Housing Disrepair Compensation: What Landlords Are Legally Required to Fix
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Living in a rented property should never mean putting up with unsafe or unhealthy conditions.
Yet many tenants across the UK continue to live with unresolved repairs-leaking roofs, damp and mould, faulty heating, or dangerous electrics-because they are unsure of their rights.
Understanding what landlords are legally required to fix is the first step towards protecting your home and claiming housing disrepair compensation when those duties are ignored.
This guide explains landlord repair obligations under UK law and when failures can lead to a valid compensation claim.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to any defect or damage in a rented property that makes it unsafe, unhealthy, or unfit to live in.
These issues usually arise when a landlord fails to carry out repairs within a reasonable time after being notified.
Disrepair is not about cosmetic issues. It concerns problems that affect:
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Health and safety
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Structural integrity
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Basic living standards
If left unresolved, housing disrepair can entitle tenants to compensation and enforced repairs.
Landlord Legal Responsibilities Under UK Law
Landlords have clear legal duties under several UK laws, including:
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Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
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Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
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Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
These laws apply to private landlords, councils, and housing associations.
What Landlords Are Legally Required to Fix
1. Structural and Exterior Repairs
Landlords must maintain the structure and exterior of the property, including:
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Roofs and ceilings
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External and internal walls
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Foundations
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Windows and doors
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Gutters and drainage pipes
Cracks, leaks, or water penetration caused by structural failure are not the tenant’s responsibility.
2. Damp and Mould Problems
Damp and mould are among the most common housing disrepair claims.
Landlords are legally required to address damp and mould caused by:
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Poor ventilation
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Leaking pipes or roofs
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Rising or penetrating damp
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Structural defects
If damp or mould is affecting your health—such as causing asthma, allergies, or breathing issues-it may significantly increase compensation.
3. Heating and Hot Water Systems
Your landlord must ensure that:
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Boilers are working properly
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Radiators function correctly
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Hot water is available at all times
A lack of heating or hot water, especially during colder months, is considered serious disrepair and should be repaired urgently.
4. Plumbing and Sanitation
Landlords must fix issues involving:
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Leaking or burst pipes
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Blocked drains
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Broken toilets
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Faulty sinks, baths, and showers
Sanitation problems can pose serious health risks and should never be ignored.
5. Electrical Safety
Electrical systems must be safe and functional, including:
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Wiring and sockets
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Fuse boxes
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Lighting
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Electrical appliances provided by the landlord
Faulty electrics are a major safety hazard and can justify both urgent repairs and compensation.
6. Gas Safety
Landlords are legally responsible for:
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Gas pipes
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Gas boilers and heaters
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Annual gas safety checks
Any gas-related disrepair should be treated as an emergency.
7. Fire Safety Measures
Landlords must ensure:
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Safe escape routes
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Working smoke alarms
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Carbon monoxide detectors
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Fire-safe doors in certain properties
Failure to comply can put lives at risk and strengthen a compensation claim.
When Does Housing Disrepair Lead to Compensation?
You may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation if:
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You reported the problem to your landlord
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The landlord failed to act within a reasonable time
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The disrepair affected your health, safety, or quality of life
Compensation can cover:
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Inconvenience and distress
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Health problems caused or worsened
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Damage to personal belongings
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Reduced enjoyment of your home
Do Tenants Have to Pay for Repairs?
In most cases, no.
Tenants are only responsible for:
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Minor wear and tear
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Damage caused by misuse or neglect
Anything related to structure, safety, or essential services remains the landlord’s responsibility.
Can a Landlord Evict You for Claiming Housing Disrepair Compensation?
No. It is unlawful for landlords to retaliate against tenants for asserting their legal rights. The law protects tenants from unfair eviction linked to repair complaints or compensation claims.
Why Taking Action Matters
Living with unresolved disrepair is not something tenants should accept. Delays in repairs often lead to:
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Worsening health issues
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Increased damage
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Higher stress and anxiety
The law exists to protect tenants-but only if those rights are used.
Start Your Housing Disrepair Claim Today
If your landlord has failed to carry out legally required repairs, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation.
Tenant Housing Disrepair helps tenants:
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Understand their legal rights
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Build strong compensation claims
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Take action with confidence
