Know Your Rights
Types of Housing Disrepair
If your landlord has failed to maintain your home, you may be entitled to compensation — regardless of whether you rent from a council, housing association, or private landlord. Below are the most common types of disrepair we handle.
Not sure if your situation qualifies? Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment. We'll review your case and tell you honestly whether you have a valid claim.
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You pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee is only deducted from the compensation you receive.
Start a Free AssessmentDamp & Mould
A serious health hazard your landlord must address
Damp and mould are among the most common — and most dangerous — forms of housing disrepair. Prolonged exposure to mould spores can cause or worsen respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis, and allergies. Children, the elderly, and those with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable.
Common Causes
- —Rising damp from inadequate damp-proofing
- —Penetrating damp through damaged roofs, walls, or windows
- —Condensation caused by poor ventilation or insulation
- —Leaking pipes or plumbing within walls
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to keep properties free from damp and mould. Failure to act after being notified is a breach of their duty.
Structural Damage
Unsafe buildings are a landlord's legal responsibility
Structural issues can range from cracked walls and ceilings to subsidence, unstable floors, and failing roofs. These problems not only make a property unsafe to live in but can worsen rapidly if left unaddressed, putting tenants at serious risk of injury.
Common Causes
- —Subsidence or ground movement
- —Cracked or crumbling walls and ceilings
- —Damaged or failing roof structure
- —Unsafe staircases, floors, or balconies
Landlords have a statutory duty to maintain the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes the roof, walls, floors, ceilings, windows, and doors.
Leaks & Water Damage
Persistent leaks cause lasting damage to your home and health
Leaking roofs, burst pipes, and water ingress can cause extensive damage to your belongings, promote mould growth, and create slip hazards. Landlords are required to repair leaks promptly — delays are not acceptable and may entitle you to compensation.
Common Causes
- —Leaking or damaged roof
- —Burst or leaking internal pipes
- —Faulty guttering or drainage
- —Water ingress through windows or external walls
Water damage from a landlord's failure to maintain plumbing or the building structure is a clear breach of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. You may also be entitled to claim for damaged personal belongings.
Heating & Hot Water Failures
No heating or hot water is unacceptable — and illegal
Living without adequate heating or hot water is not just uncomfortable — it is a serious health risk, particularly in winter months. Cold homes are linked to respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and increased mortality among vulnerable tenants.
Common Causes
- —Broken or faulty boiler
- —Defective central heating system
- —Inadequate or no hot water supply
- —Poorly insulated property causing heat loss
Landlords must ensure that heating and hot water installations are kept in proper working order. Failure to repair a broken boiler or heating system within a reasonable timeframe is a breach of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Pest Infestations
Infestations caused by structural failings are your landlord's problem
Rats, mice, cockroaches, and other pests can enter properties through structural defects such as gaps in walls, damaged floors, or broken drains. Where an infestation is caused or worsened by the condition of the property, the landlord is responsible for resolving it.
Common Causes
- —Gaps or holes in walls, floors, or foundations
- —Damaged drains or sewage systems
- —Poorly maintained communal areas
- —Structural defects allowing pest entry
If a pest infestation is linked to the structural condition of the property, your landlord has a duty to address both the infestation and the underlying cause. Tenants should not be expected to bear the cost of pest control for issues caused by disrepair.
Electrical Hazards
Faulty electrics are a fire and safety risk
Unsafe electrical installations are one of the leading causes of house fires and electrocution injuries in the UK. Landlords are legally required to ensure that all electrical systems and appliances they provide are safe and properly maintained.
Common Causes
- —Outdated or faulty wiring
- —Exposed or damaged cables
- —Overloaded circuits or fuse boxes
- —Defective sockets, switches, or light fittings
Under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020, landlords must have electrical installations inspected every five years. Failure to maintain safe electrics is a serious legal breach.
Ventilation Issues
Poor ventilation leads to damp, mould, and health problems
Inadequate ventilation traps moisture in the air, leading to condensation, damp, and mould growth. It can also cause a build-up of harmful gases in properties with gas appliances. Landlords must ensure properties are adequately ventilated.
Common Causes
- —Blocked or absent extractor fans in kitchens and bathrooms
- —Sealed or non-opening windows
- —Inadequate air bricks or ventilation gaps
- —Poorly designed or maintained ventilation systems
The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) identifies inadequate ventilation as a category 1 hazard when it poses a significant risk to health. Landlords are required to address such hazards.
General Unsafe Conditions
Any condition making your home unsafe is actionable
Beyond the specific categories above, any condition that makes your home unsafe or unfit for human habitation may form the basis of a disrepair claim. This includes broken windows, unsafe staircases, missing smoke or carbon monoxide alarms, and more.
Common Causes
- —Broken windows or doors that cannot be secured
- —Unsafe or broken staircases and handrails
- —Missing or non-functioning smoke or CO alarms
- —Asbestos or other hazardous materials in poor condition
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 gives tenants the right to take legal action if their home is unfit to live in. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, contact us for a free assessment.
Recognise Any of These Issues?
If your landlord has been made aware of disrepair and failed to act, you may be entitled to compensation. Get a free assessment today — no win, no fee.