Claims Against Landlords: A Complete Guide to Compensation for Unsafe or Negligent Housing Conditions
Living in rented accommodation should feel safe and secure—but when a landlord fails to maintain a property or address serious hazards, tenants can suffer both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been injured or your health has been affected because of poor housing conditions, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the harm and hardship you’ve endured.
Issues like damp and mould, faulty wiring, broken heating, pest infestations, structural damage, or leaks can cause long-term problems. With the help of an experienced housing disrepair solicitor, you can hold your landlord accountable and seek the justice and financial relief you deserve.
How to Make a Housing Disrepair or Negligence Claim
If your landlord has neglected their legal responsibilities and your health, safety, or comfort has suffered, making a claim might feel intimidating—but we’re here to guide you through it. Here’s how to get started:
Step 1: Request a Free Initial Consultation
Contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation—online or over the phone, whichever suits you. We’ll review your living situation, listen to your experience, and assess whether you have a valid claim. If you do, we’ll explain the next steps and how we’ll support you through the process.
Step 2: What We’ll Need From You
To build a strong case, we’ll ask for specific details about your property and the issues you’ve experienced, including:
- When and how the issue began (e.g., mould, leaks, lack of heating)
- Any reports or complaints made to your landlord or letting agent
- Photographs or videos of the damage or disrepair
- Medical evidence linking your health problems to the living conditions
- Environmental health or council reports (if any)
- Copies of your tenancy agreement and correspondence with the landlord
Once we’ve gathered the evidence, your case will be handled by a solicitor with expertise in landlord negligence and housing disrepair claims.
What If My Landlord Ignores Me or Denies Responsibility?
You still have legal options. If your landlord has failed to act despite being made aware of the problem, your solicitor may:
- Refer your case to the local council’s environmental health department
- Obtain expert reports to confirm the cause and impact of the issue
- Pursue legal proceedings to seek compensation and force necessary repairs
- Investigate landlord obligations under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Even if your landlord is a housing association or council, you still have the right to a safe, habitable home—and legal action may be necessary if your concerns are continually ignored.
Who Can Make a Claim Against a Landlord?
You may be eligible to make a claim if you’re a tenant (or former tenant) who has:
- Experienced health problems due to poor property conditions
- Suffered an injury caused by a housing hazard (e.g., trip hazard, collapse, unsafe wiring)
- Been forced to live without heating, hot water, or safe sanitation
- Endured stress, inconvenience, or loss of personal belongings due to landlord negligence
- Reported the problem but your landlord failed to act within a reasonable timeframe
Whether you rent privately, through a local council, or from a housing association, your landlord has a legal duty to keep your home in a safe and liveable condition.
What Compensation Can You Claim from Your Landlord?
The amount of compensation depends on how severely the housing issue has affected you. A successful claim may include:
- Medical costs: If you’ve needed treatment for respiratory issues, infections, or injuries
- Pain and suffering: For physical discomfort, mental distress, or sleep disruption
- Damage to personal items: Replacing clothes, furniture, or electronics damaged by leaks, mould, or infestation
- Loss of enjoyment: If your quality of life has been reduced by unsafe or unsanitary conditions
- Alternative accommodation: If you had to temporarily move out due to property conditions
- Repair delays: Compensation for the length of time your landlord took to resolve the issue
We will ensure all areas of your loss—current and ongoing—are properly accounted for in your claim.
Can I Claim on Behalf of Someone Else Living in the Property?
Yes. If a family member—such as a child, elderly person, or someone with a disability—has been affected by the conditions and is unable to make a claim themselves, you may be able to act on their behalf.
This includes children under 18 or individuals with limited capacity. If they become able to claim independently later, they can take over the claim or file separately within the legal time limits.
We handle these sensitive cases with care and compassion, always putting the welfare of vulnerable tenants first.
How Long Does a Housing Disrepair Claim Take?
The timeline for resolving a claim depends on several factors, including:
- Severity of the issue: Immediate risks to health may accelerate the process
- Evidence availability: Medical reports, environmental health assessments, and documentation can influence speed
- Landlord cooperation: If the landlord accepts responsibility, your claim may be settled more quickly
- Extent of the damage: Ongoing or recurring issues may require longer investigation and follow-up
Simple cases may be resolved in a few months, while more complex or disputed claims could take longer. We’ll keep you updated throughout and ensure your case progresses as smoothly as possible.
Are Claims Against Landlords Different from Other Injury Cases?
Yes. These cases involve a unique mix of tenancy law, housing regulations, and personal injury law. Key legal points include:
- Landlord duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- Fitness for Human Habitation standards (under 2018 legislation)
- Local authority housing enforcement procedures
- Evidence of ongoing disrepair or health hazards despite complaints
These claims are often about more than compensation—they’re about forcing change and holding negligent landlords accountable. That’s why they need to be handled by solicitors with expertise in both housing law and tenant rights.
We’re Here to Help You Take Back Control of Your Living Situation
No one should be made to live in unsafe or unhealthy conditions—especially when landlords have a legal duty to provide a safe home. If you’ve suffered due to housing disrepair or negligence, we’re here to help you put things right.
Our legal team specialises in claims against landlords and tenant rights. We’re committed to helping you get the compensation, repairs, and dignity you deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation—and take the first step toward a safer, healthier home and the justice you deserve.