Start your claim today and get the support you need to secure the compensation you deserve from specialists.
If you are a tenant living in unsafe or poorly maintained housing, or if you’ve been injured due to your landlord’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim against your landlord. In the UK, landlords have a legal duty to provide safe and habitable properties. When they fail to meet these obligations, tenants can pursue compensation for housing disrepair, injury, or illness.
This guide outlines your legal rights as a tenant, common grounds for landlord negligence claims, and how to start the claims process.
What Is a Claim Against a Landlord?
A claim against a landlord is a legal process where a tenant seeks compensation for harm or loss caused by the landlord’s failure to meet their responsibilities. This can include:
Injuries caused by unsafe property conditions
Illness related to damp, mould, or poor hygiene
Damage to personal possessions due to disrepair
Stress, discomfort, and inconvenience
Loss of use or enjoyment of parts of your home
Whether you rent from a private landlord, housing association, or local authority, you have the right to live in safe, well-maintained accommodation.
When Can I Make a Landlord Compensation Claim?
You may be able to make a claim against your landlord if they:
Failed to carry out necessary repairs after being notified
Ignored safety issues such as faulty electrics or structural hazards
Allowed your home to fall into disrepair, leading to damp, mould, or infestations
Breached safety regulations, including gas, fire, and electrical safety
Caused or contributed to your injury or illness through negligence
You will usually need to prove the following:
The issue was reported to your landlord
They did not respond within a reasonable time
You suffered injury, illness, or loss as a direct result of their inaction
Common Types of Claims Against Landlords
1. Housing Disrepair Claims
These involve failure to maintain the property, such as:
Persistent damp or mould
Heating or hot water issues
Structural problems like roof leaks or cracked walls
Leaking pipes or faulty plumbing
Rodent or pest infestations
You can claim for health problems, inconvenience, and damage to belongings caused by the disrepair.
2. Personal Injury Claims
If you have suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions, such as:
Broken stairs or floorboards
Poor lighting in communal areas
Faulty electrical sockets
Gas leaks or carbon monoxide exposure
You may be entitled to make a personal injury claim. Medical documentation and photographic evidence are usually required.
3. Illness Claims Due to Damp or Mould
Conditions such as asthma, respiratory infections, and skin issues may be linked to damp or mould in your home. If you have medical proof that your illness is related to your living environment, you could claim compensation.
What Compensation Can I Claim?
Compensation from a landlord claim generally falls into three categories:
General Damages
These cover pain, suffering, or illness due to the landlord’s negligence—such as a respiratory condition caused by mould exposure.
Special Damages
This includes direct financial losses such as:
Medical bills
Lost income or wages
Damaged personal items
Travel expenses related to the issue
Loss of Amenity
This is compensation for loss of enjoyment or use of part of your property. For example, if your bathroom was unusable for months, you may be compensated for the inconvenience.
Typical Compensation Amounts:
Minor inconvenience: £1,000 to £2,500
Moderate injury or illness: £2,500 to £10,000
Severe or long-term harm: £10,000 or more
How to Start a Landlord Compensation Claim
1. Report the Problem
Always report issues to your landlord in writing (via email or letter) and keep a copy for your records.
2. Gather Evidence
Take photographs, save correspondence, collect medical reports, and keep receipts for any expenses related to the issue.
3. Seek Legal Advice
Contact a solicitor who specialises in housing disrepair or landlord negligence claims. Many offer No Win No Fee services, meaning you pay nothing unless your claim is successful.
Will I Be Evicted for Making a Claim?
It is unlawful for a landlord to evict a tenant in retaliation for reporting disrepair or making a claim. This is known as retaliatory eviction and is addressed in the Deregulation Act 2015. If you are threatened with eviction after raising concerns, a solicitor can help protect your rights.
Time Limits for Making a Claim
For personal injury claims, you generally have three years from the date of injury or when you became aware of it.
For disrepair claims, the time limit is usually six years.
However, starting your claim sooner improves the chances of success, especially if you are still living in the property.
No Win No Fee Landlord Claims
Many solicitors handle landlord compensation claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means:
No upfront legal fees
No financial risk if your case is unsuccessful
You only pay a fee if your claim is successful, usually a percentage of the compensation
This makes it more accessible for tenants to get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Why Choose a Specialist Landlord Claims Solicitor?
