Housing Help

Housing Disrepair

Your Landlord is responsible for carrying out repairs to your home however they must first be notified of the disrepair. Therefore, it’s very important that all disrepair is reported to YOUR Landlord as soon as possible.

If your Landlord has received notice of the disrepair and has failed to carry out the repairs within a reasonable period of time, then you have a potential claim for disrepair against them.

Hodge Jones & Allen_Chambers 2023_png Our Housing team has been ranked in Band 1 in the Chambers & Partners 2023 legal directory. The team was described as “progressive and robust in defending the rights of vulnerable tenants and homeless applicants.”

Legal 500 UK -Top-Tier-Rirm-2023 “Hodge Jones & Allen is an industry leader in social housing law. The firm provides an exceptional service for all of its clients in disrepair, possession and homelessness. The firm has a reputation for providing an exceptional level of service and advancement of the law in very high profile cases in the Court of Appeal and Supreme court.” Legal 500, 2023

We’re proud to be able to help hundreds of people each year to solve their disrepair and other housing problems and achieve swift outcomes.

we can help.

0808 271 9413

request a call back.

Find Out What Damages You May Be Entitled To Receive:

Housing Disrepair Calculator

My House Needs Repair, What Should I Do?

The law imposes strict requirements on landlords to ensure that your property is kept in a good state of repair particularly:

Damp and mould related issues
The structure and exterior of the premises
Water pipes and installations relating to water usage such as baths, sinks, drainage systems and toilets
Gas pipes and electrical wiring
Roof, windows, gutters, drains
Heating and hot water

Landlords are also required to ensure that their properties are fit for human habitation. This can include problems not caused by disrepair, but due to design defects, such as condensation dampness, a lack of ventilation or inadequate heating.

You don’t need to suffer in silence as tenants have rights too. You may be entitled to compensation and for an order to have works carried out.

If your home has disrepair issues the first action you must take is to report the disrepair to your landlord. If your landlord refuses or fails to carry out works, you may be able to obtain a court order requiring them to do the works. You may also be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience and distress that the disrepair has caused you as well as for damage to your belongings or any out of pocket expenses.

We can help you to take legal action against your landlord, providing you with expert advice and help you to achieve a successful outcome.

Important first steps

Contact our Lawyers. We will carry out a free initial assessment of your case. Once instructed to act on your behalf, we’ll allocate you with the best expert for your needs and the first thing we’ll do is write to your Landlord giving them formal notice of the disrepair and intended action against them.

Get a professional surveyor to complete an inspection of your property.

Get your Landlord to carry out work.

Get you the compensation you deserve. If your Landlord refuses to carry out the works and pay you compensation for the inconvenience you have suffered you can issue a claim for housing disrepair in the County Court seeking a court order forcing your Landlord to carry out the works and to pay you compensation.

"My Lawyer was brilliant and truly helped me with my situation. I’m forever grateful. The best Lawyer! "

Why Choose Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors?

Hodge Jones & Allen are recognised leaders in our field. Our Housing team is one of the highest ranking for social housing and tenant law in the UK.

We’re one of only three firms in the UK to be listed as a Tier 1 firm for this area of law in the Legal 500 guide. Our team are also ranked ‘top tier’ for housing law by another independent legal directory Chambers & Partners UK.

Our expert Housing Solicitors in London have been defending the rights of tenants for over 40 years.

We understand how disruptive it can be when a Landlord has refused to repair faults or hasn’t kept the house in a suitable condition. We’ll endeavour to get you quick results wherever possible to help reduce the length of the impact on you and your family. interests of its clients’.

We’ve been ranked as Tier 1 in Legal 500 for our work, including representing clients in disrepair matters.

We’re ranked in Chambers & Partners 2018 as Band 1 (one of only three).

We can carry out a free initial assessment of your case.

We can represent you in bringing a claim on a No Win No Fee basis.

Our specialist Housing Team understands how much a Housing Disrepair can affect yours and your family’s quality of life. Therefore, we work to resolve it as soon as possible, putting your needs first.

