Disrepair claims

Damp, mould, leaks and hazards your landlord has failed to put right.

How we can help

Establishing which repairs are your landlord’s legal responsibility
Advising on how to report defects so the record supports a claim
Instructing surveyors to evidence the disrepair and its cause
Claiming compensation for damaged belongings and reduced enjoyment of your home
Obtaining court orders requiring works to be carried out
Advising on protection against retaliatory eviction

Your solicitor

Dean Smith

Dean SmithSolicitor

What happens next

Tell us what is wrong, when you reported it and what response you got.
We advise on liability and arrange a survey where the claim justifies it.
We pursue compensation and an order for the works to be done.

Fees for this work

Legal expenses insurance sometimes covers these claims.

Common questions

What must my landlord repair?

Broadly the structure and exterior, and the installations for water, gas, electricity, heating and sanitation. These duties are implied into the tenancy and cannot be excluded.

The damp is from condensation. Is that still their problem?

It can be. Where condensation results from inadequate ventilation, heating or insulation that the landlord is responsible for, the claim can still succeed. Blaming the tenant’s lifestyle is a common but not always effective defence.

Will complaining get me evicted?

There are protections against retaliatory eviction where disrepair has been properly reported and the council has become involved. That is a good reason to report in writing and involve environmental health.

How much compensation might I get?

Usually a proportion of the rent for the period you were affected, plus the value of damaged possessions and any impact on health. The more severe and prolonged, the higher the proportion.

Tell us what's happened

Confidential, reviewed by a solicitor, answered within one working day.