Are you a tenant living in poor conditions?
Your landlord may be responsible for putting it right.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair is when a rented property is not being properly maintained and the condition of the home falls below a reasonable living standard.
Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, rented homes should be safe, healthy, and fit to live in. If your home has ongoing repair problems that affect your comfort, health, or safety, your landlord may be responsible for putting them right.
These responsibilities include:
- Ensuring the property meets all required fire safety regulations
- Keeping gas, electricity, water & sanitation systems in full working order
- Addressing any mould or damp issues
- Repairing and maintaining the roof and plasterwork
- Maintaining the property structure and exterior, including external pipes and drains
- Providing adequate security
- Repairing faulty central heating systems and electrical wiring
What Your Landlord Is Responsible For
Mould & Damp
Moisture and black mould in the home that can cause serious health problems.
Boiler or Heating Issues
Problems with the boiler, radiators, heating system, or hot water supply.
Leaks & Flooding
Water damage resulting from leaking roofs, broken pipes and poor drainage.
Pests & Vermin
Unwanted creatures such as mice, rats, cockroaches, bedbugs, or ants.
Damaged Windows
Broken, cracked, loose, or poorly sealed windows and frames.
Unsafe Flooring & Stairs
Floors, steps, or stairways that are loose, uneven, broken, or unstable.
Damaged Walls & Brickwork
Wall damage that could compromise the safety of your home.
Other Serious Disrepair...
Such as electrical faults, vegetation growth and generally unsafe conditions.
Damp & Mould: A Serious Health Concern
Damp and mould are not just cosmetic problems. They can affect breathing, trigger asthma, worsen allergies, and create unhealthy living conditions.
If you report damp or mould, your landlord should investigate the cause. Where the problem is linked to disrepair, poor ventilation, leaks, defective insulation, or another property issue, the landlord should take action.
In social housing in England, Awaab’s Law now creates specific timeframes for social landlords to investigate and deal with certain serious hazards, including emergency risks and significant damp and mould hazards.
What Can You Do If Your Landlord Doesn't Act?
If your landlord ignores repairs or delays action, you can take practical steps:
Report the issue to your landlord in writing
Evidence & take photos or videos of the problem
Keep copies of messages, emails, and repair reports
Get advice if repairs are ignored or delayed
Frequently
Asked
Questions
What is the Homes Fitness for Human Habitation Act 2018?
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires landlords in England to ensure rented homes are fit to live in at the start of the tenancy and throughout the tenancy. A home should be safe, healthy, and free from serious hazards.
Is my landlord responsible for damp and mould?
Your landlord should investigate damp and mould and identify the cause. If the issue is caused by leaks, structural defects, poor ventilation, faulty insulation, or other property-related problems, the landlord may be responsible for repairs.
How long does a landlord have to fix repairs?
The law often refers to repairs being completed within a “reasonable” time, depending on the seriousness of the issue. Urgent problems affecting health and safety should be treated more quickly. Social landlords in England now have specific duties under Awaab’s Law for certain serious hazards.
Can I claim compensation for housing disrepair?
In some cases, tenants may be able to claim compensation if a landlord failed to carry out repairs and the disrepair caused inconvenience, damage, financial loss, or health problems. You should get advice before starting any formal claim.
What evidence should I keep?
Keep photos, videos, emails, text messages, repair reports, medical evidence if relevant, and a timeline of when you reported the problem and how the landlord responded.
Disclaimer: This page provides general information about housing disrepair and tenant rights in England. It is not legal advice. Housing law can vary across the UK, and your options may depend on your tenancy type, landlord, evidence, and circumstances. Seek advice from a qualified housing adviser, solicitor, local council, Citizens Advice, or Shelter if you are unsure.