The Tenant’s Guide to Navigating Housing Disrepair Issues

 

If you’re renting a property and experiencing problems such as damp and mould, leaking roofs, or a broken heating system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Across the UK, thousands of tenants live in properties suffering from housing disrepair. The good news is that the law is on your side. Here's your practical guide to understanding your rights and taking action.

🏠 What Qualifies as Housing Disrepair?

Not every minor issue counts, but if your home is in a condition that makes it unsafe or unfit to live in, it’s likely considered disrepair. Some of the most common issues include:

  • Mould and damp on ceilings, walls, or floors

  • Broken boilers and central heating failures

  • Water leaks through walls, pipes, or roofs

  • Structural cracks in walls or ceilings

  • Infestations of pests such as rats or cockroaches

  • Blocked drains and malfunctioning plumbing systems

  • Broken windows, doors, or locks that compromise safety

  • Unsafe electrical systems or exposed wiring

📜 Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, your landlord is legally responsible for ensuring the property remains in good repair. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must:

  • Maintain the structure and exterior of the building

  • Keep sanitary systems, such as toilets and baths, working properly

  • Ensure gas, electricity, and water systems are safe

  • Repair any faulty heating systems or hot water

  • Address serious issues like pest infestations and hazardous damp

Your landlord cannot legally ignore these issues once they’ve been notified.

🧾 Steps to Take If Your Home Is in Disrepair

  1. Report the Issue: Notify your landlord in writing. Be specific about the problem and request a timeline for repair.

  2. Document Everything: Take photos or videos of the damage. Keep a record of your communication and any related expenses.

  3. Get Expert Help: If your landlord refuses to take action, you can contact a solicitor or a housing disrepair expert to discuss your case.

  4. Contact Local Authorities: Councils can inspect the property and issue repair notices to negligent landlords.

  5. Start a Housing Disrepair Claim: If needed, legal action can result in repairs being made — and possible compensation for inconvenience, stress, or property damage.

💷 Can I Get Compensation?

Yes. If you’ve lived with unresolved disrepair issues, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation. You can claim for:

  • Damage to belongings (e.g., furniture, clothes, electronics)

  • Physical or mental health impacts (e.g., breathing problems from mould exposure)

  • Loss of enjoyment or use of part of your home

  • High heating bills due to a faulty boiler or poor insulation

  • Temporary relocation costs if the property becomes uninhabitable

🛡️ Is It Safe to Make a Complaint?

Many tenants worry about retaliation. But the law offers protection against revenge evictions if you follow proper steps and report disrepair in writing. If your landlord tries to evict you after you’ve made a formal complaint, that eviction could be deemed illegal.

🧠 Final Thoughts

Living with disrepair isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous. From mould and damp affecting your health to broken windows leaving you exposed to security risks, it’s vital that action is taken. As a tenant, you have rights, and there are systems in place to protect you. Don’t suffer in silence.

Understanding the process and taking the right steps can make all the difference in restoring your home to a safe, liveable condition.

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