We offer a range of funding options including Legal Aid and ‘No Win, No Fee’ arrangements. Our lawyers will discuss all the options and your eligibility.

Contact our housing experts today on

0808 271 9413

to find out how we can help you with your disrepair.

The London Legal Podcast

Housing Disrepair During Lockdown

Sophie Bell and Shabnam Shekarian, specialist Solicitors in our Housing Law team explain the government guidance surrounding housing disrepair issues during the Coronavirus lockdown. Sophie and Shabnam discuss landlords’ responsibilities to ensure their properties are safe and fit for habitation, tenants granting access to their property and how renters may be able to take legal action and claim compensation for issues at their property.

Click here to listen to the podcast.

London Legal Podcast Logo

Meet The Team

view all

Jayesh Kunwardia

Partner

Daniel Fitzpatrick

Partner

Farzana Chowdhury

Partner

Sophie Bell

Partner

Edward Sharp

Senior Associate

Sioned Wyn Roberts

Senior Associate

Suzanne Bird

Senior Associate

Aneela Samrai

Solicitor

Hayley Jack

Solicitor

Imran Sarfraz

Solicitor

Nivashinie Sivalokanathan

Solicitor

Patricia Lobo Del Castillo

Solicitor

Simon Foxcroft

Solicitor

Declan Storrar

Paralegal

Jacob Bartholomew-Smith

Paralegal

Liselle Archer

Paralegal

Oliver Edwards

Paralegal

Tess Baker

Paralegal

Zafirah Rahman

Paralegal

Alex Iossifidis

Trainee

Rabiah Farooq

Trainee

Featured Cases

Housing Disrepair

Our client was a secure tenant of a London local authority. She had been experiencing disrepair to her home, including leaks in the bathroom. These were causing damp and mould growth, as well as damage to the wall plaster and timbers. Our housing team were instructed to represent her in bringing a claim against the local authority landlord. A claim was issued at court and settlement was secured for all the necessary works to be carried out to her home. Our client was also awarded compensation of £22,500.

type of claim

disrepair

damages awarded

£22,500

Housing Disrepair

Our housing lawyers represented a tenant from a local authority who complained of extensive disrepair throughout their home. We obtained a report from a chartered surveyor detailing the defects to the property and what works were required, then sent this to the landlord. The tenant's landlord failed to respond, so court proceedings were issued. At court, the landlord was found liable for the damage. We secured an injunction for the repairs and compensation, plus the payment of our client's legal fees.

type of claim

housing disrepair

damages awarded

£21,782

Housing Disrepair

In a group action claim, our clients were a group of residents of a London social landlord. They had suffered a lack of heating and hot water in their homes for several years. Our housing team were instructed to help and were able to secure a settlement in excess of £100,000 for the residents, together with an agreement to carry out works to repair their properties.

type of claim

group action disrepair

damages awarded

£100,000+

Housing Disrepair

Our client had suffered with water penetration, damp, mould growth, electrical issues and blocked drains throughout their tenancy. A Letter of Claim was sent to their landlord, followed by the instruction of an independent Chartered Surveyor. The surveyor confirmed that there was serious disrepair to the property and that the landlord was in breach of their repairing obligations and their duty of care. The property was not reasonably suitable for human habitation and failed to meet hazard standards. A copy of the report was sent to the landlord requiring them to agree to carry out the necessary works and compensate our client. Our client’s landlord failed to respond and accordingly we issued court proceedings against them. The landlord initially tried to defend the claim, but we negotiated full repairs, compensation and payment of our client's legal fees.

type of claim

housing disrepair

damages awarded

£8000

Housing Disrepair

Our client had a long standing issue of damp affecting their bedroom wall. Although works had been carried out previously, the damp returned soon afterwards, causing staining, mould growth and damage to our client’s belongings, including their bedding, soft furnishings and clothing. A Letter of Claim was sent to the landlord followed by the instruction of an independent Chartered Surveyor. The surveyor confirmed that the damp was due to a defect of the cavity wall. They concluded that our client’s landlord was in breach of their repairing obligations and in breach of their duty of care. A copy of the report was sent to the landlord requiring them to agree to carry out the necessary works and compensate our client. They initially refused to agree to these works, preferring the findings of their own surveyor. After further negotiations, the landlord eventually conceded and agreed to carry out the repairs and pay compensation.

