Your Rights as a Tenant: What to Do If Your Landlord Ignores Housing Disrepair

Every tenant in the UK has a legal right to live in a property that is safe, secure, and well-maintained. Unfortunately, thousands of tenants face the same frustrating problem — reporting issues like damp, mould, broken heating systems, leaks, or infestations to their landlord, only to be ignored.

If you are living in poor conditions because of housing disrepair, you don’t have to suffer in silence. You have strong legal rights as a tenant, and you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim for compensation.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, our specialist housing disrepair solicitors fight for tenants across England and Wales. We ensure landlords carry out essential repairs and help tenants win the housing disrepair compensation claim they deserve.

In this article, we’ll break down your rights, explain what to do if your landlord refuses to act, and show how our housing disrepair experts can help.

What is Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to serious problems in your rented home that your landlord is legally responsible for fixing. Common issues include:

• Damp and mould.

• Leaks and water damage.

• Pest infestations.

• Broken heating or hot water systems.

• Unsafe electrics or gas.

• Defective roofing or structural problems.

• Broken doors and windows.

• Blocked drains and sewage issues.

When your landlord ignores these problems, they are failing in their legal duty to keep your property habitable.

Your Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have clear rights under UK housing law. These include:

1. The Right to a Safe and Habitable Home

Your landlord must ensure your home is free from hazards that could affect your health and safety.

2. The Right to Repairs

Landlords are legally responsible for repairing structural issues, heating, water, gas, and electrical systems.

3. The Right to Take Legal Action

If your landlord ignores repair requests, you can make a housing disrepair claim with the help of housing disrepair solicitors.

4. The Right to Compensation

You may be entitled to a compensation claim for housing disrepair if the disrepair has affected your health, safety, or enjoyment of your home.

5. The Right to Protection from Retaliation

Your landlord cannot legally evict you for pursuing a housing disrepair compensation claim.

Steps to Take if Your Landlord Ignores Repairs

If your landlord isn’t responding, here’s what you should do:

Step 1: Report the Problem in Writing

Always notify your landlord of the issue in writing (email or letter). Keep copies for your records.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

Take photographs, record dates, and keep receipts for any expenses you’ve incurred. Medical reports can also strengthen your case.

Step 3: Allow Reasonable Time for Repairs

Landlords should respond promptly, especially if the problem affects your health or safety.

Step 4: Contact Housing Disrepair Claims

If nothing is done, contact our housing disrepair experts. We’ll provide a free case assessment.

Step 5: Start a Housing Disrepair Claim

Our housing disrepair solicitors will take legal action on your behalf. We’ll ensure your landlord carries out the necessary repairs and fight for your housing disrepair compensation claim.

What Can You Claim Compensation For?

When you make a housing disrepair claim, you may be able to claim compensation for:

• Illness or injury caused by the disrepair (e.g., asthma from damp and mould).

• Damage to your personal belongings (clothes, furniture, electronics).

• Inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of your home.

• Higher bills caused by the disrepair (e.g., using electric heaters if the boiler is broken).

• Refund of rent for the period you lived in unsafe or unfit conditions.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, we work hard to ensure every tenant receives the maximum payout possible.

Why Landlords Fail to Act

Landlords often delay repairs to save money — but this neglect can put your health and safety at risk. Some may hope you won’t take legal action. Others may make empty promises to "look into it" without ever fixing the issue.

This is where our housing disrepair solicitors step in. We hold landlords accountable and make sure they meet their responsibilities.

The Role of Housing Disrepair Solicitors

Many tenants are unsure how to take legal action against their landlord. That’s why it’s essential to have the support of the best housing disrepair solicitors.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, we:

• Collect evidence to strengthen your case.

• Handle all legal paperwork.

• Negotiate with your landlord’s representatives.

• Secure urgent repairs through legal action.

• Pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.

Why Choose Housing Disrepair Claims?

We are one of the UK’s most trusted housing disrepair experts. Here’s why tenants choose us:

• ✅ We specialise exclusively in housing disrepair claims.

• ✅ We operate on a no win, no fee basis.

• ✅ We have a nationwide network of housing disrepair solicitors.

• ✅ We have won millions of pounds in housing disrepair compensation claims.

• ✅ We act quickly to get repairs completed and compensation paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can my landlord evict me for making a claim?
A: No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal, and you are protected by law.

Q: How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
A: It depends on the severity of the disrepair and your landlord’s response. Many cases are resolved within a few months.

Q: Do I need to go to court?
A: Most claims are settled before court, but our solicitors are ready to represent you if necessary.

Q: How much will it cost me?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on a no win, no fee basis, so you only pay if we win your claim.

Final Thoughts

If your landlord is ignoring housing disrepair, you have the right to take action. From damp and mould to broken heating systems, no tenant should be left to suffer in unsafe conditions.

At Housing Disrepair Claims, our dedicated housing disrepair solicitors and housing disrepair experts help tenants secure urgent repairs and claim the compensation they are legally entitled to.

📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Claims today for your free consultation. Take the first step towards holding your landlord accountable and securing the justice you deserve.