As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe, secure, and well-maintained home. Unfortunately, many renters across the UK are forced to put up with serious disrepair issues like damp, mould, leaks, broken heating systems, and unsafe windows or doors — often because landlords fail to carry out essential repairs. If you’re stuck in a property where repairs are constantly delayed or ignored, it’s important to know you have options.
This article will walk you through your rights, explain what landlords are legally required to do, and show you how Housing Disrepair Team UK can help you take effective legal action and claim compensation.
What Counts as Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any damage or fault in a rented property that the landlord is responsible for fixing. This includes:
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Damp and mould
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Leaks and water damage
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Broken heating or hot water systems
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Cracked windows or faulty doors
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Structural issues, such as subsidence or roof damage
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Pest infestations due to property defects
When left untreated, these issues can have a serious impact on your health, safety, and quality of life — and that’s exactly why the law protects you.
Your Landlord’s Legal Responsibilities
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords are legally obligated to:
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Keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair
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Ensure essential services such as heating, hot water, sanitation, and ventilation are working
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Address issues that make a property unfit or unsafe to live in
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Carry out repairs within a reasonable time after being notified
If your landlord fails to fulfil these responsibilities, they may be in breach of the tenancy agreement — and you may be entitled to compensation or legal action.
The Impact of Ignored Repairs
When landlords ignore repair requests, the consequences can be severe:
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Health Risks – Damp and mould can trigger asthma, respiratory infections, and skin conditions. Cold homes due to broken heating systems can increase the risk of illness.
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Emotional Distress – Living in poor conditions affects mental health, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing.
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Financial Loss – Tenants often end up paying for temporary fixes, higher heating bills, or replacing damaged belongings — all because of a landlord’s negligence.
You don’t have to tolerate this. If your landlord won’t act, you can.
Steps to Take If Repairs Are Ignored
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Report the Issue in Writing
Always notify your landlord or letting agent in writing (email or letter). Clearly describe the problem, include photos if possible, and keep a record of all correspondence. -
Give a Reasonable Deadline
For urgent issues like no heating, give a shorter timeframe (e.g. 48–72 hours). For less critical repairs, allow 7–14 days. Always follow up if you receive no response. -
Contact Your Local Council
If your landlord still doesn’t take action, contact your council’s Environmental Health department. They can inspect your home and issue enforcement notices requiring repairs. -
Seek Legal Support and Make a Claim
If all else fails — or if the issue is severe and ongoing — you can pursue a housing disrepair claim to force repairs and claim compensation.
What You Can Claim For
If your landlord ignores repairs, you may be eligible to claim:
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Compensation for pain, suffering, inconvenience, and emotional distress
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Reimbursement for personal items damaged by disrepair (e.g., mould-damaged clothes or furniture)
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Legal costs associated with enforcing your rights
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Immediate repairs carried out through legal orders
You’re also protected from “revenge eviction” — meaning your landlord cannot evict you for making a legitimate complaint or claim.
How Housing Disrepair Team UK Can Help
At Housing Disrepair Team UK, we’re committed to helping tenants get the safe and healthy homes they deserve. If your landlord is ignoring essential repairs, our experienced legal team is here to take the pressure off you.
We offer:
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Free case assessments to determine if you have a valid claim
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Legal action to force your landlord to carry out repairs
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Compensation support, helping you recover for damages, stress, and inconvenience
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Full representation, with no upfront legal fees (we work on a no-win, no-fee basis)
We’ve helped thousands of tenants across England and Wales hold landlords accountable — and we can help you too.
Get started at 👉 https://housing-disrepair-team.uk/
Why You Shouldn’t Wait
Ignoring disrepair can make things worse over time. Mould spreads, water damage deepens, pests multiply, and your mental health suffers. Acting now not only improves your living conditions but also sends a clear message that you won’t accept substandard treatment.
If your landlord continues to neglect your home, you have the right to take legal action. And with support from Housing Disrepair Team UK, it’s easier than you might think.
Final Thoughts
Every tenant deserves a safe, secure, and habitable place to live. If your landlord is ignoring repairs, don’t suffer in silence. You have rights — and it’s time to use them.
📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Team UK today for a free consultation and find out how we can help you get the justice you deserve.