A solicitor experienced in housing disrepair and landlord negligence will help you:
Prove liability using housing legislation and tenancy agreements
Accurately calculate your compensation
Protect you from unlawful eviction
Strengthen your case with professional evidence
They can also negotiate directly with your landlord, housing provider, or insurers.
Final Thoughts
As a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable home. If your landlord has failed to fulfil their legal duties and caused you harm, don’t hesitate to seek justice. A successful claim can not only secure compensation for your suffering but also help improve housing standards and hold negligent landlords accountable.
If you’ve experienced injury, illness, or inconvenience due to unsafe housing conditions, get in touch with a No Win No Fee landlord claims solicitor today to find out how much compensation you may be entitled to.
Get free advice from injury specialists.
Get free advice from injury specialists.
Making an injury and accident claim can feel overwhelming, but with the right team on your side, the process is simple and stress-free.
Take the first step toward the compensation you deserve with expert support by your side.
Accident Claims Group involve evidence collection, claim submission, negotiation, and possible legal action.
Submit your name and number
Book a Consultation with a Claims Advisor
Start your personal injury claim
Get your compensation
If you’re a tenant living in poor conditions or have suffered injury or illness due to your landlord’s failure to maintain the property, you may be entitled to make a claim against your landlord. In the UK, both private and social landlords have legal duties to provide safe, habitable homes. If they fail in these duties, you may be eligible for a housing disrepair claim or landlord negligence compensation.
Understanding the criteria for making a claim against a landlord is key to ensuring your claim is valid and increases your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve.
1. You Must Be a Legal Tenant or Occupier
To pursue a landlord claim, you must be a legal tenant or occupier of the property. This typically includes:
Private tenants with a tenancy agreement (written or verbal)
Council or housing association tenants
Licensees or lodgers in some cases
If you have the legal right to live in the property, you are protected under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
2. Your Landlord Must Have Failed in Their Legal Duties
You must prove that your landlord breached their legal responsibility to maintain the property. This may involve:
Failing to fix damp and mould problems
Ignoring reports of leaking pipes, broken boilers, or faulty electrics
Allowing unsafe conditions like exposed wiring or structural defects
Not complying with gas, electrical, or fire safety regulations
If your landlord ignored repair requests or delayed action, and you suffered as a result, you may have grounds for a housing disrepair compensation claim.
3. You Must Have Reported the Issue
Before making a claim, you must have informed your landlord or letting agent about the problem. Ideally, this should be done in writing (email or letter). Keep a record of:
What the issue was
When you reported it
Any responses or lack thereof
Failure to allow the landlord a reasonable time to resolve the issue can weaken your claim.
4. You Must Have Suffered Harm or Loss
A successful landlord claim requires that you’ve experienced harm due to the disrepair or unsafe conditions. This may include:
Personal injury (e.g. slips, burns, or asthma caused by mould)
Illness due to damp, poor ventilation, or infestations
Damage to personal belongings
Financial loss from alternative accommodation or medical costs
Loss of enjoyment or use of your home
The more severe the impact, the higher the potential compensation.
5. You Must Act Within Legal Time Limits
Time limits apply when making a claim against your landlord:
Housing disrepair claims: within 6 years
Personal injury claims: within 3 years of the date of injury or diagnosis
Acting quickly increases your chances of success and helps preserve evidence.
Final Tips: Build a Strong Claim
Take photos and videos of the disrepair
Get medical reports if you’re unwell
Involve local authorities if necessary
Speak to a solicitor for a No Win No Fee landlord claim
Conclusion
To make a valid claim against your landlord, you must be a legal tenant, show evidence of landlord negligence, report the issue in writing, suffer a loss or injury, and act within legal time limits. If you meet these criteria, you may be entitled to compensation for your suffering.
Get legal advice today from a specialist housing disrepair solicitor and protect your tenant rights—don’t live in unsafe or poor conditions without seeking justice.
If you’re living in unsafe, poorly maintained rental accommodation, you might wonder, “Can I make a claim against my landlord?” The short answer is: yes, most tenants can—as long as certain legal conditions are met. Whether you’re in a council house, housing association property, or private rental, tenants have the right to live in safe, habitable homes. If your landlord fails to meet their legal responsibilities, you may be eligible to file a housing disrepair claim or seek compensation for landlord negligence.
