Can You Claim Compensation for Housing Disrepair? Here's What Tenants Need to Know

Living in a property with ongoing disrepair doesn’t just affect your health and comfort — it can also affect your finances. If your landlord has failed to fix serious issues like mould, damp, leaks, broken heating, or unsafe electrics, you may be eligible to claim compensation. In some cases, this can also tie into how your situation affects your housing benefit eligibility.

Let’s break down what housing disrepair compensation is, who can claim it, and how to start the process.

What Is Housing Disrepair Compensation?

Disrepair compensation is money awarded to tenants who’ve lived in poor conditions due to their landlord's negligence. It’s intended to cover:

• Pain, suffering, or illness caused by living conditions

• Damage to personal belongings (e.g. mould-damaged furniture)

• Inconvenience from not being able to use parts of your home

• Additional expenses, like increased heating bills or medical costs

Even if you're receiving housing benefits or living in council/social housing, you're still entitled to safe living conditions — and still eligible for compensation if those conditions aren't met.

How Do You Know If You Can Claim?

You may have a valid claim if:

• You’ve reported the problem to your landlord, and they failed to take action within a reasonable time

• The issue has affected your health, your quality of life, or your finances

• Repairs were delayed or done improperly

This kind of situation may also influence your housing benefit eligibility — especially if the property is deemed unfit to live in. In some cases, benefit amounts or housing support options can change based on your living environment.

What’s the Process Like?

The process starts by gathering evidence (photos, doctor’s notes, written reports, and communication records with your landlord). Then, with the help of a legal expert, a formal claim can be made. You don’t need to go to court in most cases — many landlords settle once legal action is threatened.

Who Can Help?

This is where Housing Repair Solutions comes in. They help tenants in council and housing association properties get the support they need — not only for urgent repairs, but also to pursue compensation when landlords neglect their legal duties.

Their team handles everything from documenting the issue to taking legal action on your behalf, all with no upfront cost. You’ll be supported throughout the process, without the fear of losing your home or dealing with aggressive landlord pushback.

Final Word

You deserve a home that’s safe, secure, and livable. If your landlord has failed to make critical repairs, don’t suffer in silence — and don’t miss out on the compensation you may be owed. Acting now can help you improve your home, protect your housing benefit eligibility, and claim the support you’re entitled to.