What Counts as Housing Disrepair? A Practical Checklist for Tenants

If you’re living with damp, leaks, broken heating or dodgy electrics, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question: is this “housing disrepair”, or just something you’re meant to put up with?

Here’s the simple way to look at it: housing disrepair is when your home has serious problems that your landlord should fix, but hasn’t — and it’s affecting your safety, health, or the condition of the property.

This matters because it’s not a rare issue. In England alone, the government estimates 1.3m households were living in homes with damp problems in 2023–2024.

The practical checklist: does your situation count as disrepair?

If you’re ticking any of these, you’re likely dealing with disrepair (especially if you’ve reported it and nothing’s changed):

Damp, mould and water ingress

• Black mould on walls/ceilings that keeps coming back

• Damp patches that spread or won’t dry out

• Leaks from the roof, pipes, radiators or bathroom fittings

• Peeling paint/plaster that’s clearly linked to moisture

Heating and hot water problems

• Boiler breaking down repeatedly

• No heating (or only some radiators working)

• No hot water, or it’s unreliable

Unsafe electrics

• Sockets sparking, burning smells, frequent trips

• Exposed wiring or water near electrics

• Lights flickering constantly (not just a bulb issue)

Structural or security issues

• Broken windows/doors that won’t shut or lock properly

• Cracked ceilings, loose plaster, rotten window frames

• Blocked drains causing flooding or sewage smells

Signs it’s “serious”, not just annoying

• Your belongings are being damaged (clothes, furniture, carpets)

• You’re coughing more, struggling with asthma, or feeling unwell at home

• The issue has been ongoing for 3+ months

• You’ve got photos/messages showing you reported it

Claim First’s housing disrepair claims typically focus on council or housing association tenants, where the problem has been reported and ongoing for a minimum period, and where there’s meaningful impact/damage.

What to do next (without making things harder for yourself)

1. Report it in writing (email is fine). Keep it simple and specific.

2. Take dated photos/videos (do this weekly if it’s getting worse).

3. Keep a timeline: when it started, when you reported it, what they said.

4. Let them in for inspections/repairs (missed access can be used as an excuse).

5. If nothing happens, get advice — you don’t have to keep chasing forever.
   

FAQs

Is mould always disrepair?

Not always — but if it’s linked to leaks, poor ventilation the landlord should fix, or building defects, it often counts (especially if it’s persistent and affecting your health).

What if my landlord says it’s “condensation” and ignores it?

That’s common. Your job is to document it (photos + dates) and show how it’s impacting you and the property. Then push for a proper inspection.

Can you claim if you rent privately?

Private renters have rights too, but Claim First’s housing disrepair route is typically aimed at council/housing association tenants.

Do you have to pay to start a claim?

Claim First explains claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, with no upfront costs.

Ready to stop living with it?

If your home has had serious issues like damp, leaks, broken heating or unsafe electrics — and you’ve reported it but nothing’s been fixed — start your housing disrepair claim today.