What to Do When Your Landlord Fails to Address Housing Disrepair Issues

As a tenant, you have a legal right to live in a property that is safe, secure, and free from health hazards. Unfortunately, not all landlords fulfill their responsibilities when it comes to maintaining rental properties. Whether it’s damp and mould, a broken boiler, pest infestation, or leaky roofs and windows, unresolved housing disrepair can quickly escalate into serious issues that impact your health and well-being.

If you’re facing ongoing disrepair problems in your rented home and your landlord is ignoring your complaints, it’s crucial to take informed action. Ignoring the issue or waiting indefinitely won’t protect your rights or your health. Understanding what steps you can take as a tenant will empower you to get the repairs done and, in some cases, even claim compensation.

Know Your Rights and Take the First Step

Landlords are legally obligated to keep their rental properties in good repair. This includes ensuring that the structure and exterior (like roofs, walls, windows, and doors) are sound and that essential utilities such as heating, hot water, gas, and electricity are functioning correctly. If your home has persistent problems like damp, mould, pest infestation, water leaks, or a broken heating system, your landlord must take reasonable steps to fix these in a timely manner.

If your landlord fails to act, you can seek help from a professional service like the housing disrepair experts at Housing Disrepair Team. We specialise in supporting tenants who are living in poor housing conditions and are being ignored by their landlords. With years of experience, we help you enforce your rights and claim compensation where necessary.

Document the Problem

One of the most important things you can do is to gather evidence. Start by taking clear, dated photographs of all areas of disrepair. This can include damp patches on walls, black mould, rodent droppings, broken windows, or faulty appliances. Keep a written log of your complaints and any communication with your landlord. Be sure to note when the issue started, when you reported it, and what responses (if any) you received.

Having solid evidence strengthens your case and shows that you have made reasonable efforts to alert your landlord about the problems.

Notify Your Landlord in Writing

Even if you’ve already reported the issue verbally or via text, it’s vital to send a formal letter or email to your landlord detailing the disrepair. This serves as an official notice and creates a paper trail. Be clear, polite, and specific in your communication. For example:

"On 10th March, I reported a water leak in the kitchen. As of today, it remains unfixed, and the area has developed mould. Please confirm when this will be repaired."

This gives your landlord one more chance to address the problem before you take further action.

Contact Your Local Council

If your landlord continues to ignore your complaints, your next step is to contact your local council’s Environmental Health Department. They can carry out an inspection of your home and issue your landlord with an enforcement notice if necessary. Councils have the power to intervene when tenants are living in hazardous conditions.

Bear in mind that going through the council can take time. If your situation is urgent—such as having no heating in winter or dealing with black mould affecting your health—you may need to escalate more quickly.

Seek Legal Support and Make a Disrepair Claim

If your landlord still refuses to fix the problem, it may be time to seek legal assistance. You can make a housing disrepair claim to force the landlord to carry out the necessary repairs and, in many cases, claim compensation for any harm or inconvenience caused.

Compensation can cover a range of damages, including:

• Physical health issues caused by damp or mould

• Damage to personal belongings

• Stress, anxiety, or loss of enjoyment of your home

• Increased utility bills due to faulty heating or insulation

At Housing Disrepair Team, we offer a no-win, no-fee service, making it easier for tenants to fight for their rights without the stress of legal fees. Our experts guide you through every step of the claim process and make sure you receive the repairs and compensation you deserve.

When Should You Contact Housing Disrepair Team?

You should reach out to us if:

• You've reported issues to your landlord and they haven’t acted within a reasonable time

• You're suffering due to damp, mould, infestation, leaks, or broken facilities

• Your health or safety is at risk because of the disrepair

• You want to understand your legal rights and start a claim process

We’ve helped hundreds of tenants across the UK reclaim control of their living situations. With our support, you can ensure that your voice is heard and that your landlord takes the matter seriously.

Take Action Today

Living in disrepair isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be dangerous. Tenants are not powerless, and the law is on your side. Don’t let your landlord ignore your living conditions or delay repairs any longer.

If you're unsure about your next steps, our friendly team is here to help. Visit our website or learn more about your rights in cases like boiler breakdowns or contact us directly for a free consultation. Your health, comfort, and peace of mind are too important to compromise.