Am I eligible for housing disrepair help?

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Tenant Compensation
Health & Wellbeing
Housing Repairs

Let's get your house put right!

Housing disrepair is damage to a rented property which needs to be put right. If your landlord has been notified, and hasn't taken action, or has completed the repairs to a poor standard you could have a high chance of a successful housing disrepair case.In this article we discuss what housing disrepair actually is, where the land lies from a legal perspective, how to proceed with a claim and what happens in the event of a success.

What constitutes housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair is any damage to a tenant's property which is the responsibility of the landlord, is causing a diminished level of enjoyment to the tenant within their home, and is as a result of poor upkeep by the landlord towards their housing stock. This is usually set out in Section 11 of your tenancy agreement, so if you have yours to hand you could always be worth double checking the wording.

In general, issues such as damp and mould resulting from structural or plumbing issues, unresolved rodent infestations, damaged and defective windows, as well as electrical and heating issues could all fit within the remit of housing disrepair.

The important facet here is that the issues will need to have been reported, otherwise the landlord could be completely unaware of any issues. Any action here would be a little unfair in this instance.

Use the law to your advantage

The great news for tenants suffering with unresponsive landlords is that the law is on their side.

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1985

Section 11 should fall within your tenancy agreement, this places an obligation on the landlord to maintain the structure and exterior of the property, including installations for the supply of water, gas and electricity, heating systems, drainage and sanitary appliances.

The Human Habitation Act 2018

This law came to pass in March 2019 and enforces the landlord's responsibility to ensure they are meeting the level required for property standards and safety.

How to start your housing disrepair claim

The simplest way of getting your disrepair resolved should be to negotiate with your landlord; genuine and decent landlords should resolve your property issues with very little friction. It's the landlords who drag their feet, seem unwilling to resolve property issues and give the industry a bad reputation that can make a disrepair claim a necessity.

Any UK tenant can commence an claim by themselves; however, due to the complex nature of the process, many prefer to utilise the expertise and knowledge of specialists. By applying through this page, we'll represent you, and utilising our extensive experience in disrepair matters, we'll arrange compulsory on your behalf. The best bit about this, it's no-win-no-fee meaning there's no up-front fees for making a speculative enquiry.

What happens in the event that the claim is successful?

If your case is a success, great news, you can expect:

Compulsory repairs

Yep, that's right, we'll liaise with your landlord to negotiate the completion of any outstanding repairs. These have to be completed to "a professional standard", failure to do so could result in further financial penalties for your landlord.

Financial Compensation

Regardless of whether you pay directly for your rent, or some of it is paid for by the state, you will be entitled to a level of compensation to cover you for the inconvenience of living in a defective property, any associated damages to your possessions and for any ill health you or your family may have endured.

Take your 1st step to a better future

Getting started is both quick and simple, and can be completed on the form located on this page. Once your enquiry has been submitted, you'll be given a few options on the next page, including our fast-track application process.

Whatever option you choose, we'd love to be able to help you!

Arrange your FREE Housing Consultation
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MN
Michaela Neale
Oct 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Would definitely recommend

Would definitely recommend everything was sorted for me and very quickly very reliable and friendly staff also

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MRS ERIKA DIAS DOS SANTOS PEREIRA CAMARA
Sep 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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I am very satisfied with the quality of service.

The solicitor (Ashley Leung) was really helpful during the process against counsil, the team managed to come up with a good deal from defender. I am very satisfied with the quality of service.

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BW
Brendon Watkins
Sep 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Always extremely helpful.

After a dispute with myLandlord and letting agents, I contacted SLS solicitors, for advice and help regarding this situation. Rebecca Barnes who was acting for me was absolutely fantastic, Rebecca kept me informed all the way through a difficult process, very easy to contact her, if I had questions regarding my situation, and . Always extremely helpful.I hope I never have to go through another dispute like the one I have.But if does happen, Rebecca Barnes and all the staff at SLS solicitors would be my absolute first choice.Thank you all SLS solicitorsBrendon watkins

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Howdam Abdulla
Aug 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Absolutely outstanding service

Absolutely outstanding service, I have been in dispute with my landlord for the past 8 years regarding works required to the property, landlord has rejected carrying out any works but thanks to SLS, works are now proceeding and we even got compensation for our hassle, hugely recommend SLS to anyone who is been treated unfairly by their landlords! A class service!

