heat?

  • Faulty electrics: Are there exposed wires, broken sockets, or flickering lights?

  • Pest infestations: Have you seen mice, rats, cockroaches, or other pests in your home?

  • Structural damage: Check for large cracks, bulging walls, or broken plaster.

  • Broken windows or doors: Are your locks working? Are you exposed to draughts or security risks?

Even just one of these problems may mean your landlord is neglecting their legal duty to maintain your home.

🏡 2. Understand What Your Landlord Is Responsible For

By law, your landlord must keep the following in good repair:

  • The structure and exterior of the property

  • Basins, sinks, toilets, and drainage systems

  • Heating and hot water installations

  • Electrical wiring and sockets

  • Measures to prevent and eliminate damp and mould

  • Safe, secure doors and windows

  • Pest-free living environments

Failing to fix any of these can put your health and safety at risk — and may be grounds for a housing disrepair compensation claim.

📝 3. Record the Evidence

Before you take any formal action, gather proof of your disrepair. This helps strengthen your case and protects you legally.

Checklist for documentation:

  • Clear photos and videos of all damage

  • Dates and copies of all messages, emails, or texts sent to your landlord

  • Receipts for any personal items damaged (furniture, clothing, electronics)

  • Medical records if you’ve suffered health issues caused by damp or mould

  • A written repair log showing how long problems have been ongoing

⚠️ 4. Don’t Delay Reporting the Problem

Tenants are often afraid to “make waves,” but waiting can worsen the damage — and may even reduce your compensation eligibility. Always report the problem in writing to your landlord or housing association, and follow up if you don’t get a response.

If they don’t act within a reasonable time, it’s considered neglect of duty.

⚖️ 5. You May Be Eligible for Compensation

If your landlord ignores your complaints, fails to carry out necessary repairs, or if you’ve experienced:

  • Illness due to damp and mould

  • Property damage from leaks or pests

  • Long-term inconvenience and stress

  • Loss of heating or water

  • Unsafe living conditions

You may be entitled to compensation for housing disrepair.

Some tenants have received thousands of pounds in compensation, plus repairs completed under legal obligation — all without paying any fees upfront. Many legal teams offer no win, no fee services to tenants like you.

✅ Final Checklist Before You Seek Help

If you can tick 3 or more boxes below, it's time to act:

  •  I’ve reported issues to my landlord with no real response

  •  I’m living with visible mould, damp, or leaks

  •  I have no reliable heating or hot water

  •  Pests or rodents are present in the property

  •  My health or my family’s health has worsened due to poor conditions

  •  I’ve spent my own money replacing or repairing damaged items

  •  Repairs are either ignored or endlessly delayed

🔧 Don’t Tolerate Disrepair — Take Control

Living in council or social housing does not mean you have to accept substandard conditions. As a tenant, you have rights. Whether you’re dealing with electrical issues, insecure doors, leaking pipes, or mould-related health problems, you deserve a safe and comfortable home.

Take the first step by assessing your situation, collecting evidence, and speaking to a professional. Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — housing disrepair is a legal matter, and you may be entitled to both repairs and compensation.

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