Introduction
When you’re living in a property that’s falling into disrepair—whether it’s damp, mould, faulty electrics, a broken boiler, or structural problems—you expect your landlord to act quickly. But how long should landlords take to make necessary repairs? And what are your rights if they don’t?
At Housing Disrepair Team, we help tenants understand their legal protections and pursue housing disrepair compensation claims when landlords fail to meet their responsibilities. In this article, we explain repair timelines, landlord duties, and when you can make a housing disrepair claim.
Landlord Responsibilities Under UK Law
Landlords in England and Wales are legally required to maintain the structure and essential services of a rented home. This includes:
Structural integrity (walls, roofs, windows, doors)
Plumbing, heating, and hot water systems
Gas and electrical safety
Prevention of hazards like damp and mould
Sanitation and drainage systems
These responsibilities come under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.
Failure to carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe can result in the home becoming unfit for human habitation, opening the door to a housing disrepair compensation claim.
What Is a “Reasonable” Timeframe?
There is no fixed number of days in law, but generally, repairs should be made:
Emergency repairs (e.g., gas leaks, serious water leaks, electrical hazards): within 24–48 hours
Urgent repairs (e.g., broken boiler in winter, severe damp): within 3–7 days
Routine repairs (e.g., broken fixtures, minor leaks): within 2–4 weeks
If your landlord fails to act within these timeframes after being made aware of the issue, they may be held liable. At that point, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim with the support of our housing disrepair solicitors.
What Counts as an Emergency?
Emergency disrepair includes:
No heating or hot water in winter
Major leaks or flooding
Electrical faults that pose a fire risk
Structural instability (e.g., ceiling collapse)
No access to clean water
Severe pest infestations (e.g., rats entering the home)
These should be resolved within 24 to 48 hours. If not, contact us at Housing Disrepair Team—we’re housing disrepair experts and can intervene on your behalf.
How to Report Disrepair
To protect your rights and build evidence for a potential housing disrepair claim, follow these steps:
Notify your landlord in writing (email or letter is best)
Include clear details of the issue, including dates
Attach photos or videos if possible
Keep a copy of all communications
This timeline is critical. If the landlord doesn’t respond or acts too slowly, it strengthens your case for housing disrepair compensation.
Real-Life Scenario
A council tenant in Manchester reported a broken boiler in January, leaving her without heating or hot water. Despite reporting the issue three times, the boiler was only repaired after 21 days. She developed a respiratory illness due to the cold.
With our help, she:
Claimed £4,800 in compensation for housing disrepair
Got the boiler fully replaced
Had her legal fees covered
What If Repairs Are Delayed or Ignored?
If your landlord fails to act within a reasonable time, you may be able to:
Take the issue to Environmental Health or the Housing Ombudsman
Withhold rent in extreme cases (only with legal advice)
Make a housing disrepair claim for repairs and financial compensation
Delays not only inconvenience you—they can endanger your health, especially in cases of damp and mould, which can lead to asthma or infections.
What Can You Claim For?
You may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation for:
Physical discomfort and inconvenience
Health issues caused or worsened by the disrepair
Damage to belongings (e.g., mould-damaged clothes or furniture)
Additional costs (e.g., heaters, hotel stays, medication)
Mental stress or anxiety caused by uninhabitable conditions
Every case is unique, but the longer the disrepair lasts and the more serious its effects, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
Why Landlords Delay Repairs
There are many reasons why landlords delay repairs, including:
Lack of awareness (they claim they weren’t informed)
Cost avoidance
Poor communication with contractors
Neglect or disregard for tenant wellbeing
However, none of these are valid legal excuses. If you reported the issue and they failed to act, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claim.
Our Process at Housing Disrepair Team
When you contact Housing Disrepair Team, here’s how we help:
Free assessment of your situation
Evidence collection and expert inspection
Legal notice sent to your landlord
Settlement negotiation—or court action if needed
You receive compensation and repairs—all on a No Win, No Fee basis
We’re among the best housing disrepair solicitors in the UK, and we make the process simple and stress-free.
Don’t Wait—Act Early
The sooner you report disrepair and start the claims process, the better your chance of receiving fair compensation. If you’re suffering, don’t wait until the situation worsens. You have rights—and you don’t have to live in unsafe conditions.
Final Thoughts
Landlords are legally required to repair disrepair issues within a reasonable time. If they ignore you or delay action, and you’re left living in poor conditions, it’s time to speak to the experts.
At Housing Disrepair Team, we fight for tenants across the UK. Whether it’s damp, mould, leaks, or broken heating, our housing disrepair solicitors help you get the compensation and repairs you’re entitled to.
Contact Housing Disrepair Team today to start your housing disrepair claim. Don’t let disrepair damage your health or quality of life.