Top 10 Myths About Housing Disrepair — Busted!

  Tenants across the UK live in unsafe, unhealthy conditions simply because they believe common myths about housing disrepair. Whether you’re renting from the council or a housing association, knowing the truth about your rights can make all the difference in getting the repairs and compensation you deserve.

Here are 10 of the most damaging myths — and the real facts behind them.

❌ Myth 1: “If I complain, I’ll get evicted.”

Truth: It’s illegal for landlords to evict or threaten tenants for asserting their right to a safe home. The Protection from Eviction Act 1977 and tenancy laws ensure your right to live free from retaliation. Reporting damp and mould, leaks, or heating issues is your right — not a risk.

❌ Myth 2: “Damp is my fault because I didn’t open a window.”

Truth: While ventilation helps, structural damp or penetrating damp is almost always due to poor property maintenance, like leaks, broken gutters, or faulty insulation. Your landlord is responsible for fixing housing disrepair like this.

❌ Myth 3: “Only visible mould counts as a problem.”

Truth: Mould spores can still damage your health even if they aren’t visibly spreading. The smell of damp, condensation, or repeated health symptoms like coughing or asthma may indicate hidden problems.

❌ Myth 4: “I have to fix broken windows or doors myself.”

Truth: If your front door doesn’t lock, your windows won’t close, or frames are rotting, it’s your landlord’s job to repair them. Broken windows and doors are serious safety and insulation concerns, and should never be left unresolved.

❌ Myth 5: “Heating is optional — landlords don’t have to fix it fast.”

Truth: Not true. You have a legal right to reliable hot water and heating, especially during cold months. Broken boilers or radiators must be fixed in a timely manner, or your landlord could be in breach of contract.

❌ Myth 6: “Pest infestations are just part of city life.”

Truth: Rodents, cockroaches, bedbugs, and other pests indicate poor property maintenance. If infestations are recurring or linked to structural gaps, cracks, or damp, your landlord may be liable and required to act quickly.

❌ Myth 7: “Cracked walls or ceilings are just cosmetic.”

Truth: Cracks may be harmless — but they can also be signs of structural damage, subsidence, or water damage. If ignored, they can lead to major safety issues. You should always report cracks in walls or ceilings to your landlord.

❌ Myth 8: “I have to pay for damage caused by leaks.”

Truth: If a water leak damages your belongings, your landlord could be responsible — especially if you reported the issue and they failed to act. You may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation for damaged furniture, clothing, or electronics.

❌ Myth 9: “I have to keep waiting — there’s nothing I can do.”

Truth: If you’ve reported a problem and your landlord hasn’t acted within a reasonable time, you have legal options. You can escalate the matter through housing disrepair experts, who may even work on a no win, no fee basis.

❌ Myth 10: “Only tenants in council housing can make a claim.”

Truth: While many disrepair claims do involve council housing or housing associations, private tenants also have rights. If your landlord isn’t meeting their obligations, you may still qualify for repairs and compensation.✅ Takeaway: Don’t Fall for Myths — Take Action

Whether you’re facing mould, heating problems, pests, leaks, or electrical faults, you don’t have to accept substandard living conditions. And you certainly don’t have to handle it alone.

If your landlord won’t act, you can:

• Document the issue with photos and dates

• Report the problem in writing (email or letter)

• Seek help from a housing disrepair specialist

• Make a claim for repairs and compensation

⚖️ You Deserve a Safe Home

Many tenants wait months or even years, not knowing they could have taken legal steps much earlier. Don’t wait for another winter without heating, or another ruined wall from a leak. If your home is in poor condition, the law is on your side.

Take action today — because everyone deserves a safe, warm, and well-maintained place to live.