No - Win No - Fee
Housing Disrepair Specialist
Compensation & Repairs Awarded
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Watch our Housing Disrepair Guide

Watch our short video to learn what housing disrepair is, how it affects your health and home, and how our Housing Disrepair Team in London supports tenants in securing repairs and fair compensation.

Problems such as damp, mould, leaks, faulty boilers, broken heating, and unsafe electrics can make a property unfit to live in. If you’ve reported issues and your landlord still hasn’t taken action, you don’t have to put up with it.

Start your claim today by completing our quick contact form or calling our dedicated London helpline.

Housing Disrepair Team

What Is Housing Disrepair?

Housing disrepair occurs when a rented property becomes unsafe or unhealthy because a landlord has failed to complete essential repairs within a reasonable timeframe. Common issues such as damp, mould, leaks, faulty heating, unsafe electrical systems, pests, and structural defects can cause serious harm to your health, comfort, and daily routine.

Landlords have legal responsibilities under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and Awaab’s Law (2024), which requires faster action on damp and mould hazards. If you’ve reported problems and your landlord hasn’t taken meaningful steps to fix them, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim to enforce repairs and pursue compensation for the impact on your home and wellbeing.

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Common Housing Disrepair Issues in London

Many tenants experience similar problems, and landlords have legal duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, and Awaab’s Law (2024) to fix them within a reasonable time.

Damp and Black Mould

Ongoing damp, black mould on walls or ceilings, and moisture behind furniture. These issues are now classed as urgent under Awaab’s Law due to their health risks.

Leaks and Water Damage

Water entry from roofs, gutters, pipework or neighbouring flats. Leaks can damage ceilings, belongings, and the structure of the home.

Broken Heating or Hot Water

Boilers that fail repeatedly or unreliable heating and hot water. A lack of heat is a clear breach of the landlord’s obligations.

Unsafe Electrics

Sparking sockets, exposed wiring, tripping circuits or faulty lights. Electrical hazards pose a serious safety risk and must be repaired promptly.

Infestations

Rodents, insects, or other pests caused by defects, gaps or damp conditions. If the issue is linked to the property itself, the landlord is responsible.

Structural Problems

Cracked walls or ceilings, blown plaster, rotten windows and doors, or other defects that affect the safety of the property.

Poor Ventilation & Condensation

Lack of extraction, windows that won’t open, or ongoing condensation leading to damp and mould.

Damaged Kitchens & Bathrooms

Leaking sinks, cracked baths, unsafe flooring or broken fittings that make the rooms difficult or unsafe to use.

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, our Housing Disrepair Team in London can assess the problem and help you take the next steps.

How Housing Disrepair Affects Your Health

Unsafe living conditions can cause genuine health problems. The law recognises this, which is why damp, mould and cold homes must be addressed quickly.

Breathing Difficulties & Asthma

Exposure to damp or mouldy air can trigger coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks, and exacerbate other respiratory conditions.

Chest & Respiratory Infections

Cold, damp homes create an environment where recurring chest infections, colds, and sinus problems are more likely to develop.

Skin Irritation & Allergies

Excess moisture, poor ventilation, and mould can irritate the skin, worsen rashes, and trigger allergies.

Headaches & Fatigue

Living in poorly ventilated or cold conditions can lead to persistent headaches, tiredness, and general lethargy.

Stress & Sleep Problems

Ongoing housing hazards can cause significant stress, affect mental wellbeing, and disrupt regular sleep patterns.

Higher Risk for Vulnerable Tenants

Children, older adults, and those with pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk from the effects of damp, mould, and poor heating.

To support your health and strengthen your case, we can arrange a qualified RICS survey to fully document the disrepair and clarify what your landlord is legally required to fix. This evidence is crucial for ensuring repairs are completed and fair compensation is awarded, helping you pursue your housing disrepair claims London.

What else can we do to convince you?

