Housing Disrepair Compensation – Claim What You Are Legally Entitled To
Housing disrepair compensation allows tenants in the UK to claim financial damages when landlords fail to carry out necessary repairs. If you are living in a rented property with serious issues such as damp, mould, leaks, broken heating, or unsafe electrics, you may be entitled to compensation alongside having the repairs completed.
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to maintain the structure and essential systems of the property. This includes plumbing, heating, gas, electrical wiring, walls, roofing, and sanitation facilities. If you report a problem and your landlord does not fix it within a reasonable timeframe, you may have grounds to seek housing disrepair compensation.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 further protects tenants by ensuring rental properties must remain safe and fit to live in throughout the tenancy. If poor housing conditions affect your health, safety, or personal belongings, compensation may be awarded.
You may be able to claim for:
Inconvenience and distress
Damage to personal belongings
Health issues caused by damp or mould
Increased utility costs due to faulty systems
Loss of use of parts of your home
Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of the disrepair, the length of time it has been ongoing, and the impact on your daily life.
If you believe you qualify for housing disrepair compensation, keep records of complaints, take photographs, and gather medical evidence if relevant. Many specialist solicitors offer no win, no fee services, allowing tenants to pursue claims without upfront costs.
Taking action not only helps secure compensation but also ensures your home is made safe and habitable.