Every tenant in the UK deserves to live in a home that is safe, secure, and free from health hazards. Unfortunately, not all landlords fulfil their legal obligations — leaving tenants to deal with issues like damp, mould, broken heating systems, and dangerous electrics. That’s why understanding your rights as a tenant is essential.
In this article, the Housing Disrepair Team explains exactly what landlords are legally required to fix under UK law, what to do if they don’t, and how you can claim compensation for living in substandard conditions.
Key Legal Responsibilities of Landlords
Several laws in the UK protect tenants and set out landlords’ responsibilities. These include:
- The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
- The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
- Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
- Environmental Protection Act 1990
These laws state that landlords must ensure the property is structurally sound and free from serious health and safety hazards throughout the tenancy.
Here’s what they are legally required to fix:
1. Structural Issues
Landlords must maintain the structure and exterior of the property. This includes:
- Roofs
- Walls
- Foundations
- Gutters and drainage
- Windows and doors
- External pipework
Structural issues such as cracked walls, roof leaks, or rotting window frames fall under the landlord’s responsibility. If left unrepaired, these defects can lead to damp and water ingress.
2. Heating and Hot Water
Landlords are legally obliged to ensure that heating systems and hot water supply are working correctly. This includes:
- Boilers
- Radiators
- Central heating systems
- Hot water cylinders
If your heating fails — especially during winter — this is considered an urgent repair. At Housing Disrepair Team, we often support claims where tenants have lived without heating for weeks, leading to illness and stress.
3. Plumbing and Sanitation
Faulty plumbing and sanitation can cause serious inconvenience and health risks. Landlords are required to fix:
- Blocked or leaking pipes
- Broken toilets or sinks
- Faulty showers or baths
- Overflowing drains
- Damaged water tanks
Tenants should not be left without running water, proper waste disposal, or working bathroom facilities.
4. Electrical Safety
The landlord must ensure that all electrical installations are safe and functioning. This includes:
- Plug sockets and wiring
- Fuse boxes
- Lighting
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
- Electrical appliances (if supplied by the landlord)
Landlords must also carry out electrical safety checks at least every five years in England. If you’re experiencing frequent power cuts, exposed wires, or faulty sockets, you may have a claim.
5. Damp and Mould
Mould growth caused by disrepair — such as leaking roofs, cracked pipes, or inadequate ventilation — must be treated by the landlord. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, a property with severe mould may be classed as unfit for habitation.
At Housing Disrepair Team, we’ve helped tenants claim thousands in compensation due to persistent mould that caused health issues like asthma and skin rashes.
6. Infestations and Vermin
Pest problems caused by disrepair — such as rats entering through broken brickwork or cockroaches breeding in damp areas — are also the landlord’s responsibility. They must take steps to eliminate infestations and prevent future occurrences.
7. Safety and Fire Risks
Landlords must provide a safe environment with working smoke alarms on every floor and carbon monoxide detectors where solid fuel is used. Fire hazards like faulty wiring, broken fire doors, or flammable building materials must be addressed immediately.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
This Act strengthened tenant rights by requiring that all rented homes be fit for human habitation from day one of the tenancy. It applies to private landlords, councils, and housing associations.
A home may be considered unfit if it has:
- Damp or mould
- Dangerous electrics
- Inadequate heating
- Risk of structural collapse
- Poor ventilation
- Unsafe staircases or trip hazards
If your landlord refuses to fix these problems, you may be able to take them to court — with help from the Housing Disrepair Team.
What If Your Landlord Doesn’t Comply?
If your landlord ignores repair requests or refuses to take action, here’s what you can do:
1. Report the Problem
- Always report issues in writing (email or letter)
- Keep a copy of all communications
- Include photos or videos as evidence
2. Give a Reasonable Deadline
- Most non-urgent repairs should be completed within 28 days
- Urgent issues like heating or water leaks should be fixed much sooner
3. Contact the Council
- Local authorities can inspect the property under the HHSRS
- If they find serious hazards, they can issue legal notices to force the landlord to act
4. Seek Legal Help
- If your landlord still doesn’t cooperate, you can make a legal claim for repairs and compensation
- Housing Disrepair Team can handle this entire process — often with no upfront cost
What You Can Claim Compensation For
If your landlord’s failure to carry out repairs has caused harm, you may be entitled to compensation, including:
- General damages: For inconvenience, pain, or mental stress
- Special damages: For financial loss like damaged belongings, medical costs, or extra heating bills
- Rent reduction: Reimbursement for paying full rent while living in substandard conditions
Our legal experts at Housing Disrepair Team assess every case carefully and aim to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Who Can Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?
You can make a claim if:
- You’re a council tenant, housing association tenant, or private tenant
- Your landlord has failed to carry out repairs after being informed
- The disrepair has caused harm, inconvenience, or financial loss
Even if the repair has now been completed, you may still be eligible for a claim due to the time you lived in unacceptable conditions.
Take Action with Housing Disrepair Team
Don’t let your landlord ignore your rights. You have legal protection — and expert support is available. At Housing Disrepair Team, we specialise in helping tenants across the UK stand up to negligent landlords and get the justice they deserve.
We offer:
- Free case reviews
- No Win, No Fee representation
- Experienced solicitors and surveyors
- Support from claim to compensation