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Are You Living in Unsafe Conditions? Here’s How Tenants Can Take Action

Are You Living in Unsafe Conditions? Here’s How Tenants Can Take Action
By - james Michle 6 min read 0 views

No one should have to live in a home where their health or safety is at risk. Yet across the UK, thousands of tenants are forced to deal with persistent issues like mould, leaks, infestations, and faulty heating due to negligent landlords. If your rental home is falling into disrepair and your landlord refuses to take responsibility, it’s crucial to know your rights and understand what steps you can take to protect yourself.

Tenants often feel powerless when facing poor housing conditions, but the truth is, the law provides clear protections. Your landlord has a legal duty to ensure your home is safe, secure, and maintained to a habitable standard. If they ignore your repair requests, you don’t have to suffer in silence. In fact, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim and receive both the repairs and compensation you deserve.

At Housing Disrepair Team, we specialise in helping tenants across the UK take legal action against landlords who fail in their responsibilities. With years of experience and a strong success rate, we can support you every step of the way—on a no win, no fee basis.

What Qualifies as Unsafe Living Conditions?

Unsafe conditions can take many forms. Some may be visible and obvious, while others develop gradually, causing long-term harm. Common examples include:

  • Damp and Mould: Black mould on walls or ceilings is a health hazard and can trigger asthma, allergies, and other respiratory issues.

  • Pest Infestations: Rats, mice, cockroaches, and bedbugs are more than a nuisance—they pose serious risks to health and hygiene.

  • Water Leaks and Structural Damage: Leaking roofs, ceilings, or broken pipes can lead to rot, weakened walls, and property damage.

  • Faulty Heating or Hot Water: Especially during colder months, a lack of heating can be dangerous to vulnerable tenants.

  • Broken Windows and Doors: These compromise your safety and make your home more susceptible to break-ins.

If your home suffers from any of these issues and your landlord has failed to fix them, it’s time to consider legal action.

Your Rights as a Tenant

UK law clearly outlines a landlord’s obligations regarding housing conditions. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, landlords must:

  • Keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair.

  • Maintain installations for heating, water, and sanitation.

  • Ensure the property is free from serious hazards.

  • Address disrepair in a reasonable amount of time after being notified.

If your landlord is ignoring these legal responsibilities, you are within your rights to escalate the matter. You can start by formally reporting the issues and giving them reasonable time to respond. If they still fail to act, legal options become available—including the ability to make a housing disrepair claim.

What Is a Housing Disrepair Claim?

A housing disrepair claim is a legal case brought by a tenant against their landlord for failing to repair dangerous or unhealthy conditions in their rental property. If successful, the landlord may be ordered to:

  • Complete all outstanding repairs.

  • Compensate the tenant for the suffering, inconvenience, or health issues caused by the disrepair.

  • Reimburse the tenant for any damage to their belongings.

Tenants can file a claim even while still living in the property, as long as they’ve notified the landlord and allowed reasonable time for action.

Steps Tenants Can Take

If you’re dealing with poor conditions in your rental, follow these steps:

  1. Document Everything: Take photos, videos, and notes of all damage and disrepair. This will serve as crucial evidence later.

  2. Report the Issues in Writing: Email or write to your landlord, listing each problem clearly. Always keep a copy of the communication.

  3. Allow Reasonable Time for Repairs: Depending on the urgency, landlords typically have 14–28 days to respond.

  4. Seek Legal Advice: If nothing is done, contact professionals like Housing Disrepair Team to assess your case.

  5. File a Claim: With our support, you can start a housing disrepair claim to enforce your rights and pursue compensation.

Why Choose Housing Disrepair Team?

At Housing Disrepair Team, we are passionate about tenant justice. We know how stressful it can be to live in uninhabitable conditions while being ignored by your landlord. That’s why we offer a straightforward, supportive process to help you assert your rights without upfront legal fees.

  • No Win, No Fee: You don’t pay unless we win your case.

  • Experienced Specialists: Our team has successfully handled hundreds of claims.

  • Personalised Support: We guide you from start to finish, from collecting evidence to court representation if needed.

We deal with all types of disrepair claims, including mould, infestations, heating issues, leaks, and structural damage. If you’re tired of living in unsafe conditions, we’re here to help you take action.

Conclusion

Living in a damaged or hazardous home is not just frustrating—it’s unacceptable. As a tenant, you are legally entitled to live in a safe and well-maintained property. If your landlord continues to neglect their responsibilities, you have the power to act.

Don’t wait for the situation to get worse. Reach out to Housing Disrepair Team today and let us help you that gets the results you need. Your health, comfort, and safety should never be compromised.