Living in a property that has ongoing disrepair can affect every part of daily life. Damp, mould, leaks, lack of heating and unsafe conditions are not just inconvenient. They can damage health, belongings and wellbeing. In 2025, tenants have stronger rights, and compensation is an important part of holding landlords accountable when repairs are ignored.
This guide explains what compensation for housing disrepair covers, how it is calculated and what you need to show to make a successful claim.
When You Can Claim Compensation
You may be entitled to compensation if your landlord failed to repair issues they were legally responsible for after being notified. This applies to both social housing and private renting. You do not need to prove that the landlord acted deliberately. It is enough to show that the landlord knew, or should have known, about the problem and failed to deal with it within a reasonable time.
Compensation can be claimed alongside an order for repairs or as part of a wider housing disrepair claim.
Types of Compensation in Housing Disrepair Claims
Compensation is usually split into different categories depending on how the disrepair affected you.
Compensation for Inconvenience and Loss of Amenity
This is the most common type of compensation. It reflects how much of your home you were unable to use and for how long. Courts often calculate this as a percentage of your rent.
Examples include:
If one room was unusable, a lower percentage may apply.
If multiple rooms were affected, the percentage increases.
If the entire property was unsafe or uninhabitable, compensation can be much higher.
In 2025, courts continue to use this approach, especially where damp, mould or lack of heating affected everyday living.
Compensation for Health Issues
If the disrepair caused or worsened health problems, you may be able to claim additional compensation. This is common in cases involving mould, damp, cold conditions or pest infestations.
Health-related compensation may cover:
Breathing problems
Skin conditions
Stress or anxiety
Aggravation of existing conditions
Medical evidence is important. This may include GP records, hospital letters or specialist reports linking the condition to the housing issues.
Compensation for Damaged Belongings
If your belongings were damaged due to disrepair, you can usually claim for this separately. This may include:
Clothing damaged by mould
Furniture ruined by leaks
Electrical items damaged by water
Carpets affected by damp
Receipts are helpful but not always required. Photos, bank statements or reasonable estimates may be accepted if supported by evidence.
Compensation for Disturbance and Disruption
Some cases involve repeated inspections, failed repair visits or extended building work. Compensation may be awarded for disruption, especially where tenants had to rearrange their lives, miss work or temporarily move out.
How Compensation Is Calculated in 2025
There is no fixed formula. Each case is assessed on its own facts. Courts and solicitors consider:
How long the disrepair lasted
How serious the problem was
How much of the property was affected
The landlord’s response time
Any health impact
The tenant’s circumstances
Social landlords are now under stricter obligations due to Awaab’s Law. Failure to meet repair deadlines can strengthen a compensation claim.
Social Housing vs Private Renting
Compensation rules apply to both, but there are differences in how cases are handled.
Social housing tenants often benefit from clearer repair records and stricter statutory duties. Local authority involvement is more common, and breaches of Awaab’s Law can be relied upon.
Private tenants rely more on the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act and the Renters’ Rights Bill. Councils still play a role, but claims often focus on failure to maintain basic living standards.
In both cases, compensation is assessed using similar principles.
Evidence You Need to Support a Compensation Claim
Strong evidence improves the chances of a fair award. You should keep:
Photos and videos of the disrepair
A timeline showing when issues were reported
Emails, texts or repair logs
Medical records if health was affected
Receipts or proof of damaged belongings
A diary of how the disrepair affected daily life
In many cases, an independent surveyor’s report is used to confirm the extent of the disrepair and how long it has existed.
Can You Claim Compensation If Repairs Are Now Done?
Yes. Even if repairs have been completed, you may still be entitled to compensation for the period when the property was in disrepair. What matters is how long the issue lasted and how it affected you.
Time Limits for Claiming Compensation
Housing disrepair claims usually need to be brought within six years of the issue occurring. However, delays can affect evidence quality. It is always better to seek advice as early as possible.
How Hi Solicitors Can Help
Hi Solicitors represents tenants in housing disrepair claims and compensation cases. We assess whether compensation is owed, gather evidence, deal with landlords and take legal action when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation will I receive?
This depends on the severity, duration and impact of the disrepair. There is no standard amount.
Do I have to go to court?
Most claims settle before court once evidence is provided.
Can my landlord evict me for claiming compensation?
Under the 2025 reforms, tenants have protection from retaliatory eviction.
Do I need legal aid?
Legal aid may be available in serious health or safety cases. Many claims proceed on a conditional fee basis.