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J Dar
Aug 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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This service has been very successful

This service has been very successful for me as my mum has been suffering in condition which is not safe for her, despite the Solictor trying there best to get the landlord to resolve the issue which they still have t till now at least we have received a compensation.

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MP
Mike Perkins
Aug 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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The whole experience was professional

The whole experience was professional and I understood exactly what was happening throughout the course of events. Would definitely recommend to others

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TC
The Chief
Jul 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Very helpful and easy to communicate with

Very helpful and easy to communicate with

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Gio Gauchey
Jul 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Utterly Professional

I have found SLS to be utterly professional and they have resolved my issue far sooner than it would have been had I continued trying to contact the agent and the Council myself.
Sometimes it seems like all these people understand is a kick up the bum!
SLS made every step of the process easily understandable and as a disabled person, they have gone out of their way to provide accessible methods for signing and accessing documents.
I will certainly recommend SLS to all my friends, neighbours and passes by in the street!
Thank you for all your support!


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Aysha Khanom
Jun 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Fantastic

Pauline Cadman was the solicitor assigned to my case. She has been fantastic in every aspect of assisting me with my family matter. She was conscientious & professional & ensured I had everything I needed for the best possible outcome. She also gave me a peace of mind during a difficult time. I definitely recommend using the firm & Pauline to assist with any family matter. Fantastic service & a lovely person.

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Rob Osman
May 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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I was treated very politely and respectfully

The service I received from SLS Solicitors was first class. each time I phoned the office I was treated very politely and respectfully. the solicitors at SLS  are an asset to this company. if you are looking for a legal company with experienced, professional and friendly solicitors to help you with your legal claim, I highly recommend you use SLS Solicitors, I'm very sure you will be as pleased with the outcome as I am...Many Thanks SLS Solicitors

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Miss Marinus
Apr 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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AMAZING - PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

We highly recommend SLS Solicitors and in particular Sheik Ashraf, whom we personally dealt with.

We approached SLS Solicitors due to multiple disrepairs within our home, which our Landlord chose not to address.

SLS Solicitors quickly arranged for a Surveyor to inspect our home and identify the multiple disrepairs we were suffering.

SLS Solicitors acted swiftly and very quickly gained the attention of our Landlord’s Legal Department.

The outcome of our claim has far exceeded what we were hoping for!

We have had all the issues of the disrepairs attended to and thanks to the persistence of Sheik Ashraf; we also received compensation for the stress and inconvenience caused to us by our Landlord.

Throughout the whole claim process, Sheik and his team have been friendly and approachable. We were kept extremely well informed and found it very easy to engage with Sheik regarding any concerns we had.

We would have no hesitation in recommending SLS Solicitors, as they are a Professional Organisation which works effortlessly to ensure Tenant’s are treated fairly by their Landlord.

We say a massive “Thank You” to Sheik and his team for achieving such an excellent outcome for us.

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Mijanur Khan
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Extremely happy with the quality of service provided

I have used this solicitors on two occasions now & would use their services again without hesitation, should the need arise. All staff conduct themselves in a professional manner are attentive & responsive to the clients needs at all times. Extremely happy with the quality of service provided and the costs & would highly recommend SLS SOLICITORS, especially a big thank you to sheik for helping me out even after office hours. You guys doing an amazing job. Keep it up


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Alicia Mchale
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Excellent solicitors would highly recommend

Excellent solicitors would highly recommend

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Fozia Akhtar
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish

Absolutely brilliant service from start to finish. We had been denied a spousal visa on our first attempt and were very thankful to have found SLS Solicitors to help us reapply. Noorjahan was our lawyer and was absolutely outstanding. She was very professional, supportive, and always available for our many questions. We received our visa this past week and cannot thank her enough for everything! Highly recommend!

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Geoff Philips
Mar 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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I would definitely recommend SLS Solicitors

I would definitely recommend SLS Solicitors Ltd for any disrepair claims against a local authority landlord - they are an upfront no win no fee firm and when they take your case on they will give it everything they have. They are experienced in dealing with large organisations of this type and they worked wonders with my claim of damages against my landlord. Because of their clever handling of the negotiations I received more than I expected - £6500! Many thanks to you Sheik.

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Paul Clarke
Feb 2022
5* on TrustpilotGoogle Reviews 5*
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fast friendly service, exallent..

fast friendly service, exallent..

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Take the 1st step and get your Housing Disrepair Fixed!

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