Housing Disrepair: What are your rights as a tenant?

Renting a home in the UK comes with a set of important legal protections. As a tenant, it’s crucial to understand your rights, especially when it comes to housing disrepair. Whether you’re dealing with damp, mould, or faulty heating, the law is on your side. Here’s everything you need to know about your rights and what to do if your landlord isn’t meeting their obligations.

To learn more, explore our comprehensive guide to housing disrepair.

The right to a safe and habitable home

Every tenant deserves to live in a property that’s safe, secure, and free from serious hazards. Landlords are legally required to maintain the structure, exterior, and essential installations of the property.  This includes:

• Water supply and plumbing
• Gas, electricity, and heating systems
• Roof and structural integrity

Common issues like damp, mould, faulty wiring, broken heating, and structural problems must be addressed quickly. You should never have to tolerate unsafe or unhealthy living conditions.

The right to request repairs

If you notice any disrepair, you have the right to report it to your landlord. It’s best to do this in writing and keep a record of all communications. Once your landlord is aware of the issue, they are legally obliged to carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe.

• Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter)
• Keep copies of all correspondence
• Allow a reasonable time for repairs (usually up to three months, depending on the severity)

The right to legal remedies and compensation

If your landlord fails to act, you have several options:

• Make a formal complaint to your landlord
• Escalate the issue to the Housing Ombudsman
• Take legal action to force repairs and claim compensation

Compensation may cover:

• Inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of your home
• Financial losses (higher utility bills, damaged belongings)
• Health problems caused or worsened by the disrepair
• Personal injury or medical costs (if applicable)

Protection against retaliatory eviction

You are protected from unfair eviction if you report disrepair or exercise your legal rights. Landlords must follow the proper legal process and cannot evict you simply for making a complaint.

The right to information and privacy

Your landlord must provide clear information about your tenancy, including their responsibilities and how to report repairs. You also have the right to privacy:

• Landlords must give notice before entering your home (except in emergencies)
• If a date is agreed for repairs or inspections, allow access to ensure the issue is resolved.