If you’re living in a council or housing association property and your home is in disrepair, you might be wondering if you can sue your landlord for not fixing it.
The short answer is yes. Under certain circumstances, you may be able to take legal action to get the repairs done and claim compensation.
At Liberay Legal, we specialise in helping tenants hold their landlords accountable. This guide explains when you can take legal action, how the process works, and what your rights are as a tenant.
What counts as housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair describes problems in your home that your landlord is legally required to fix.
These might include:
- Damp or mould
- Leaks or flooding
- Broken heating systems or boilers
- Unsafe electrics or gas installations
- Damaged windows, doors, or roofs
- Pest infestations
Your landlord is legally required to keep your home safe, structurally sound and free from health hazards.
Your landlord’s responsibilities
Whether you rent from the council or a housing association, your landlord is required by law to:
- Keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair
- Ensure water, gas, and electricity systems are safe and functional
- Maintain sanitation (toilets, basins, sinks, baths)
- Make timely repairs once they’re aware of a problem
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must act within a “reasonable” timeframe after you report an issue.
What to do if your landlord isn’t fixing the problem?
- Report the issue – Always report any problems to your landlord in writing (email or letter) and keep a record. Be specific and include photos if possible.
- Follow up – If your landlord doesn’t respond within a reasonable time , follow up with another report.
- Take legal action – If your landlord fails to respond to your reports, you may be able to sue your landlord. This is where we can help.
When can you sue your landlord?
You may be able to take legal action if:
- Your landlord has failed to carry out repairs after being notified
- The disrepair has affected your health, safety, or quality of life
- You’ve suffered financial loss (e.g., damaged belongings)
What can you claim?
With a successful housing disrepair claim, you may be entitled to:
- Repairs: A court order forcing your landlord to carry out the necessary repairs
- Compensation: For pain, suffering, inconvenience and any financial losses
- Legal costs: In many cases, legal costs can be recovered from the landlord
No win, no fee legal support
We understand that tenants are often afraid of the cost of legal action. That’s why we offer no win, no fee support for housing disrepair claims. If we don’t win your case, you don’t pay us a penny.
Need help?
If you’re a council or housing association tenant living in poor conditions, don’t suffer in silence. We’re here to help you get the repairs you need and the justice you deserve. Contact us today – we support tenants in Manchester, Birmingham and across the UK.