type of claim

Housing Disrepair

damages awarded

£8500

Housing Disrepair

Our client was a social housing tenant who was recovering from cancer. She first noticed some damp and mould in her home and reported this about 3 years ago. Despite it being cleaned off, it continued to grow back. It transpired after we instructed an expert surveyor to attend there was an issue with faulty and cracked guttering and this was causing rainwater to leak into her home. The landlord agreed to fix the property's guttering, carry out all the necessary internal repairs and redecorate.

type of claim

housing disrepair

damages awarded

£5,000

Housing Disrepair

Our client had a recurring damp issue at her home. This resulted in the property smelling strongly of damp and caused our client distress, inconvenience and embarrassment. A Letter of Claim was sent to the landlord however the landlord maintained that works had been carried out effectively and there was no further damp affecting the property. We instructed an independent Chartered Surveyor, who confirmed issues with damp and the windows. He concluded that our client’s landlord was in breach of their repairing obligations. The landlord initially refused further works however following a further inspection by their own expert, they agreed to carry out works to address the damp and upgrade the windows to double glazed windows. They also agreed to pay compensation and our client's legal costs.

type of claim

housing disrepair

damages awarded

£8,000

Housing Disrepair

We were instructed by a client who had water penetration, severe damp and mould affecting her home. The damp was so bad that her children could not sleep in the bedroom and were sleeping on the living room floor. An independent expert confirmed the property was not fit for human habitation. The landlord did not engage with us and so we issued a claim for disrepair in the County Court. They attempted to defend the claim by denying or minimising the disrepair, but later agreed to carry out all works as identified by the independent expert. The claim was subsequently settled with an agreement to do all works, pay our client compensation and pay our legal costs.

type of claim

Severe Damp and Mould

damages awarded

£10,000

Housing Disrepair

We were instructed by a client due to water leaks in her bathroom that were affecting the electrical wiring of the property and causing lights and plug sockets to blow, as well as damp and mould. The landlord confirmed they would ask their surveyor to carry out an inspection. We agreed to this and advised that we would also instruct an independent Chartered Surveyor. The surveyor confirmed that there was damp and mould and that the property was not fit for human habitation. They recommended that works be undertaken to fix the issues. The landlord agreed to carry out all proposed works and confirming that they wished to try and avoid litigation and settle the claim. Following negotiations, the case was settled with an agreement to carry out works, pay compensation and pay our legal costs.

type of claim

Water leaking into electrics

damages awarded

£4,200

Housing Disrepair

We were instructed by a client due to an ongoing issue with her heating. The system had been defective for 2 years causing her home to be very cold. She had purchased an electric heater but this was costly to use. A Letter of Claim was sent to the landlord. They replied confirming they would investigate and asked that we refrain from instructing an independent surveyor. We advised that we felt it necessary to consult our own surveyor to have an ‘independent’ assessment and to preserve evidence on behalf of our client, should litigation be required. Our surveyor confirmed that the heating system required immediate repair and that the property wasn't for human habitation. As the landlord did not reply to our Letter of Claim within the specified timeframe, we issued our client’s claim for disrepair as well as an application to the court for an injunction forcing the landlord to carry out the works urgently. The landlord responded and replaced the heating system and agreed to pay our client compensation and their legal fees.

nature of injury

ineffective heating

damages awarded

£7,000

housing disrepair

We were instructed by a housing association tenant living with her 3 children in a three bedroom flat. The property suffered from disrepair including damp and defective windows. The damp caused extensive mould growth and affected our client and her children’s health, including exacerbation of Asthma. A letter of claim was sent to the landlord. Accordingly we instructed an independent expert surveyor to inspect the property and prepare a report confirming the disrepair within the property. The expert advised that the primary cause of the damp was condensation within the property. He also identified defective windows and some other minor items of disrepair. Works were agreed with the landlord whereby they would overhaul the windows, remove the mould, sterilise, wash down and redecorate the affected rooms. As a result of this agreement it was possible to negotiate a settlement without the need for court proceedings. The claim was settled with an agreement to complete the works within 8 weeks, compensation paid to our client and payment of legal costs.