For more information dont hesitate to get in touch

What Authorities Are Responsible for Housing Disrepair in London?

n England, social housing is overseen either by local councils or by approved housing associations that provide rented accommodation. In London and across Greater London, responsibility for council housing generally sits with local borough councils, with wider oversight from the Greater London Authority (GLA). In some cases, neighbouring authorities may also be involved depending on the location of the property.

If a home is managed by a housing association, that organisation must be registered and authorised by the UK Government to operate in England. Tenants can check whether their landlord is an approved provider by searching the Government’s register of housing associations. In London and Greater London, commonly known housing associations include:

  • Seven Dials Housing
  • English Rural Housing Association
  • Habinteg Housing Association
  • Soho Housing
  • Teachers Housing Association
  • Look Ahead Housing & Care
  • Wandle Housing Association
  • Ekaya Housing Association
  • ASRA Greater London Housing Association
  • Focus Project – Penrose Housing Association

There are also other private and specialist housing providers operating across London. You may still be able to make a housing disrepair claim in London even if your landlord does not have a local office within the city.

Do You Qualify for a Housing Disrepair Claim in London?

Many tenants are unsure whether their situation meets the legal criteria. The rules are straightforward: if your landlord hasn’t acted after you reported a problem, you may qualify. Claims can be made against London councils, housing associations, or private landlords under a valid tenancy.

Evidence to Support Your Claim

Strong evidence helps build a legally sound case. Keep:

  • Photos or videos documenting the problem
  • Emails, portal screenshots, or letters
  • GP notes or letters confirming health impacts
  • Receipts for damaged items or extra expenses
  • Logs of missed or cancelled repair appointments
  • A diary of how the issue affects your daily life

Our Housing Disrepair Team in London can help you organise this evidence and present a robust, legally compliant claim.

Housing Disrepair Claim Process in London

Our Housing Disrepair Team in London helps tenants navigate claims efficiently, providing expert support at every stage.

1. Report & Record

Notify your landlord immediately about issues such as damp, leaks, faulty heating, or electrical hazards. Keep emails, portal messages, photos, and videos as evidence.

2. Free Case Assessment

We review your situation, confirm eligibility, and explain how our No Win, No Fee service works, so you understand costs before proceeding.

3. Independent RICS Survey

A RICS-qualified surveyor inspects your home, identifies defects, determines causes, and details what repairs are required. This independent report strengthens your claim and often speeds up resolution.

4. Letter of Claim

Using the survey and your evidence, we send a formal Pre-Action Protocol Letter of Claim. It sets out defects, repair history, health impact, required works, and compensation sought.

5. Landlord Response

The landlord has 20–30 working days to reply, propose repairs, or dispute evidence. We manage all communication on your behalf.

6. Negotiation & ADR

Most London cases settle at this stage. We aim to secure both repairs and compensation promptly.

7. Court Action (if necessary)

If the landlord refuses to cooperate, we can escalate proceedings. Most claims still settle before a hearing.

8. Outcome & Enforcement

You receive a clear repair schedule and compensation. If works stall, we escalate using compliance notices, Ombudsman routes, or court enforcement.

Timeline: Typically 6–12 months, depending on landlord cooperation, surveyor access, and contractor availability. Urgent hazards are prioritised.

Do you live in London, Greater London, or near 51.50853, -0.12574?
If so, our Housing Disrepair Team in London can provide immediate support. Fill in our quick 30-second form to arrange a free RICS inspection and start your housing disrepair claims London.

No Win, No Fee Housing Disrepair Funding in London

Our Housing Disrepair Team in London offers a fully transparent No Win, No Fee model. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and you only pay if your claim is successful. We explain the costs clearly in plain English before you proceed, so you can make informed decisions.

No Upfront Costs

You don’t pay anything to start your claim. Legal work, evidence review, and the initial assessment are all free, allowing tenants in London including Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester to pursue justice without financial worry.

Only Pay If You Win

If your case is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. If successful, a success fee is deducted from your compensation only after your landlord has paid.

Success Fee Capped at 25%

By law, the success fee cannot exceed 25% of your compensation, making costs predictable and fair. Before proceeding, we provide a personalised written illustration so you understand exactly how fees work.

