Living in a council or housing association property should mean having a safe, secure, and habitable place to call home. Unfortunately, many tenants in social housing find themselves dealing with unresolved repair issues that seriously impact their health, safety, and quality of life. If this sounds familiar, it’s important to know that you have legal rights—and potentially a strong case for compensation under a housing disrepair claim.
In this blog post, we’ll explain your rights as a tenant, what constitutes housing disrepair, how the claims process works, and how Greenbank Lawyers can help you get the justice you deserve.
What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to situations where a rented property falls into a state of poor condition due to the landlord’s failure to carry out essential repairs. Common examples include:
- Damp and mould
- Leaking roofs or pipes
- Faulty heating systems
- Electrical hazards
- Cracked walls or ceilings
- Pest infestations
- Unsafe stairs or flooring
For tenants of council or housing association properties, the landlord is legally responsible for ensuring the property remains in a safe, liveable condition. If repairs are not made within a reasonable timeframe after you’ve reported them, you may be entitled to compensation.
Your Legal Rights as a Social Housing Tenant
As a tenant under a local council or housing association, you are protected by several laws, including:
- Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair.
- Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018: Gives tenants the right to take legal action if the property is not fit to live in.
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS): Provides a framework for identifying and addressing health and safety risks in rental homes.
These laws mean that your landlord must act when notified of any issue that affects the property’s safety, structure, or your ability to live there comfortably.
When Can You Make a Claim?
You may be able to make a housing disrepair claim if:
- You’ve reported the issue to your landlord, and they have failed to act within a reasonable time.
- The disrepair has caused personal injury, health issues (such as asthma from mould), or property damage.
- You’ve suffered inconvenience, such as not being able to use a room due to damage.
What Can You Claim For?
Successful claims can result in:
- Repairs being carried out promptly
- Compensation for distress, inconvenience, and any harm caused to your health
- Reimbursement for damaged personal belongings
- Recovery of increased utility bills if the disrepair led to higher energy usage
Steps to Take Before Making a Claim
- Report the Disrepair: Always inform your landlord or housing association in writing and keep records.
- Gather Evidence: Take dated photographs, save correspondence, collect medical records if your health is affected.
- Allow Time for Repairs: Landlords should be given a reasonable window to resolve the issue.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the landlord fails to act, it’s time to speak to a solicitor experienced in housing disrepair cases.
Why Council and Housing Association Tenants Often Struggle
Many tenants in social housing feel powerless. Repairs can be delayed for months, complaints ignored, or cases closed without resolution. Some fear retaliation or eviction if they push too hard. However, the law is on your side. You have every right to live in a property that is safe and properly maintained—and you have the right to seek legal redress if those conditions are not met.
How Greenbank Lawyers Can Help
At Greenbank Lawyers, we specialise in supporting tenants of council and housing association properties. We understand the unique challenges social housing tenants face and are committed to fighting for your right to live in a safe and habitable home.
Our team can:
- Help you gather the necessary evidence to strengthen your claim
- Communicate directly with your landlord or housing provider
- Pursue financial compensation for your suffering and inconvenience
- Ensure that repairs are completed promptly and correctly
We work on a “no win, no fee” basis, so you won’t have to worry about upfront costs. If your living conditions are unacceptable and your landlord has failed to act, we’re here to help you take the next step with confidence.
Don’t continue living in disrepair. Contact Greenbank Lawyers today to find out how we can help you claim the justice and peace of mind you deserve.