No - Win No - Fee
HDR Specialist
Compensation & Repairs Awarded

Independent RICS Survey

We arrange a qualified RICS surveyor to inspect your home and document all disrepair issues.

Letter of Claim

We draft and send a formal Protocol Letter of Claim outlining defects, delays, and the compensation you’re owed.

Negotiation & Settlement

We negotiate repairs, deadlines, and compensation directly with your landlord for a faster resolution.

Court & Enforcement

We take court action and enforce repair orders if your landlord refuses to fix the problems.

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Learn About Housing Disrepair and How We Can Help in Bolton

Our Bolton housing disrepair team explains what housing disrepair is, how it affects your home and health, and how tenants can take action to secure repairs and fair compensation.

Persistent damp, mould that keeps coming back, boilers failing in cold weather, leaking ceilings, or other hazards can seriously affect your daily life. If your landlord has ignored repair requests, you do not have to continue living in these conditions. Tenants seeking guidance can also benefit from advice on Housing Disrepair Claims Birmingham to see how similar cases are handled and what compensation may be available.

Housing Disrepair Team

What Is Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair is when your rented home becomes unsafe, unfit, or unhealthy because your landlord hasn’t carried out essential repairs within a reasonable time. Issues like damp, mould, leaks, broken heating, unsafe electrics, or infestations can seriously affect your health, comfort, and daily life.

Your landlord has clear duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and Awaab’s Law (2024), which now requires faster action on damp and mould. If you’ve reported problems and nothing has been done, you may have a strong housing disrepair claim to force repairs and recover compensation.

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Common Housing Disrepair Issues in Bolton

Housing disrepair claims also follow clear categories of landlord responsibilities under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and Awaab’s Law (2024).

Below are the most common types of disrepair we help tenants across Bolton resolve:

Damp and Black Mould
Persistent damp, mould on walls or ceilings, mould on furniture or clothes, or moisture behind wardrobes. These conditions are now treated as urgent under Awaab’s Law, requiring faster landlord action due to their health risks. More detail on evidence and compensation can be found in our damp and mould claims guidance.

Leaks and Water Damage
Water coming from roofs, gutters, pipework, or upstairs flats. This can cause ceiling stains, damaged belongings and long-term structural problems if ignored.

Broken Heating or Hot Water
Boilers that repeatedly fail or homes without reliable heating or hot water—especially dangerous during winter months and a breach of your landlord’s legal obligations. Claims involving heating failures are covered in our boiler and heating system disrepair claims.

Unsafe Electrics
Faulty wiring, sparking sockets, tripping circuits or exposed electrics. These defects pose a serious fire and safety risk and must be fixed promptly by the landlord. You can read more about these risks in electrical fault disrepair claims.

Infestation Issues
Rodents, insects, or other pests caused by gaps, structural defects, leaks, or poor maintenance. Landlords are responsible for addressing infestations linked to the property condition.

Structural Defects
Cracked walls or ceilings, blown plaster, rotten windows and doors, or other structural problems that affect your safety and the home’s integrity. Problems with fixtures and fittings are explained further in our windows and doors disrepair claims.

Poor Ventilation and Condensation Problems
Homes without proper extraction in kitchens or bathrooms, windows that won’t open, or persistent condensation causing damage or mould.

Damaged Kitchens or Bathrooms
Broken fittings, unusable appliances, leaking sinks, cracked baths, or unsafe flooring that makes key rooms impossible or unsafe to use. Many of these issues fall under plumbing and drainage disrepair claims.

For more information about our housing disrepair services in Bolton, or to discuss your exact situation,

call us FREE on : 03338808408

How Housing Disrepair Affects Your Health

Just as the law recognises specific categories of disrepair, it also recognises the serious impact poor housing conditions can have on your health and day-to-day life. Damp, mould, cold homes and unsafe electrics are not minor inconveniences—they are hazards that landlords must address under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and Awaab’s Law (2024).

Below are the most common health effects we see among tenants across Bolton:

Breathing Problems & Asthma Flare-Ups
Damp and mould release spores that can trigger asthma attacks, wheezing, coughing, and long-term breathing difficulties—especially in children.

Respiratory Infections
Cold, damp conditions increase the risk of chest infections, sinus issues, and persistent colds due to poor indoor air quality.

