For many tenants, living in council or housing association properties offers affordable housing and long-term stability. But when landlords neglect their responsibilities, the consequences can be devastating. Damp, mould, leaks, broken heating systems, pest infestations, and structural damage are far too common — and tenants are often left suffering in silence.
The good news is that tenants in social housing have just as many rights as private tenants when it comes to disrepair. If your landlord has failed to maintain your home, you can make a housing disrepair claim and pursue a housing disrepair compensation claim.
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we are a team of housing disrepair experts and experienced housing disrepair solicitors who help tenants across the UK fight for justice. Whether you rent from a council, housing association, or other social landlord, we can help you secure both repairs and compensation.
This article explains your rights, the responsibilities of social landlords, and how to begin your claim.
What Are Council and Housing Association Responsibilities?
Social landlords, including councils and housing associations, have strict legal duties under:
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 – Requires landlords to repair the structure, plumbing, heating, and electrics of a property.
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 – Ensures rented homes are safe, healthy, and habitable.
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) – Allows councils to take enforcement action when properties are unsafe.
This means your landlord must ensure your home is:
- Free from damp and mould.
- Structurally safe and sound.
- Properly heated and ventilated.
- Free from leaks, infestations, and hazards.
If they ignore their duty, you may have the right to a compensation claim for housing disrepair.
Common Disrepair Issues in Social Housing
Council and housing association tenants often face problems such as:
- Severe Damp and Mould – Often left untreated for months or years, leading to health problems.
- Broken Boilers or Heating Systems – Leaving families without hot water or heating in winter.
- Leaking Roofs and Burst Pipes – Causing flooding and property damage.
- Unsafe Windows and Doors – Creating both security and health risks.
- Pest Infestations – Rats, mice, and cockroaches thriving due to neglect.
These problems are not “just part of living in social housing” — they are breaches of your landlord’s obligations.
Your Right to Claim Compensation
If your council or housing association fails to carry out repairs, you can make a housing disrepair claim. Compensation is designed to cover:
- Loss of Enjoyment
- Payment for the stress, discomfort, and inconvenience of living in poor conditions.
- Damage to Personal Belongings
- Covering clothes, furniture, or possessions damaged by damp, leaks, or infestations.
- Higher Living Costs
- Such as increased heating bills due to broken insulation or heating systems.
- Personal Injury
- If you or your family suffer health issues like asthma, infections, or anxiety as a result of the disrepair.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount depends on the severity of the disrepair:
- Mild Cases: £1,000 – £3,000.
- Moderate Cases: £3,000 – £7,000.
- Severe Cases: £10,000+ where health and quality of life are seriously impacted.
Compensation is often calculated as a percentage of your rent, depending on how much of the property was uninhabitable. For example:
- 25% reduction if one room is unfit to use.
- 50% reduction if half the property is affected.
- Up to 100% if the entire property is unsafe.
The Process of Making a Housing Disrepair Claim
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we simplify the claims process for council and housing association tenants:
Step 1: Free Consultation
We assess your case and explain your rights clearly.
Step 2: Evidence Collection
We help you gather proof such as photos, videos, medical reports, and receipts.
Step 3: Formal Notice
Our solicitors contact your landlord officially, giving them a chance to resolve the issue.
Step 4: Negotiation
We negotiate for both repairs and fair compensation.
Step 5: Court Action (if required)
If your landlord refuses to cooperate, we take the case to court and fight for your rights.
Why Tenants Often Struggle Without Legal Support
Many council and housing association tenants report that:
- Complaints go ignored for months or years.
- Repairs are carried out poorly or temporarily.
- Landlords deny responsibility.
- Tenants are made to feel like they have no choice but to live in disrepair.
This is where having the best housing disrepair solicitors on your side makes the difference. With expert legal backing, landlords can no longer dismiss your complaints.
Why Choose Housing Disrepair Claims?
At Housing Disrepair Claims, we have built a reputation as one of the UK’s leading teams of housing disrepair experts. Here’s why tenants trust us:
- No Win, No Fee Service – You only pay if we win your case.
- Specialist Solicitors – Our team focuses solely on housing disrepair law.
- Proven Success – We’ve helped thousands of council and housing association tenants secure compensation.
- Maximum Payouts – We ensure your claim covers repairs, damages, and personal injury if applicable.
Real-Life Example Cases
- Council Property with Severe Mould
- A family with young children lived with mould for over two years, causing repeated asthma attacks.
- Compensation: £9,500 plus repairs ordered by the court.
- Housing Association Flat with No Heating
- Tenant endured three winters without working heating.
- Compensation: £6,000 plus replacement heating system.
- Infestation in Tower Block
- Rats and cockroaches plagued a block of flats, spreading to multiple tenants’ homes.
- Compensation: £4,200 per household.
These cases prove that social housing tenants can and should take action when landlords fail in their duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I be evicted for making a claim against my landlord?
No. It is illegal for councils or housing associations to evict you for exercising your legal rights.
Q: What if my landlord tries to blame me?
Our solicitors will obtain expert reports to prove the true cause of the disrepair.
Q: Can I claim if repairs are carried out after I complain?
Yes. You may still be entitled to compensation for the period you lived in poor conditions.
Q: Do I need to move out during the process?
In most cases, you can remain in your home while your claim is ongoing.
Final Thoughts
No tenant should have to live in unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions. Whether you rent from the council or a housing association, your landlord has a clear legal duty to maintain your home.
If they fail, you are entitled to make a housing disrepair claim and pursue full compensation for the impact on your life.
📞 Contact Housing Disrepair Claims today for a free consultation with our team of housing disrepair solicitors. We’ll fight for your rights and help you secure the justice you deserve.
