If your question is not answered here, call 0330 223 8677 or use the contact form. For a fuller explanation of the law, start with housing disrepair claims explained.
Questions tenants ask
What is a housing disrepair claim?
It is a legal claim by a tenant against a landlord who has failed to carry out repairs they are responsible for, or has let a home that is not fit to live in. The claim asks for the repairs to be done and for compensation.
Who can make a claim?
Tenants of councils, housing associations and private landlords in England. You need to have reported the problem, or it must be in a part of the building the landlord controls, and it must not have been repaired within a reasonable time.
What problems count as disrepair?
Common examples are damp and mould, leaking roofs and pipes, broken heating or hot water, structural cracks, rotten windows and doors, faulty electrics, blocked drains, pest infestations caused by defects, and unsafe floors and stairs.
How much does it cost to claim?
The assessment is free. Claims are normally run under a no win no fee agreement. If you win, a success fee agreed in advance is taken from your compensation. If you lose, you do not pay your solicitor's fees.
How long do I have to claim?
Usually six years for the disrepair itself and three years for any personal injury. The sooner you act the better, because evidence is easier to gather while the problem exists.
How much compensation will I get?
It depends on your rent, how long the problem lasted after you reported it and how badly it affected your home and health. Our compensation calculator gives an illustration.
How long does a claim take?
Many settle within four to nine months. Cases that need court proceedings can take a year or more. Urgent repairs can be dealt with sooner by applying for an injunction.
Can I be evicted for making a claim?
Social landlords cannot evict you for bringing a claim. For private tenants, "no fault" section 21 evictions were abolished in England on 1 May 2026, so a landlord now needs a legal ground and a court order.
Should I stop paying rent?
No. Withholding rent can lead to possession proceedings. Keep paying and claim compensation for the conditions.
What if I am in rent arrears?
You can still claim. The landlord may ask for the arrears to be deducted from any compensation, which can clear or reduce what you owe.
Do I need to have reported the problem in writing?
Written reports are the best evidence, but phone and in-person reports count too. Landlords' repair logs can be obtained during a claim.
What is Awaab's Law?
It is a set of rules that makes social landlords investigate and fix serious hazards within fixed times. It has applied to damp, mould and emergency hazards since 27 October 2025 and extends to more hazards from 30 November 2026. See our Awaab's Law guide.
Does Awaab's Law cover private tenants?
Not yet. The government has the power to extend it to private renting under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 but has not set a date. Private tenants still have full rights under section 11 and the fitness for habitation rules.
Will someone inspect my home?
Yes. An independent surveyor visits and writes a report on the defects and the works needed. You need to be there to give access.
Can I claim if the repairs have now been done?
Yes. You can claim compensation for the period you lived with the problem after reporting it, going back up to six years.
Can I claim if I have moved out?
Yes, for the period you lived there, as long as you are within the time limit and have evidence of the conditions.
Can I complain to the Housing Ombudsman instead?
Social housing tenants can, after completing the landlord's complaints process. The Ombudsman can order repairs and modest compensation. It is free, but it is a different route from a legal claim, and the outcomes differ. You can ask us which suits your case.
Will a claim affect my benefits?
A compensation payment counts as capital and could affect means-tested benefits if it takes you over the savings limits. Get advice about this before accepting an offer.