Skin Irritation & Allergies
Mould, moisture and dust from poor ventilation often lead to rashes, itching, and aggravated skin conditions.

Headaches & Fatigue
Cold homes, musty air, and unsafe electrics can all contribute to headaches, dizziness and general fatigue caused by poor indoor conditions.

Stress, Anxiety & Sleep Disruption
Living with ongoing hazards affects mental wellbeing. Constant damp smells, noise from leaks, or cold rooms often lead to disturbed sleep and daily stress.

High-Risk Groups
Children, older people and vulnerable tenants feel the effects most, making prompt repairs even more crucial under the law.

We can arrange an independent RICS survey in Bolton to document the disrepair, assess the risks, and confirm what repairs your landlord must carry out.

For free advice and a FREE RICS inspection, please contact us.

Or fill in our second contact form

What else can we do to convince you?

For more information dont hesitate to get in touch

Who Is Responsible for Housing Repairs in Bolton?

When it comes to housing disrepair claims in Bolton, it’s crucial to understand which party — landlord or tenant is responsible for handling repairs. Under UK law, landlords bear specific responsibilities for maintaining a safe and habitable living environment, and tenants also have certain duties.

Landlord Responsibilities in Bolton:

Landlords in Bolton are legally obligated to carry out repairs and maintain key aspects of the property, including:

  • Structural Integrity & Exterior: This includes the roof, walls, windows, and any external doors. Any damage to these areas must be fixed promptly to avoid further deterioration.

  • Heating & Hot Water: Landlords are required to ensure the central heating system and hot water supply are in working order.

  • Electrical Installations: All electrical wiring and installations must meet safety standards and be maintained regularly.

  • Plumbing & Sanitary Fixtures: Plumbing systems, drains, and sanitary installations, such as sinks, toilets, and showers, must be kept in good working order.

  • Gas Appliances & Pipework: This includes gas boilers, cookers, and any associated gas lines. Gas safety is paramount, and regular checks must be conducted.

  • Ventilation Systems: Landlords must ensure adequate ventilation to avoid health risks related to damp or mould.

  • Shared Spaces: In multi-tenant properties or housing associations, landlords are also responsible for common areas like hallways, gardens, and communal facilities.

Tenant Responsibilities:

While landlords are obligated to perform repairs, tenants also have responsibilities to help maintain the property:

  • Report issues promptly: Notify the landlord as soon as you notice a problem.

  • Allow access for repairs: Cooperate with reasonable requests for inspections or repairs.

  • Proper property usage: Take care to use the property, heating, and appliances responsibly to avoid causing accidental damage.

Or fill in our second contact form

Do I Qualify for a Housing Disrepair Claim in Bolton?

Many tenants aren’t sure whether their situation meets the legal test for a housing disrepair claim. The good news is that the criteria are straightforward, and if your landlord has failed to act after you reported a problem, you may already meet the requirements. You can quickly check your eligibility using our housing disrepair eligibility checker. Claims can be made against Bolton Council, any housing association, or a private landlord, provided you occupy the property under a valid tenancy.

You may qualify if:

  •  You rent your home in Bolton Council or a housing association, or a private landlord
  •  You reported the issue using any method — portal, email, phone, or in writing
  • Repairs were delayed, ignored, or repeatedly marked as complete without being fixed.
  • You suffered inconvenience, worsening health symptoms, or financial loss such as damaged belongings or increased heating costs

To build a strong claim, the right evidence makes all the difference. You don’t need anything complicated, just clear records showing the defect and your landlord’s failure to act.

Useful evidence:

  • Photos and videos tracking the progression of the issue
  • Portal screenshots, emails, or written letters
  • GP notes or letters confirming health impact
  • Receipts for damaged items or additional expenses
  • Logs of missed or cancelled repair appointments
  • A simple daily or weekly diary of how the issue affects you

We help you organise this evidence and present a strong, legally compliant case.

For free advice and a FREE Bolton RICS inspection, please contact us 03338808408.

Or fill in our second contact form

Steps To Take & Housing Disrepair Claim Process in Bolton

Report & Record the Issues

Tell your landlord about the damp, leaks, heating problems or hazards as soon as you notice them. Keep copies of your emails, portal messages, photos and videos. This evidence becomes crucial later in your claim.

