Housing Disrepair Team in St Helens

Common Housing Disrepair Issues in St Helens

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 St Helens 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

For more information about our housing disrepair services in St Helens, 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 St Helens:

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 St Helens 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

Who Is Responsible for Repairs? (Clear Breakdown)

Understanding who must carry out repairs is essential in any housing disrepair claim. While it might feel frustrating when defects continue for months, the law places clear duties on landlords — and equally clear expectations on tenants. Failing to follow these rules can weaken a claim, so it’s important to know exactly where responsibility lies.

Your St Helens landlord must repair:

• Structure and exterior, including walls, roofs, and windows
• Heating and hot-water systems
• Electrical wiring and installations
• Plumbing, drains, and sanitary fittings
• Gas appliances and pipework
• Ventilation systems
• Shared or common areas, where the tenancy includes access

These obligations apply throughout the tenancy, regardless of the landlord’s financial position or staffing issues. If something essential breaks, your landlord cannot ignore it.

Tenants should:

• Report issues as soon as they become aware
• Allow reasonable access for inspections and repairs
• Use the property, heating, and ventilation correctly to avoid accidental damage

The Law (Simple Explanation)

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11) – sets out core repair obligations
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 – requires all homes to be safe, healthy and free from hazards
• Awabs Law 2024

If you reported the defect and your landlord failed to act within a reasonable timeframe, you may have a strong disrepair claim.

Or fill in our second contact form

Do I Qualify for a Housing Disrepair Claim in St Helens?

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. Claims can be made against Helens 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 St Helens 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 St Helens RICS inspection, please contact us 03338808408.

Or fill in our second contact form

Steps To Take & Housing Disrepair Claim Process in St Helens

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 St Helens 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.

Typical timeline: 6–12 months for many St Helens claims, depending on landlord cooperation, surveyor access, and contractor availability. Urgent hazards may be escalated sooner.

Do you live in St Helens or nearby areas around 53.45, -2.73333?

If your property is within these areas, our Housing Disrepair Team can assist immediately. You can also find useful guidance on a housing disrepair claim Birmingham if you are comparing support in nearby cities.

No Win, No Fee Housing Disrepair Funding in St Helens

No Win, No Fee — Clear, Transparent Pricing From Day One

Our Housing Disrepair Team in St Helens provides a completely transparent funding model so you always know where you stand. There are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and you only pay if your claim is successful. Before anything begins, we explain the pricing clearly, in plain English, so you can proceed confidently.

No Upfront Costs

You do not pay anything to start your housing disrepair claim. We handle the legal work, evidence review, and initial assessment at zero cost to you. This ensures every tenant in St Helens — including those in Warrington, Liverpool, and Stretford — can pursue justice without financial worry.

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%

By law and professional standards, the success fee is capped at 25% of the disrepair compensation, making the costs predictable and fair. We provide a written, personalised cost illustration before you agree to proceed, so you always understand exactly what will happen.

RICS Survey & ATE Insurance Explained Upfront

Where a RICS survey or ATE insurance is needed, we explain these clearly at the start.

• A RICS-qualified surveyor provides independent evidence on defects, required works, and the condition of your home. FREE.
• ATE insurance protects you against adverse costs if court proceedings become necessary. FREE if we win or taken out of any compensation if we win

Simple Example

If your final compensation is £4,000, the success fee is £1,000, and you receive £3,000.
This example mirrors a typical claim and helps you understand how pricing works in practice.

Full Cost Transparency Before You Start

Before your claim progresses, we send you a clear, written breakdown of the No Win, No Fee agreement and any potential disbursements. Nothing moves forward until you approve it, ensuring complete clarity.

About Us — Your St Helens Housing Disrepair Team

Our St Helens housing disrepair team is led by our nominated solicitors have 20+ years of experience helping tenants challenge St Helens Council, housing associations, and private landlords. As SRA-regulated solicitors, we work with independent RICS surveyors and have in-depth knowledge of St Helens 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 St Helens

Compensation You May Receive

Compensation for a St Helens 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 St Helens compensation levels for damp and mould, leaks and heating failures.

Real Results for Tenants in St Helens

Here are common outcomes achieved in St Helens 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 St Helens City Council and major housing associations.

Landlord Defences & Tenant Pitfalls — What to Avoid

Common landlord arguments in St Helens 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 St Helens 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 St Helens 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.

Start Your St Helens Housing Disrepair Claim Today

✅ Free RICS survey
✅ Local St Helens 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.