Understanding who can make a claim and what qualifies as disrepair is crucial for protecting your tenant rights.
Who Is Eligible to Make a Claim?
Legal Tenants and Occupiers
You can make a claim against your landlord if you have a legal right to occupy the property. This includes:
Tenants with a written or verbal tenancy agreement
Council and housing association tenants
Private renters
In some cases, lodgers or licensees
Even if you don’t have a formal contract, your rights may still be protected under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 if you can prove that you live in the property with the landlord’s knowledge and consent.
What Can You Claim Against Your Landlord For?
To make a housing disrepair claim, you must show that your landlord failed to maintain the property to a reasonable standard. Common reasons for making a claim include:
Damp and mould causing illness or damage
Leaks, broken boilers, or faulty plumbing
Unsafe electrics, loose floorboards, or structural issues
Infestations like rats, cockroaches, or bedbugs
Lack of heating, hot water, or basic sanitation
If your landlord ignores your repair requests and the conditions impact your health, finances, or quality of life, you could be entitled to compensation for disrepair.
Do You Need to Report the Issue First?
Yes. Before you can claim, it’s essential that you report the problem to your landlord or letting agent. You should:
Report the disrepair in writing
Keep copies of all emails, letters, and messages
Allow a reasonable period for the landlord to respond
If they fail to act and the issue persists, you may have grounds to pursue a No Win No Fee landlord claim with a solicitor.
What If You’re Worried About Eviction?
Many tenants fear eviction if they complain. However, retaliatory eviction is illegal. Under the Deregulation Act 2015, landlords cannot legally evict tenants for reporting housing disrepair. If you’re concerned, contact a housing solicitor or advice charity immediately.
Can You Claim if You’ve Moved Out?
Yes, but time limits apply. For housing disrepair, you generally have 6 years to file a claim. For personal injury due to disrepair (e.g. mould-related illness or injury from unsafe stairs), the limit is 3 years from the date of injury or knowledge of the harm.
Conclusion
So, can anyone make a claim against their landlord? Most tenants and lawful occupiers can—if the property is in disrepair, the issue was reported, and the landlord failed to fix it. If you’ve experienced illness, injury, or financial loss due to your landlord’s negligence, you may be eligible for landlord compensation.
Speak to a specialist solicitor today to explore your options. Many offer No Win No Fee landlord claims, meaning you can seek justice with no upfront cost. Don’t suffer in silence—know your rights and claim the compensation you deserve.
Living in a rented property comes with legal protections for tenants, especially when it comes to the condition and safety of your home. But a common question many renters ask is: Can anyone make a claim against their landlord?
In most cases, yes—if your landlord has failed to maintain the property or address issues like damp, mould, or unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to claim compensation for housing disrepair or landlord negligence.
Who Can Make a Claim Against a Landlord?
To be eligible to make a claim against your landlord, you must have the legal right to occupy the property. This generally includes:
Tenants with a written or verbal tenancy agreement
Council and housing association tenants
Private renters under assured shorthold tenancy (AST)
In some circumstances, licensees or lodgers
Even without a formal written agreement, if you can prove that you are legally occupying the property, you may have grounds to make a tenant compensation claim.
What Conditions Qualify for a Claim?
To make a valid claim against a landlord, you’ll need to demonstrate that:
You informed your landlord about the problem
They failed to carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable time
The disrepair led to injury, illness, property damage, or loss of amenity
Common issues that lead to landlord compensation claims include:
Damp and mould, causing respiratory illness
Leaking roofs, broken heating systems, or no hot water
Faulty electrics or gas safety risks
Pest infestations like rats or cockroaches
Unsafe stairs, loose floorboards, or poor lighting
If you have suffered health problems, financial loss, or inconvenience, you may be eligible for housing disrepair compensation.
Do I Have to Be Living in the Property?
While most claims are made by current tenants, you can still make a claim after moving out, provided the issue occurred while you lived there and you are still within the legal time limit.
6 years for housing disrepair claims
3 years for personal injury due to landlord negligence
Acting quickly ensures the strongest chance of a successful claim.
