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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See How We Handle Housing Disrepair Claims

We explain what housing disrepair is, how it affects your health and home, and how our Wigan team helps tenants secure repairs and fair compensation. Our experience also extends to supporting tenants with housing disrepair claims in Birmingham.

Housing problems take a toll. Damp that never dries. Mould that keeps returning. Boilers that stop working when it is cold. Leaks that stain ceilings and disrupt daily life. If repairs have been reported and nothing meaningful has happened, you do not have to keep living like this.

Take the next step by completing our quick contact form to receive clear guidance and support with your housing disrepair issue.

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 Wigan

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 Wigan 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 Wigan, 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 Wigan:

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 Wigan 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 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 Wigan 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 Wigan?

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 Wigan 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 Wigan 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 Wigan RICS inspection, please contact us 03338808408.

Or fill in our second contact form

Steps To Take & Housing Disrepair Claim Process in Wigan

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 Wigan 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 Wigan claims, depending on landlord cooperation, surveyor access, and contractor availability. Urgent hazards may be escalated sooner.

Do you live in Wigan, COUNTY or near 53.54296, -2.63706?

If your property is within these areas, our Housing Disrepair Team can assist immediately.
Call us on 03338808408 or complete the 30-second form to book your free RICS inspection.

No Win, No Fee Housing Disrepair Funding in Wigan

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

Our Housing Disrepair Team in Wigan 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 Wigan and nearby areas such as Leigh, St Helens, and Warrington 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.

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 Us — Your Wigan Housing Disrepair Team

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

Compensation You May Receive

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

Real Results for Tenants in Wigan

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

Landlord Defences & Tenant Pitfalls — What to Avoid

Common landlord arguments in Wigan 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 Wigan 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 Wigan 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 Wigan, 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 Wigan housing disrepair solicitors are committed to making the process simple and stress-free.

Start Your Wigan Housing Disrepair Claim Today

✅ Free RICS survey
✅ Local Wigan 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.

Housing Disrepair FAQs for Wigan

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

Yes. We cover Wigan. All housing disrepair cases can be handled remotely including surveys, meetings, and court hearings.

How long does a housing disrepair claim take in Wigan?

Most claims resolve within 6–12 months, depending on landlord response, RICS survey access and contractor availability. Urgent hazards (no heating, unsafe electrics, severe mould) can be escalated sooner.

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 a disrepair claim affect my tenancy or lead to eviction?

No. Retaliatory eviction is unlawful. Tenants have legal protections when a genuine repair issue exists. If you’re worried, call us — we’ll explain your rights clearly.

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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...