Introduction

Living in council or housing association property should mean security and safety. But when your home suffers from housing disrepair, and your local authority fails to act, it becomes a legal issue. Many council tenants across the UK live with leaks, damp, broken heating systems, and other hazards—often for months or years.

This guide explains your rights as a tenant, the responsibilities of your local council, and how to start a council housing disrepair claim if your home is unsafe or unfit to live in.

What Counts as Housing Disrepair in Council Homes?

Housing disrepair refers to problems in the property that make it unsafe, uncomfortable, or unhealthy to live in. Common issues include:

Common Disrepair Problems in Council Properties

Damp and mould on walls or ceilings

Leaking roofs, gutters, or plumbing

Broken heating or hot water systems

Faulty electrics and lighting

Structural issues (e.g., cracks, broken windows)

Pests and infestations (rats, cockroaches)

These conditions not only affect your quality of life—they can also harm your health and personal belongings.

Council Landlords Have Legal Duties

Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, all landlords—including councils and housing associations—must keep properties in good repair.

Their Legal Responsibilities Include:

Keeping the structure and exterior of the home in repair

Ensuring heating, water, gas, and electricity systems are safe and functional

Maintaining internal installations like sinks, toilets, and baths

Fixing disrepair within a “reasonable time” once notified

If they fail to meet these responsibilities, you may be eligible for legal action. Contact Us Housing Disrepair to find out where you stand.

Steps to Take Before Making a Claim

If you're living in council housing and dealing with unresolved disrepair, take the following steps:

Step 1 – Report the Disrepair in Writing

Always report issues directly to your housing officer, council, or housing association. Request repairs in writing and keep a copy.

Step 2 – Gather Evidence

Take dated photos of all visible damage

Keep a diary of how the issues are affecting your daily life

Save medical records if disrepair impacts your health

Record correspondence between you and the landlord

Step 3 – Give Them Time to Respond

Councils usually have 21–28 days to act, depending on the severity. If they don’t respond, or provide only temporary fixes, you have grounds to escalate the issue.

Making a Council Housing Disrepair Claim

If your landlord (the council or housing association) fails to repair the issue, you have a legal right to make a disrepair claim.

You Can Claim For:

The cost of damaged belongings (e.g., mouldy clothes or furniture)

Emotional distress or health issues caused by disrepair

Inconvenience (e.g., loss of hot water or heating)

Increased energy bills due to inadequate insulation or faulty systems

You do not need to move out to start your claim. Many tenants remain in the property while the case is active.

How Long Does a Claim Take?

The timeline varies based on case complexity, but most claims take between 3 to 9 months. Your solicitor will guide you through the process, handle negotiations with the landlord, and represent you in court if needed.

Do You Qualify for Legal Aid or a No Win, No Fee Claim?

Most housing disrepair claims can be taken on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything unless your case is successful. It also ensures that you get access to justice without worrying about legal costs.

To check your eligibility, simply Contact Us Housing Disrepair and a specialist will review your case.

Tenant Rights in Council Housing

You have the same rights as private tenants and are legally protected from retaliation. Your council cannot evict you or reduce services simply because you made a legitimate repair request or legal claim.

Conclusion

Council tenants deserve safe, secure, and well-maintained homes. If your council landlord is ignoring serious repair issues, you have the legal right to hold them accountable.

Don’t let disrepair affect your health, safety, or peace of mind. Take action today—Contact Us Housing Disrepair to begin your council housing disrepair claim and secure the repairs and compensation you deserve.