When your home is supposed to be your safe space, living in poor conditions can take a heavy toll on both your physical and mental health. Issues like damp, mould, leaks, infestations, or broken heating systems don’t just make life uncomfortable — they can also cause long-term health problems.
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we specialise in supporting tenants who are living in these unacceptable conditions. With our team of housing disrepair solicitors and housing disrepair experts, we help you make a housing disrepair claim and secure the compensation you deserve.
In this article, we’ll explore the link between housing disrepair and health, the types of problems tenants often face, and how to start a housing disrepair compensation claim.
The Connection Between Housing Disrepair and Health
Poor housing conditions can create dangerous living environments. In fact, medical studies consistently link housing disrepair to a variety of health problems, including:
- Respiratory Illnesses
- Damp and mould release spores into the air, which can trigger asthma, chronic bronchitis, and allergies.
- Children and elderly tenants are especially vulnerable.
- Infections & Allergies
- Pest infestations, such as rats or cockroaches, spread harmful bacteria and worsen skin conditions.
- Dust and damp can aggravate existing allergies.
- Cold-Related Illnesses
- A broken heating system in winter can lead to hypothermia, chest infections, or worsened arthritis symptoms.
- Mental Health Struggles
- Living with constant leaks, damp smells, or broken facilities can cause anxiety, depression, and stress.
- The feeling of being ignored by landlords only adds to this emotional burden.
Common Disrepair Problems That Affect Health
Here are the most frequent issues reported by tenants in housing disrepair claims:
- Damp and Mould: Often caused by leaks, poor ventilation, or structural problems.
- Pest Infestations: Rats, mice, and insects thrive in neglected homes.
- Water Leaks: Burst pipes or roof leaks can make living conditions unsafe.
- Broken Heating: Especially dangerous during winter months.
- Unsafe Windows or Doors: Can create security risks and exposure to cold weather.
These problems are not just inconveniences — they are breaches of your landlord’s legal duty to maintain your property.
Legal Responsibilities of Landlords
Under UK law, landlords are required to ensure that rental properties are safe, habitable, and properly maintained. This includes:
- Fixing leaks, damp, and structural issues.
- Maintaining heating and plumbing systems.
- Ensuring the property is free from pests.
- Repairing windows, doors, and electrical hazards.
If your landlord ignores repeated complaints, they are failing in their duty — and you have the right to make a housing disrepair compensation claim.
When Health Problems Arise: Claiming for Personal Injury
One of the most important aspects of housing disrepair claims is the ability to seek compensation for health impacts. These are treated as personal injury claims within the housing disrepair process.
What You Can Claim For:
- Medical Costs: GP visits, prescriptions, or private treatment.
- Pain and Suffering: The discomfort or long-term health impacts caused by disrepair.
- Loss of Earnings: If your illness prevented you from working.
- Future Care Needs: If health issues will continue into the future.
Example Cases of Health-Related Housing Disrepair
- Asthma Worsened by Damp:
A tenant developed chronic asthma due to mould in their flat. Compensation: £7,000 including medical costs and general damages. - Broken Boiler in Winter:
A family endured months without heating, leading to repeated chest infections in children. Compensation: £5,500. - Pest Infestation:
Tenant suffered severe stress and skin infections from a rodent infestation. Compensation: £3,800.
These examples show how health-related housing disrepair claims can result in significant compensation when handled by the best housing disrepair solicitors.
The Process of Making a Health-Related Housing Disrepair Claim
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we make the process simple:
Step 1: Free Consultation
Tell us about your situation. We’ll quickly assess if you have a valid claim.
Step 2: Evidence Collection
We’ll help you gather photos, videos, medical records, and expert surveyor reports.
Step 3: Formal Notice to Landlord
Your solicitor will formally contact your landlord, giving them a chance to resolve the issues.
Step 4: Negotiation
We push for a settlement that covers both your inconvenience and health-related damages.
Step 5: Court Proceedings (if necessary)
If your landlord refuses to cooperate, our solicitors will take the case to court.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Health Issues?
Compensation varies depending on the severity of the problem:
- Mild Health Problems: £1,000 – £3,000.
- Moderate Issues (ongoing symptoms): £3,000 – £7,000.
- Severe Health Impacts: £10,000+ depending on long-term consequences.
These are in addition to general housing disrepair compensation based on rent reductions.
Why Use Housing Disrepair Experts?
Many tenants underestimate the importance of professional help. Here’s why working with us matters:
- Expert Legal Knowledge: Our housing disrepair solicitors know exactly how to argue health-related claims.
- Medical Evidence: We help secure reports that prove your condition is linked to disrepair.
- Maximised Compensation: We ensure you claim for all your damages, not just the obvious ones.
- No Win, No Fee: You won’t pay anything unless your claim succeeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I claim if my child’s health is affected by damp or mould?
Yes. Parents can make claims on behalf of children for health impacts caused by poor housing conditions.
Q: What if my landlord says it’s my fault?
Solicitors will investigate and gather expert evidence to prove the true cause of the disrepair.
Q: Can I still live in the property while making a claim?
Yes. In most cases, tenants continue living in the property while the claim progresses.
Q: How long does it take?
On average, 3–9 months depending on the severity of the case and landlord cooperation.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Claims?
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we are proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s most trusted teams of housing disrepair experts. We’ve helped thousands of tenants:
- Secure proper repairs.
- Receive fair compensation.
- Hold landlords accountable.
Our housing disrepair solicitors are among the best in the country, working tirelessly to make sure tenants are not ignored.
Final Thoughts
Your health should never suffer because of your landlord’s neglect. If you’re experiencing health problems caused by poor housing conditions, you have the right to make a housing disrepair claim and pursue full compensation.
📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Claims today for a free consultation and let us fight for your rights.