Free Case Assessment — usually within 24 hours

Our Housing Disrepair Team reviews your situation, checks when you first reported the issues, and confirms eligibility. We explain the process in plain English and outline how our No Win, No Fee service works before anything moves forward.

Independent RICS Inspection — typically 7–21 days

We arrange a RICS-qualified surveyor to inspect your home, identify the exact defects, confirm the cause, and set out what repairs your landlord must complete. This independent report is powerful evidence and often accelerates settlements.

Letter of Claim under the Pre-Action Protocol

Using the RICS report and your evidence, we send a formal Letter of Claim to your landlord. It sets out defects, the repair history, health impact, required works, and compensation sought under the Housing Conditions Protocol.

Landlord Response Period — 20–30 working days

Your landlord or housing association has a fixed window to reply, propose repairs, or challenge the evidence. We handle all communication and keep you updated throughout.

Negotiation / ADR — often 2–8 weeks

Most Bolton cases settle during negotiation once the evidence and RICS findings are clear. We work to secure both repairs and compensation as quickly as possible.

Court (Only If Needed)

If the landlord refuses to engage or makes an unfair offer, regulated solicitors in our network can issue proceedings. Even then, most claims settle before a final hearing.

Outcome, Repairs & Enforcement

You receive a repair schedule with dates and compensation for the period you lived with disrepair. If works stall, we escalate—using compliance terms, deadlines, Ombudsman routes, or court enforcement where required.

No Win, No Fee Housing Disrepair Claims in Bolton

Transparent, No Risk Funding for Housing Disrepair Claims

At our Bolton housing disrepair team, we offer a simple, clear, and transparent funding model, so you always know what to expect. With No Win, No Fee, there are no upfront charges, hidden fees, or unexpected costs. You only pay if your housing disrepair claim is successful.

No Upfront Fees – No Hidden Costs

You won’t have to pay a penny to start your housing disrepair claim in Bolton, Batley, Birmingham, or any other areas. We handle everything – from the legal work to the evidence review – without any initial cost to you.

Only Pay If You Win (No Win, No Fee)

Our No Win, No Fee agreement means you are fully protected from financial risk. If your case is not successful, you pay nothing for the work carried out. If you do win, the success fee is deducted from your compensation, but only after your landlord has paid.

Success Fee Capped at 25%

To keep things fair, the success fee is capped at 25% of the compensation you receive, meaning you’ll know exactly what to expect. We provide a written cost breakdown at the start of the process, so you can proceed with confidence.

RICS Survey & ATE Insurance – Explained in Detail
We use RICS-qualified surveyors to assess the condition of your property and provide independent evidence on repairs needed – FREE of charge. If your case goes to court, ATE insurance protects you against any potential costs, and it is covered if we win your case or deducted from your compensation.

How It Works – A Simple Example
If your final compensation is £4,000, the success fee will be £1,000, and you will receive £3,000 in total compensation. This ensures that you get a fair share while covering the legal costs.

Clear, Written Breakdown of Costs
Before moving forward with your claim, we’ll provide you with a written, transparent breakdown of the No Win, No Fee agreement. You’ll understand the process and the costs involved before anything is agreed upon, ensuring no surprises along the way.

Independent RICS Survey

We arrange a qualified RICS surveyor to inspect your home and document all disrepair issues.

Letter of Claim

We draft and send a formal Protocol Letter of Claim outlining defects, delays, and the compensation you’re owed.

Negotiation & Settlement

We negotiate repairs, deadlines, and compensation directly with your landlord for a faster resolution.

Court & Enforcement

We take court action and enforce repair orders if your landlord refuses to fix the problems.

About Bolton Housing Disrepair Team

Our Bolton housing disrepair team is led by our nominated solicitors have 20+ years of experience helping tenants challenge Bolton Council, housing associations, and private landlords. You can learn more about our regulated team and approach on our About Us page. As SRA-regulated solicitors, we work with independent RICS surveyors and have in-depth knowledge of Bolton City Council repair procedures. We offer updates through WhatsApp, phone and email, with accessible formats for vulnerable tenants.

“Everyone deserves a safe home. Our job is to make landlords listen.” 

Your trusted no win no fee housing disrepair team in Bolton

Compensation You May Receive

Compensation for a Bolton housing disrepair claim is usually calculated as a percentage of your rent during the period of disrepair. Minor issues typically result in 10–25%, moderate disrepair 25–40%, and severe cases 40–50%+. 

