Introduction

Every tenant has the legal right to live in a home that is safe, secure, and suitable for habitation. Unfortunately, many tenants across the UK live in poor housing conditions due to negligent landlords. From persistent damp and mould to broken boilers and pest infestations, these issues can make your home uninhabitable—and they’re more common than you think.

In this article, Housing Disrepair Team, your trusted housing disrepair experts, explains what is considered “uninhabitable,” what your landlord’s legal duties are, and how you can make a housing disrepair claim if your living situation is unsafe or unhealthy.

What Does “Uninhabitable” Mean?

A property is considered uninhabitable when it is not safe or suitable for a person to live in. This could mean it’s dangerous to your physical health, mental well-being, or basic comfort. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 legally requires landlords to ensure their properties meet minimum standards.

Uninhabitable conditions might include:

Severe damp or mould

Broken heating or lack of hot water

Pest infestations (rats, mice, cockroaches, etc.)

Water leaks or flooding

Dangerous electrics or gas systems

Structural issues (cracks, ceiling collapse, unsafe stairs)

Broken windows or doors leading to security issues

Lack of ventilation or insulation

If any of these problems exist and your landlord refuses to repair them, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation.

Landlord’s Legal Responsibility

Under UK housing law, landlords are responsible for ensuring that:

The property is fit for human habitation from the beginning and throughout the tenancy

Structural elements (walls, roof, windows, floors) are maintained

Utilities like gas, electricity, and water are safe and functional

Drainage, sanitation, and ventilation systems work properly

Common areas in flats or HMOs are kept in good repair

Landlords must act promptly when they are informed of a serious issue. Ignoring your complaints or failing to repair within a reasonable time is a breach of duty—and can form the basis for a compensation claim for housing disrepair.

Signs Your Home May Be Legally Uninhabitable

If you’re unsure whether your living conditions meet the legal definition of uninhabitable, ask yourself:

Are you or your family suffering health problems related to the home?

Is the disrepair affecting your daily life, comfort, or peace of mind?

Has your landlord ignored your repair requests or delayed action?

Are there visible hazards like mould, exposed wires, or structural damage?

If you answer "yes" to any of these, your home may be uninhabitable—and you should consider speaking to our housing disrepair solicitors.

Real Example

A tenant in South London reported a leaking ceiling and black mould spreading through her bedroom. Her children developed breathing problems. Despite reporting the issue multiple times, the landlord took no action.

We helped her make a housing disrepair claim and secured:

£6,100 in compensation

Complete mould remediation and ceiling repairs

Full legal costs covered by the landlord

What Can You Claim Compensation For?

If your home is uninhabitable, housing disrepair compensation can cover:

Physical inconvenience and discomfort

Medical expenses or health issues

Damage to belongings (furniture, clothing, electronics)

Mental health impacts (stress, anxiety, depression)

Out-of-pocket expenses (temporary accommodation, heaters, etc.)

The amount depends on the severity of the disrepair and how long it has persisted.

How to Start a Housing Disrepair Claim

Here’s how Housing Disrepair Team can help:

Initial consultation – We assess your situation for free

Evidence collection – We help gather photos, medical records, and communication logs

Expert survey – We arrange an independent inspection of the property

Letter of Claim – We notify your landlord formally of the disrepair and request action

Negotiation – We attempt to settle before court

Court action – If necessary, we pursue your case in court for maximum compensation

All claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis.

What Evidence Do You Need?

To support your claim, collect:

Photos or videos of disrepair

Doctor’s notes or hospital records

Written communication with your landlord

Receipts for damaged property or temporary expenses

Witness statements (family, neighbours, support workers)

We’ll use this alongside a surveyor’s report to prove your landlord failed in their duty.

Who Can Make a Claim?

You can make a housing disrepair claim if you are:

A tenant in social housing, council housing, or private rented housing

Living with disrepair that your landlord has failed to fix

Experiencing health, safety, or property damage as a result

Even if you are still living in the property, you can claim. You don’t have to move out or end your tenancy.

Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?

We are leading housing disrepair experts with a strong track record of helping tenants across England and Wales. Here’s why tenants trust us:

No Win, No Fee representation

Clear, friendly advice

Fast responses and support throughout

Full case management—we do the hard work for you

Recognised as one of the best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK

We help tenants stand up to irresponsible landlords and restore safe living conditions.

Your Rights Matter

If you’re living in uninhabitable housing conditions, don’t wait for things to get worse. Take control of your situation today.

Whether it's damp, mould, pests, or faulty electrics—you have a right to a safe home. If your landlord is failing you, let Housing Disrepair Team step in and help you claim the compensation and repairs you deserve.

Final Thoughts

You should never have to live in a property that’s unsafe or degrading. The law is on your side—and so are we.

At Housing Disrepair Team, we fight for tenants' rights across the UK. If your home is unfit to live in, our housing disrepair solicitors in the City of Westminster will make sure your voice is heard and your living conditions improved.