type of claim

damp and mould

damages awarded

£2,500

housing disrepair

We represented a housing association tenant whose home has been suffering from severe and worsening subsidence, associated leaks and resulting damage to her property. The conditions were causing her distress and she was having to fill wide cracks herself with expanding foam and Sellotape. Various inspections had been carried out but the housing association had failed to act on any recommendations. We assisted her with obtaining an expert report which confirmed the subsidence needed further investigation by a specialist. Despite the landlord stating that further inspections would be carried out, no such steps were taken. Read more

type of claim

severe subsidence

damages awarded

£22,000

housing disrepair

We previously represented our client, Ms M, in a claim for disrepair and damages. The disrepair included leaking from our client’s bathroom, causing damp to penetrate the children’s bedroom. The case was settled in November 2021 with an agreement to pay damages and move our client and her family to permanent alternative accommodation. After trying to chase and give the landlord further time to comply with the order, we represented Ms M in bringing an enforcement action against her landlord. At the hearing the Judge ordered that the landlord must provide alternative accommodation to our client within 6 weeks, and in any event, no later than 10 weeks. Read more

type of claim

disrepair and damages

damages awarded

£10,000

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with a case involving disrepair which consisted of having poorly fitting windows and doors. The poor fitting caused there to be damp and mould growth within the property due to a lack of suitable ventilation and poor insulation of the property. The poorly fitting windows also caused a security issue as people were able to gain access into Ms Y’s property. It is an implied term of the tenancy agreement, pursuant to Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 that Ms Y’s landlord would keep in repair the structure and exterior of the house and the installations therein for the supply of gas, water, electricity, sanitation and space and heating. Read more

type of claim

damp and mould growth due to poor insulation

damages awarded

£1,650.00

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with a case involving serious housing disrepair over a four year period, including extensive damp and mould. The damp and mould growth was a result of penetrating damp which was caused by various water leaks; this was made worse by Ms S’s landlord not providing effective heating. The claim was defended, however, negotiations were entered into and the claim was settled. The parties agreed upon terms of settlement including for the landlord to complete the outstanding work and replace the heating system, payment of damages, for the settlement sum to be offset against Ms S’s rent arrears, and the balance paid within 28 days. Read more

type of claim

damp and mould growth from water penetration

damages awarded

£15,000

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with a case involving housing disrepair, which included serious damp and mould growth around the property. The property did not have adequate heating and for some periods had no hot water due to issues with the boiler. Over a two year period there was intermittent water penetration from the roof, which resulted in damp and mould growth in the property. Read more

type of claim

damp, mould growth and faulty boiler

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with housing disrepair case where there had been a leak in the property that had been ongoing for 10 years, causing damp and mould growth. The landlord did repair the leak but the damp and mould growth returned. During the works to repair the leaks it was also found that the ceiling contained asbestos. Read more

type of claim

damp & mould growth with asbestos

damages awarded

£14,000

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with housing disrepair case, where there were various types of disrepair within the property including damp, mould growth and a mice infestation. When Ms F came to Hodge Jones & Allen the disrepair had already been ongoing for four years. We were able to successfully settle the case, with the landlord completing all works in accordance with the joint surveyor’s report, paying Ms F’s legal costs and payment of damages offset against any arrears and/or debts of Ms F. Read more

Succesful Outcome

damp, mould and mice infestation

damages awarded

£12,000

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with a case involving serious disrepair. The property suffered from a severe ongoing leak when there was rainfall as a result rainwater penetrated and water flooded the kitchen and the electrical sockets in the property. There was also heating issues within the property leading to our client having to pay more money as she could not control the heating. Read more