RICS Survey & ATE Insurance Explained

  • RICS Survey: Provides independent evidence on defects, necessary repairs, and property condition. Free of charge.

  • ATE Insurance: Covers adverse costs if court action is required. Free if we win or taken from compensation if awarded.

Example

If your final compensation is £4,000, the success fee is £1,000, leaving you with £3,000. This reflects a typical scenario and helps you understand the process clearly.

Full Cost Transparency

Before any claim progresses, we provide a clear written breakdown of the No Win, No Fee agreement and potential disbursements. Nothing moves forward without your approval, ensuring complete clarity and peace of mind.

About Us — Expert Housing Disrepair Team in London

Our Housing Disrepair Team in London is led by SRA-regulated solicitors with over 20 years of experience helping tenants enforce their legal rights. We assist tenants across council housing, housing associations, and private rentals, ensuring landlords comply with their duties under UK housing law.

We work closely with independent RICS surveyors to provide detailed, legally robust reports on property defects. Our team communicates clearly via WhatsApp, phone, and email, with accessible formats available for vulnerable tenants.

Everyone deserves a safe, healthy home. Our job is to make landlords act responsibly.”

What Compensation Can You Receive?

Housing disrepair compensation is typically calculated as a percentage of your rent for the period affected:

  • Minor disrepair: 10–25% of rent
  • Moderate disrepair: 25–40% of rent
  • Severe disrepair: 40–50%+ of rent

Additional claims may cover damaged belongings, higher heating bills, dehumidifiers, and other losses caused by damp, mould, leaks, or structural faults.

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

These figures represent typical outcomes for London tenants experiencing persistent damp, heating failures, leaks, or electrical hazards.

Real Results for Tenants in London

Our Housing Disrepair Team in London has secured successful outcomes for tenants across the city. Typical results include:

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

These examples illustrate the types of compensation and repairs London tenants can achieve when claims are handled professionally and with proper evidence.

Landlord Defences & Common Tenant Pitfalls

Landlords often raise arguments such as:

  • “You never reported it”
  • “It’s lifestyle condensation”
  • “We acted reasonably”

Tenants can weaken their claim by:

  • Failing to keep a paper trail of reports and communications
  • Withholding rent without legal guidance
  • Refusing access for inspections or repairs
  • Not documenting the progression of disrepair

Our team manages all landlord defences, ensuring your evidence is presented clearly and effectively. From day one, we prepare your claim to be strong, compliant, and protected against common counter-arguments, giving you the best chance of securing repairs and compensation.

Our Expert Team

S. Islam, senior housing disrepair lawyer at Housing Disrepair Team
S. Islam (LLB Hons)

Senior Lawyer

Ensuring Your Repairs Are Completed After a Housing Disrepair Claim

We ensure your landlord or council completes repairs after compensation is awarded, using:

  • Timetabled works & compliance enforcement
  • Injunctions for urgent hazards
  • Escalation to the Housing Ombudsman
  • Claims for additional damages if deadlines are missed

Accessibility support: Interpreters, large-print PDFs, WhatsApp updates, or email-only communication. Vulnerable tenants receive tailored assistance, and advocates are welcome.

Our team ensures the process is stress-free, monitoring repairs until your home is safe and compliant.

Start Your London Housing Disrepair Claim Today

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

What happens next?

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

Housing Disrepair FAQs for London

Can you help if my property is outside London?

Our primary focus is London and surrounding areas, but we can advise on housing disrepair claims across England and Wales.

Can I claim if I’ve already moved out?

Yes. As long as you reported the disrepair during your tenancy, you can still claim repairs-related compensation or reimbursement for financial losses.

Will making a claim affect my tenancy?

No. Landlords cannot evict you for asserting your legal right to a safe and habitable home. Claims are legally protected under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

Do I need a RICS survey?

Yes. A RICS-qualified survey provides independent evidence of defects, required repairs, and their impact. It strengthens your claim and often accelerates settlement.

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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...