If your landlord refuses to carry out essential repairs, you are not powerless. UK law protects tenants and gives you the right to safe, livable housing conditions. Whether you're dealing with damp, mould, heating issues, or structural faults, there are clear legal steps you can take.
At Housing Disrepair Team UK, we help tenants across England and Wales take legal action when landlords fail to meet their responsibilities — all on a no win, no fee basis.
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For?
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally required to:
- Repair the structure and exterior of the building
- Maintain heating, plumbing, and electrics
- Prevent damp and mould
- Fix leaks, broken windows, unsafe floors, and infestations
These duties apply to both council and private landlords. If repairs aren't made in a reasonable time after you've reported them, you may have the right to claim compensation.
Step-by-Step: What to Do When Repairs Are Ignored
- Report the Problem Clearly
Send your landlord a written complaint by letter, email, or through your letting agent. Be specific and include the date, issue, and location of the problem. - Keep Evidence
Take photographs or videos of the disrepair. Save copies of your messages, complaint letters, and any replies from the landlord. - Allow Reasonable Time
Give your landlord a reasonable period (usually 14 to 28 days) to fix the issue. If the repair is urgent (like a gas leak or no heating in winter), action should be taken much sooner. - Contact Your Local Council
If there’s no response, report the issue to your local Environmental Health team. They can inspect your home and issue a legal notice to the landlord. - Take Legal Action
If nothing is done even after a council inspection, you can make a housing disrepair claim. This can force the landlord to complete the repairs and may entitle you to financial compensation.
What Can You Claim For?
If your landlord fails to fix things, you could claim compensation for:
- Inconvenience or distress
- Health issues caused by the disrepair
- Damage to personal belongings
- Higher heating or electricity costs
- Time spent living in unfit conditions
Compensation can range from £1,000 to over £10,000, depending on how severe the problem is and how long it lasted.
How Housing Disrepair Team UK Can Help
We support tenants in holding landlords accountable and getting what they deserve. Our legal team:
- Offers free case assessments
- Works on a no win, no fee basis
- Handles all communication with your landlord
- Gets repairs done faster through legal pressure
- Helps secure maximum compensation
You don’t need to face your landlord alone — we do the heavy lifting for you.
Get Help Today
If your landlord isn’t fixing serious issues in your home, you may have a strong legal case. Let Housing Disrepair Team UK review your situation at no cost.