Succesful Outcome

water penetration and heating issues

damages awarded

£6,500

housing disrepair

We were instructed to deal with a case involving serious housing disrepair, which included significant black mould growth in the property. As well as the mould growth the property also suffered from other disrepair including water ingress from the roof. Ms C first reported disrepair in the property 5 years ago and has since reported disrepair as it occurs. Read more:

Succesful Outcome

damp, mould growth and ongoing disrepair

damages awarded

£8,000

Housing Disrepair

A housing disrepair claim was brought against a London Housing Association in respect of dampness, cracking and damaged windows to our client’s home. Sophie Bell, Housing Partner worked swiftly with the claim and it was issued and settled, before witness statements were required. The works recommended by the surveyor are to be carried out by early October. Additionally our client received damages.

Successful Outcome

housing association disrepair

damages awarded

£8,500

View all

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Pay For My Legal Advice?

Legal Aid funding has been curtailed in recent years and is no longer available for most disrepair cases. We can offer to act on your behalf on a ‘no win no fee’ basis, formally known as a conditional fee agreement. We’ll arrange an initial meeting to discuss the most suitable method of funding for your case. We can also answer any questions you might have.

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

The amount of compensation you can recover will depend on several factors such as:

The nature and extent of the disrepair.
How long it has been going on for.
The impact it has had on you and your family.

For more information on this please try our UK disrepair damages calculator.

Will My Landlord Take Any Action Against Me If I Take Legal Action Against Them?

Your landlord doesn’t have the right to evict you or take any other action against you if you complain about disrepair or if you instruct Solicitors to help you take legal action. Your landlord can only act against you if you breach your tenancy conditions, for example by not paying your rent or causing nuisance to your neighbours.

I Have A Potential Claim For Housing Disrepair. What Should I Do Next?

You can contact us either by telephone or via our website. Some basic details will be taken from you and you’ll be contacted shortly thereafter for an appointment either in person or by telephone.

We also act for leaseholders in relation to claims for disrepair and compensation against freeholders. For more information please contact us.

Awards & Recognition

Further Reading

Opinion

Tenancy Deposit Disputes – Your Rights As A Tenant!

Blog

Housing Disrepair Success Stories – Damp, Mould Growth and Rot

Opinion

Unlawful Evictions – Remedies For Tenants

Blog

Housing Disrepair Success Stories – Damp, Mould Growth And Ongoing Disrepair

View all

Housing Disrepair

we can help.

request a call back.

Find Out What Damages You May Be Entitled To Receive:

My House Needs Repair, What Should I Do?

Important first steps

Why Choose Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors?

The London Legal Podcast

Housing Disrepair During Lockdown

Featured Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Pay For My Legal Advice?

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

Will My Landlord Take Any Action Against Me If I Take Legal Action Against Them?

I Have A Potential Claim For Housing Disrepair. What Should I Do Next?

Tenancy Deposit Disputes – Your Rights As A Tenant!

Housing Disrepair Success Stories – Damp, Mould Growth and Rot

Unlawful Evictions – Remedies For Tenants

Housing Disrepair Success Stories – Damp, Mould Growth And Ongoing Disrepair

how can we help

need our help?

let’s do better together

how can we help you?

Housing Disrepair

we can help.

request a call back.

Find Out What Damages You May Be Entitled To Receive:

My House Needs Repair, What Should I Do?

Important first steps

Why Choose Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors?

The London Legal Podcast

Housing Disrepair During Lockdown

Featured Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Have To Pay For My Legal Advice?

How Much Compensation Can I Recover?

Will My Landlord Take Any Action Against Me If I Take Legal Action Against Them?

I Have A Potential Claim For Housing Disrepair. What Should I Do Next?

Tenancy Deposit Disputes – Your Rights As A Tenant!

Housing Disrepair Success Stories – Damp, Mould Growth and Rot

Unlawful Evictions – Remedies For Tenants

Housing Disrepair Success Stories – Damp, Mould Growth And Ongoing Disrepair

Share This Page

how can we help

need our help?

let’s do better together

how can we help you?