What Evidence Do I Need?
To support your claim for housing disrepair, gather:
Photos or videos of the problem
Medical records (if illness or injury occurred)
Repair request emails or letters to your landlord
Witness statements from family or neighbours
Any receipts for damage-related expenses
Can I Be Evicted for Making a Claim?
No. Retaliatory eviction is illegal under UK law. Your landlord cannot evict you simply because you’ve raised concerns or made a claim. The Deregulation Act 2015 protects tenants from being unfairly removed after reporting disrepair.
How Do I Start a Claim?
Many solicitors offer No Win No Fee landlord claims, allowing you to pursue compensation without upfront legal fees. A specialist solicitor can assess your case, handle the legal process, and ensure your rights are upheld.
Final Thoughts
So, can anyone make a claim against their landlord? If you’re a legal tenant or occupier and your landlord has failed to maintain a safe, habitable home, then yes—you likely can. Whether it’s damp, mould, faulty electrics, or injury from unsafe conditions, you don’t have to suffer in silence.
Reach out to a solicitor who specialises in tenant rights and housing disrepair claims to find out how much compensation you could be owed.
If you’re living in poor conditions due to your landlord’s negligence, or you’ve suffered illness or injury because of housing disrepair, you may be entitled to compensation from your landlord. But one of the most common questions tenants ask is: How much compensation can I claim?
The amount you could receive in compensation for housing disrepair depends on several factors including the severity of the problem, the length of time it went unresolved, and the impact it had on your health, finances, or daily life.
What Factors Affect the Compensation Amount?
When making a claim against your landlord, solicitors and courts consider several factors when calculating the total compensation:
1. Severity of the Disrepair
The more serious the issue—such as structural damage, severe damp and mould, or faulty electrics—the higher the potential compensation.
2. Length of Time You Were Affected
The longer you were exposed to the disrepair or unsafe living conditions, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
3. Impact on Health
If you developed health problems (like asthma, respiratory infections, or skin conditions) due to mould, damp, or cold conditions, this can significantly increase your tenant compensation.
4. Damage to Personal Belongings
If your furniture, clothes, or electronics were damaged due to leaks, mould, or other issues, you can claim for the cost of replacing them.
5. Loss of Enjoyment or Use
If part of your home (like your kitchen or bathroom) became unusable, you may receive additional compensation for loss of amenity.
Typical Compensation Ranges
Here’s a rough guide to how much compensation you can expect from your landlord:
Minor inconvenience (e.g., short-term mould, broken fixtures):
£500 – £2,000
Moderate disrepair affecting your daily life (e.g., broken heating, repeated leaks):
£2,000 – £6,000
Severe disrepair causing health issues or long-term discomfort (e.g., respiratory illness, injury):
£6,000 – £15,000+
Personal injury compensation (e.g., trips, falls, or carbon monoxide poisoning):
Based on Judicial College Guidelines, may range from £1,000 to over £50,000 depending on the severity.
Keep in mind, each landlord compensation claim is different. A qualified solicitor will assess your situation and provide a more accurate estimate based on your circumstances.
Can I Claim for Financial Losses?
Yes. You can also claim for special damages, which include:
Medical expenses
Loss of earnings (if illness or injury prevented you from working)
Cost of alternative accommodation
Repairs or replacement of damaged belongings
Travel expenses related to the disrepair
How to Maximise Your Compensation
To improve your chances of receiving the full amount of compensation:
Report issues to your landlord in writing
Keep all evidence (photos, medical reports, receipts, communications)
Act quickly—most claims have a 3- to 6-year time limit
Use a solicitor who specialises in housing disrepair and tenant claims
Many offer No Win No Fee landlord claims, so you only pay if your claim is successful.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve suffered due to poor housing conditions, don’t wait. You could be entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation from your landlord. Whether it’s damp and mould, broken heating, or injuries from unsafe conditions, the law is on your side.
Get a free consultation from a housing disrepair solicitor today and find out how much compensation you can claim.
We take pride in helping individuals secure the compensation they deserve. Here’s what our clients have to say about their experience with Accident Claims Group.
Enter your details and get a call back
Get free advice from injury specialists.
