James Pearce explains why failing to report disrepair can seriously affect a housing disrepair claim—and what tenants should do to protect their rights.
If you rent from a council or housing association, you have a legal right to live in a property that is safe, secure, and free from serious disrepair. By law, your landlord must maintain your home to a reasonable standard and carry out necessary repairs. However, problems often arise when tenants start a housing disrepair claim without first reporting the issues.
As a social housing tenant, your landlord has clear legal duties to repair and maintain your property. These obligations usually cover issues such as damp and mould, leaks, faulty heating, unsafe electrics, and structural defects.
However, landlords can only fix problems they know about. If you have not reported the disrepair, your landlord may argue that they had no opportunity to carry out repairs. This can weaken or delay your claim.
If you are living with disrepair and have not yet notified your council or housing association, you should act immediately. Once you report the problems, your landlord is entitled to a reasonable period of time to investigate and arrange repairs.
In most cases, if your landlord ignores the issue or fails to complete repairs within around two to three months, you may then have grounds to seek legal advice and consider a housing disrepair claim.
Take clear photographs or videos of all issues in your home. Make notes of when the problems started and how they have affected you. If you speak to your landlord or housing officer, record the date, time, and what was discussed.
Review your tenancy agreement to confirm how repairs should be reported. Some agreements set out specific procedures or contact methods. Following these instructions helps avoid disputes later.
Report the problems to your landlord as soon as possible. While you can report issues verbally, written communication—such as emails, online forms, or letters—provides clear evidence. Describe the disrepair in detail and explain if it poses health or safety risks.
If your landlord does not respond or fails to act, follow up in writing. Keep copies of all correspondence. If the situation continues, you may also contact your local council or environmental health team for support.
Failing to report disrepair can delay repairs, worsen living conditions, and undermine a future compensation claim. Courts expect tenants to give landlords a fair opportunity to fix problems before legal action begins.
By reporting issues promptly and keeping records, you protect your health, your home, and your legal position.
If your council or housing association has ignored your reports or failed to carry out repairs within a reasonable time, legal advice can help. A housing disrepair solicitor can assess your situation, gather evidence, and advise whether you can claim compensation or force repairs.
Our team has decades of combined experience handling housing disrepair claims. We understand how stressful living in poor conditions can be and will support you at every stage.
In many cases, NJS Law can handle housing disrepair claims on a No Win, No Fee basis.
If you are living in disrepair and your landlord is not taking action, contact NJS Law by phone or email to discuss your situation and next steps.
For fast, friendly affordable legal advice. Contact a member of our team today.
