The Ultimate Tenant’s Guide to Reporting and Resolving Housing Disrepair Issues in the UK

  

Thousands of tenants across the UK are currently living in homes that are not fit for habitation. Whether it's persistent damp, black mould, or a broken heating system, tenants often suffer in silence — unaware that they have clear rights and legal options.

This guide walks you through the step-by-step process of identifying, reporting, and resolving housing disrepair issues, while highlighting your rights as a tenant and what kind of compensation you may be entitled to.

What Is Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to any damage, defect, or hazard in a rented property that the landlord is legally obligated to fix. These issues can include:

• Mould or damp (rising, penetrating, or condensation-related)

• Leaking roofs or pipes

• Broken boilers or heating systems

• Faulty wiring or unsafe electrics

• Pest infestations (rats, mice, cockroaches, etc.)

• Broken doors or windows

• Structural cracks or collapsing ceilings

If these problems are left unaddressed after being reported, it may be considered negligence on the part of the landlord or housing provider.

Step 1: Identify the Problem Thoroughly

Before contacting your landlord, take the time to inspect your property and list all visible signs of damage or disrepair. Consider:

• Is there a musty smell or signs of black spots on walls or ceilings?

• Do you feel excessive cold or draughts, even with the heating on?

• Are there signs of water stains, bubbling paint, or flaking plaster?

• Have you seen or heard rodents or pests in your property?

• Do electrical outlets spark, flicker, or not function safely?

The more thorough your list, the stronger your report and potential claim.

Step 2: Report the Issue in Writing

Once identified, report the problem to your landlord or housing provider in writing. Always include:

• A clear description of the issue

• The date it was first noticed

• Photographs or video evidence

• Any impact it’s having on your health or daily life

• A request for a specific timeline for repairs

Keep a copy of all communications — they are essential if legal action becomes necessary later.

Step 3: Understand Your Landlord’s Responsibilities

By law, landlords are responsible for:

• Maintaining the structure and exterior of the propertyli

• Ensuring the supply of water, gas, and electricity

• Keeping sanitation systems (like sinks, baths, toilets) in working order

• Fixing heating and hot water systems

• Preventing health hazards like damp, mould, or infestations

Failure to meet these responsibilities — especially after being notified — may entitle you to repairs and compensation.

Step 4: Gather Ongoing Evidence

If your landlord delays or refuses repairs:

• Continue to take dated photographs regularly

• Maintain a log of communication attempts

• Record any worsening of the issue

• Keep receipts for damaged belongings (e.g., clothes, furniture, electronics)

• Request medical records if the disrepair affects your health

This evidence will be crucial if you choose to escalate the matter legally.

Step 5: Seek Legal Support or Housing Disrepair Experts

If your complaints have gone ignored or the disrepair is severe, you may consider working with housing disrepair experts or solicitors. Most offer:

• Free property inspections

• No win, no fee claims

• Help collecting documentation and filing claims

• Guidance on receiving repair orders and compensation

You may be able to receive financial compensation for:

• Damage to personal belongings

• Physical or mental health impact

• Disturbance to everyday life

• Time spent in an unsafe or uninhabitable home

Common Tenant Mistakes to Avoid

Many tenants either don’t realise they have a valid case or wait too long to take action. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Not documenting issues from the start

• Only calling the landlord without written proof

• Accepting “patch jobs” like painting over mould

• Not knowing your rights under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

Remember: if your landlord does not act within a reasonable timeframe, you have the right to escalate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I be evicted for making a housing disrepair claim?
A: No. Retaliatory evictions are illegal under UK law. Landlords cannot remove you simply for asserting your rights.

Q: What if the damage was caused by me?
A: Landlords are not responsible for tenant-caused damage. However, issues that result from wear and tear, poor construction, or external factors fall under their responsibility.

Q: What’s the average compensation?
A: It depends on the severity and duration of the issue. Many tenants receive £1,000 to £5,000, sometimes more for serious neglect or health consequences.

Conclusion: You Deserve a Safe Home

Living in unsafe or damaged housing is not something you should “just live with.” Whether you’re dealing with severe damp, a rodent infestation, or leaking ceilings, you have rights — and options.

Don’t wait for your landlord to take action. Take control of your situation by documenting, reporting, and — when necessary — seeking professional advice.