Question 1

Who qualifies for a housing disrepair claim?

Accepted Answer

You can usually claim if you rent from a council or a housing association (including housing association trusts and ALMOs), you reported the disrepair to your landlord at least 21 days ago, and they have failed to put it right. Private tenants can also claim where the landlord is responsible for the defect. It does not matter whether you are in arrears — your right to a safe home is separate from your rent account.

Question 2

Is it really No Win, No Fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your claim is run under a Conditional Fee Agreement with our panel of regulated solicitors. There is nothing to pay upfront, nothing to pay for the independent survey, and if the claim is unsuccessful you pay nothing at all. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation and explained to you in writing in plain English before you sign anything.

Question 3

Can my landlord evict me for making a claim?

Accepted Answer

Social landlords cannot lawfully evict a secure or assured tenant simply for asking for repairs or bringing a disrepair claim. For private tenants, the Deregulation Act 2015 provides protection against retaliatory eviction where the disrepair has been properly reported. Our solicitors will explain exactly how your tenancy is protected before your claim is issued.

Question 4

How much compensation can I get?

Accepted Answer

Awards are typically made up of three parts: a reduction of the rent you paid while living with the disrepair (often 20%–50% of rent for the affected period), the cost of damaged belongings such as carpets, clothing, furniture and electricals, and general damages for any impact on your health or enjoyment of your home. Claims commonly settle between £1,000 and £10,000+ depending on severity and how long the disrepair lasted.

Question 5

How long does a claim take?

Accepted Answer

Most claims settle within 4 to 12 months. Urgent repairs can often be forced through much faster — in serious cases our solicitors can apply to the court for an order requiring your landlord to carry out the works.

Question 6

What evidence do I need?

Accepted Answer

Photographs or video of the disrepair, any letters, emails, texts or app reports to your landlord, and a note of repair reference numbers. Don't worry if your records are incomplete — we can request your landlord's repair history on your behalf.

Housing disrepair questions, answered

Everything tenants ask us

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