Housing Disrepair Claims

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If your rented property is falling into disrepair — whether due to damp, leaks, faulty wiring, heating issues, or structural damage — you may be able to take action. At TC Legal, we do not provide legal advice ourselves; we connect tenants with regulated solicitors who specialise in housing disrepair claims

Housing disrepair covers situations where a property has deteriorated due to neglect or failure to maintain safe living conditions. Landlords (private, housing associations or local councils) generally have a legal duty to keep the property in habitable condition. If essential repairs are ignored after being reported, it may be possible to seek legal recourse.

Tenants frequently experience a range of disrepair issues, including but not limited to:

Damp and Mould

• Persistent damp and mould growth can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Landlords must ensure proper ventilation, heating, and structural integrity to prevent damp problems.

Structural Damage

• Cracks in walls, unstable flooring, or faulty roofing can make your home unsafe.
• A structurally sound home is a landlord’s legal responsibility.

Leaks and Plumbing Issues

• Leaky pipes, blocked drains, and faulty water systems can cause damage and hygiene concerns.
• Water leaks can lead to mould growth, electrical hazards, and further structural damage.

Heating and Boiler Issues

• Lack of heating or hot water, particularly in winter, can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable tenants.
• Landlords must ensure heating systems and boilers are maintained and operational.

Electrical Hazards

• Exposed wiring, faulty sockets, or persistent power failures pose serious safety risks.
• Electrical safety checks are a legal requirement for rented properties.

Pest Infestations

• Infestations of rats, mice, cockroaches, or other pests can make living conditions unbearable.
• Landlords may be responsible for pest control measures, particularly if infestations arise due to disrepair.

Under laws such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, you may be entitled to:

• Insist your landlord maintain safe and habitable conditions
• Have essential repairs made in a reasonable timeframe after reporting the issue
• Seek repairs or compensation where disrepair endangers your health, safety, or wellbeing

To strengthen your case, follow these steps:

• Report in writing to your landlord — clearly describe the issue and give them a reasonable timeframe to act.
• Keep evidence — photographs, videos, dated correspondence, repair receipts, utility bills, etc.
• Medical reports (if relevant) — if disrepair has caused health problems, get professional documentation.
• Document ongoing issues — maintain a log if problems recur despite reporting them.

A viable claim may require:

• Pictures or video of the disrepair
• Communication records with your landlord
• Health or medical records linking issues to disrepair (if applicable)
• Proof of out-of-pocket costs or increased bills
• Witness statements from household members, friends, or neighbours

Some common pitfalls include:

• Not reporting issues in writing or failing to allow landlords reasonable time to act
• Insufficient or weak evidence
• Tenant neglect or contributing to the damage
• Legal or factual aspects of the reported issues not meeting disrepair thresholds

The solicitors we connect you with can:

• Offer a free initial consultation to explore your situation
• Advise whether you have grounds to pursue a claim
• Explain potential remedies, including requiring repairs or seeking compensation
• Manage the legal process — from communication with the landlord to court action if needed

Many solicitors we introduce may offer “no win, no fee” agreements.

• If your case is unsuccessful, you will not be charged the solicitor’s legal fees (subject to their assessment and terms).
• These arrangements are between you and the solicitor, and will be clearly explained before you commit.

• Streamlined Process — Submit your enquiry once; we securely pass it to qualified solicitors.
• Authorized Professionals — We work only with solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• No Fee from Us — TC Legal does not charge you for using our service. Any legal costs or funding decisions will be explained directly by the solicitor.

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TC Legal is not a law firm or claims management company. We do not provide legal advice or handle claims directly. Instead, we connect tenants with regulated legal professionals who can assist with their housing disrepair issues. Any legal services provided will be subject to the terms and conditions of the appointed legal service provider.