Housing disrepair

Living with unresolved housing disrepair? We understand how stressful it is to live with damp, leaks, faulty heating or structural problems – and the impact it can have your day-to-day life and wellbeing. If your housing association hasn’t addressed these issues, you may be entitled to repairs or compensation. We make it simple to check your claim – and guide you with clear updates, expert advice and support at every stage.

Check if you have a claim

SRA regulated  │  No fees if your claim isn’t successful

What is housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to problems that make a property unsafe, unhealthy or unfit to live in. Everyone deserves a home that is secure and well maintained – and housing associations have a legal duty to provide this.

But when repairs are delayed or ignored, everyday issues can become serious. Problems like damp and mould, faulty heating or hot water, structural damage, plumbing leaks or unsafe electrics can impact physical health and peace of mind. If you’ve reported issues that haven’t been properly resolved, it may amount to housing disrepair. In those circumstances, you have the right to take action to secure repairs and (in some cases) compensation.

You may be eligible to make a claim if:

  • You live in a housing association property
  • You reported the disrepair and gave the landlord a reasonable opportunity to fix it
  • The disrepair is impacting your health, safety or living conditions

Housing disrepair claims are generally subject to a 6-year limitation period, starting from when the disrepair first occurred or when you became aware of it. However, if issues continue and the housing association fails to act, the limitation period can reset.

Could you have a claim?

You may be able to make a claim if:

  • Your property has damp, mould or leaks
  • You have faulty heating, plumbing or hot water
  • You have structural or electrical problems that affect safety
  • Your housing association didn’t fix reported issues, despite having a reasonable opportunity
  • Repairs were carried out, but the same issues came back
  • The disrepair has affected your health or wellbeing

If any of these apply, we can help you check your eligibility and guide you through the claims process.

Check if you have a claim

What happens next

  1. Let us have the basics

    You share details of your property, the housing association, dates of reported issues – along with supporting evidence such as photos, videos or emails.

  2. Assessment

    We review your situation to determine whether your claim is viable. There’s no obligation to go ahead and nothing to pay upfront if you do. You’ll only pay our fixed fees if your compensation claim is successful.

  3. We progress your case

    We handle your claim on your behalf. Most cases are resolved within 3 months to 1 year, depending on the landlord’s response and the complexity of the repairs.

  4. You receive regular updates

    We keep you informed every step of the way, with updates every 30 days or whenever there’s significant progress.

  5. Negotiation & settlement

    We negotiate directly with the housing association to secure repairs or compensation. Most cases are resolved without court, but if a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’ll take the case to court to protect your rights.

  6. Compensation and/or repairs

    If your claim is successful, you may receive compensation for inconvenience, health impacts and repair costs, and/or your landlord will carry out necessary repairs.

  7. Check if you have a claim

Why choose us

Everyone deserves fairness, yet navigating housing disrepair claims can feel complex, costly and overwhelming. That’s why we exist. We’re a modern law firm with a mission to make justice accessible for everyone. When you partner with us, you benefit from:

  • Expert legal guidance – Our qualified, SRA-regulated lawyers specialise in housing disrepair claims. Every assessment, decision and negotiation is handled with care and accountability. And with clear support at every step, you always know what’s happening.
  • Fees that are transparent and fair – We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you only pay if your claim is successful.
  • A focus on you – We prioritise your needs with human expertise where it counts. From first enquiry to final resolution, we provide clear updates, straightforward guidance and support.
  • Regulated & trusted – Fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), we combine professional accountability with empathy and practical support.

Check if you have a claim

Frequently Asked Questions

Will making a claim risk eviction or retaliation from my landlord or housing association?

No. It’s illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for making a disrepair claim. You’re fully protected by law.

Can I claim for past disrepair or only ongoing issues?

You can claim for both past and ongoing disrepair, as long as it falls within the 6-year limitation period and the landlord was given a chance to fix the issue.

How much compensation can I expect?

Compensation varies depending on individual circumstances, including the severity of the disrepair, impact on your health and the inconvenience caused. Typically, it covers repair costs and any health or wellbeing impacts.

Do I need to provide lots of documentation?

You’ll need to provide evidence such as photos or videos of the disrepair, written communication with the landlord, medical evidence (if relevant), and maintenance requests. We’ll guide you through exactly what’s needed.

Will my claim go to court?

Most housing disrepair claims are settled out of court, but if a fair settlement isn’t possible, we are fully prepared to take the case to court to ensure you get the outcome you deserve.

Do I need to use a legal firm to make a claim?

No, you don’t have to, but having experienced lawyers can make the process simpler and less stressful. We guide you through every step, from gathering evidence to negotiating with the housing association, and can take the case to court if needed.

Does your no-win, no-fee policy apply?

Yes. Our no-win, no-fee policy applies to all claims, including housing disrepair, so you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Start your claim with confidence

Justice should never feel out of reach. With clear guidance, expert support and a transparent process, we make it simple to pursue your claim.

Check if you have a claim

Harrington Sinclair Law is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. SRA Reg No: 8007453.
Limited Company registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 15390426.

© 2026 Harrington Sinclair Law. All rights reserved.

Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority