Studies Show 525,000 UK Council Homes Have Serious Disrepair

Housing disrepair claims are when tenants are renting properties that are unlivable. This can mean they are living in properties causing detrimental issues to their quality in life, and even their health. Tenants have the legal right to safe housing. If they are paying rent to a landlord, it is the landlord’s legal responsibility to fix damages such as mould and water damage.

There have only been 17,000 disrepair claims across 70 English councils over five years, despite 525,000 council homes being said to have serious disrepair (Source 1: The Independent). Tenants can be left feeling helpless, unable to take on the cost of fixing these homes with their own money, but being ignored by their landlords. If this is your case, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

What is housing disrepair?

The term “housing disrepair” refers to internal or external damage done to a home which makes it unsafe for human habitation. If your home is in a state of disrepair, that means it is having a negative impact on your health, or on your life. For example, mould damage could give respiratory illnesses, or damage personal belongings.

Internal damage refers to problems with heating, plumbing, or the boiler. Things such as mould, rot, or damp also count as internal problems.

External problems refer more to damage to brickwork, pest infestation, gutter blockage, or damage to the floors. This can be as a result of internal damage.

Am I eligible to claim for housing disrepair?

Yes, if you are paying rent to a landlord who is neglecting to fix problems in your home that affect your health or wellbeing. By paying rent, you are legally entitled to a safe, habitable home.

You can claim for housing disrepair in any type of property, including houses, flats, any type of council home, and even AirBnBs.

How much money can I claim?

The average amount of money that can be won for housing disrepair claims is £1200. The way you can get a fairly accurate estimate of how much you could be owed is to calculate 25-50% of your rent. (Source 2: Claims Bible)

The amount of money awarded depends on the severity of the situation, with the worst cases being awarded more money. This amount depends on factors such as the severity of the disrepair, the severity of how the tenant was affected, the amount and quality of evidence, and the date that the tenant first notified the landlord of the problem.

How can I claim for housing disrepair?

Your steps are: notify your landlord, collect evidence, wait 21 days, then make your claim.

You must record when you first notified your landlord. Try and notify them in writing instead of on a call. This can be an email or a text. This can help your case.

You should collect evidence of the disrepair. This can be photos, medical bills, and videos. You can even have a surveyor make a professional report of the damage. Any evidence you can collect will be helpful.

Your landlord legally has 21 days to begin the process of solving your problem. If this period has passed and nothing has been done, you may escalate the situation.

How long does a housing disrepair claim take?

A typical claim can take 9-12 months. More complex claims can take even longer.

Source 1: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/uk-social-housing-health-and-safety-standards-failures-england-a7845961.html

Source 2: https://claimsbible.com/housing-disrepair/