You may also claim for damaged belongings, extra heating costs, dehumidifiers, and other financial losses caused by damp, mould, leaks or structural issues.

Example: £800 rent × 12 months severe disrepair = £3,840–£4,800.

This reflects typical Bolton compensation levels for damp and mould, leaks and heating failures.

Real Results for Tenants in Bolton

Here are common outcomes achieved in Bolton housing disrepair claims:

  • Damp & mould resolved with 40% rent rebate + £2,000 belongings claim
  • Roof repairs after landlord dispute + £6,500 compensation
  • Unsafe wiring fixed with £3,800 awarded
  • No heating for 9 months → £2,750 compensation
  • Pest infestation resolved → £1,900 compensation

These figures reflect typical outcomes against Bolton City Council and major housing associations.

Landlord Defences & Tenant Pitfalls — What to Avoid

Common landlord arguments in Bolton include: “You never reported it,” “It’s lifestyle condensation,” or “We acted reasonably.” Tenants should avoid mistakes such as not keeping a paper trail, stopping rent, refusing access, or failing to document worsening issues.

We handle all landlord defences and ensure your evidence is presented clearly.

We prepare everything from day one so your Bolton housing disrepair claim is strong, compliant, and protected from typical council counter-arguments.

After Your Claim — Ensuring Repairs Actually Happen

Once compensation is awarded, we ensure Bolton Council or your landlord completes the required repairs. This includes enforcing timetabled works, securing compliance orders, applying for unless orders, and claiming additional damages if deadlines are missed. For urgent hazards, we can seek injunctions, and where appropriate, escalate ongoing issues to the Housing Ombudsman.

You won’t be left chasing contractors — we monitor progress until your home is safe and compliant.

Accessibility & Support

We provide full accessibility support for tenants across Bolton, including interpreters, large-print PDFs, WhatsApp updates, and email-only communication where needed. Vulnerable tenants receive tailored help, and support workers or advocates are always welcome during the process.

Tell us your needs — we adapt.

Your Bolton housing disrepair solicitors are committed to making the process simple and stress-free.

Start Your Bolton Housing Disrepair Claim Today

✅ Free RICS survey
✅ Local Bolton specialists
✅ No win no fee
✅ Regulated professionals: SRA | ICO | RICS

call us Free on 03338808408 (open 7 days) or complete the 30-second form

What happens next?

We confirm eligibility →arrange RICS survey → submit Letter of Claim → keep you updated until repairs are completed and compensation is paid.

Frequently Asked Questions About Housing Disrepair in Bolton

Can you help if my property isn’t in Bolton?

Yes, we provide expert support for tenants across Bolton, Greater Manchester, and the entire UK. Whether you’re dealing with disrepair issues in your rented home in Bolton or elsewhere, we can handle your case remotely, including virtual meetings with our legal team, RICS surveyors, and even court hearings if necessary. No matter where you are, we can assist.

How long does a housing disrepair claim typically take in Bolton?

On average, housing disrepair claims in Bolton can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to resolve. This depends on various factors such as the landlord’s response, the availability of RICS surveys, and whether there are any delays in getting the necessary repairs completed. Urgent issues like heating failures, unsafe electrics, or severe mould may result in quicker resolutions.

Can I still claim if I’ve moved out of the property?

Yes. If you reported the disrepair during your tenancy, you can still claim compensation after leaving the property.

Will my housing disrepair claim result in eviction or negatively affect my tenancy in Bolton?

No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal. Under UK law, landlords cannot evict tenants in retaliation for raising legitimate concerns about disrepair. If you are worried about your landlord’s reaction to your claim, don’t hesitate to contact us. We will explain your rights and ensure you are fully protected from any unfair treatment.

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Based on 83 reviews

Natisha Antionette

2024-05-01

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First of all I would like to say how fantastic SLS solicitors are and if you are looking for a solicitor that will have good communication and are reliable i will say look...

Gio Gauchey

2025-01-01

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I have found SLS to be utterly professional and they have resolved my issue far sooner than it would have been had I continued trying to contact the agent and the Council myself.

Geoff Philips

2025-05-01

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I would definitely recommend SLS Solicitors Ltd for any disrepair claims against a local authority landlord – they are an upfront no win no fee firm and when they take your case on...