Housing disrepair claims for council and housing association tenants
Reported the problem and nothing has been done? You have options, and we can help you understand them.
Helping Tenants is an FCA authorised Claims Management Company. We review enquiries from social housing tenants and, where a case looks suitable, we may refer it to one of our panel solicitors.
We do not provide legal advice, and you do not have to use a Claims Management Company. You can raise a claim yourself for free with your landlord or the Housing Ombudsman.
- Panel of regulated solicitors
- No obligation to proceed
Tell us about your home
Fill in your details below and our team will review your enquiry. It is free and places you under no obligation.
What Helping Tenants does, and does not, do
We are open about our role so you can decide whether our service is right for you.
Housing disrepair is all we do
Damp, leaks, pests and structural problems in council and housing association homes. Because it is our only focus, our advisors know what to ask, and they will tell you plainly when we are not the right route for you.
People, not a script
Every enquiry is read and answered by one of our own advisors, who will tell you honestly whether we can help.
Regulated panel solicitors
We do not provide legal advice. Where an enquiry appears suitable we may refer it to a solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
No obligation, no pressure
An enquiry costs nothing and commits you to nothing. If you would rather deal with your landlord yourself, we will tell you how.
Social housing specialists
We work with council and housing association tenants across the UK, and we say so plainly rather than taking every enquiry.
Types of housing disrepair we look at
If you reported any of these and your landlord has not put them right, it may be worth talking to us about your options.
Damp and mould
Black mould, condensation and damp patches affecting your home and your health.
Internal leaks
Water leaks from pipes, roofs or fittings causing damage inside your home.
Faulty guttering
Broken or blocked guttering leading to water ingress and exterior damage.
Internal cracks
Cracks in internal walls and ceilings that your landlord has failed to address.
Cracked exterior walls
Damaged or cracked outside walls letting in damp, cold and water.
Rodent infestation
Rats, mice or other pests entering through disrepair the landlord will not fix.
Conditions no one should live with
Damp, leaks and pest problems left unrepaired in social housing, photographed by tenants.
In their own words
Placeholder reviews. Replace each with a genuine, verifiable customer review before launch.
★★★★★I was nervous about ringing up, but the lady I spoke to put me at ease straight away. She listened properly instead of rushing me, and explained what Helping Tenants could and could not do for me. Nothing was hidden and I never felt pushed into anything. Very easy to deal with.
★★★★★Filling in the enquiry took me about two minutes on my phone, which suited me as I work shifts. Someone called back the next day and talked me through each stage in plain English. They kept in touch by text so I always knew where things stood. Professional from start to finish.
★★★★★After two years of getting nowhere with the housing association on my own, it made a real difference having someone explain my options honestly, including the ones that did not involve them. They were patient with all my questions and I felt supported rather than sold to. I would recommend speaking to them.
How a disrepair case usually progresses
Every case is different and timescales vary. This is the general shape of the journey, not a promise about your own case.
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1
You report the problem
You tell your landlord about the disrepair, ideally in writing so there is a record of the date.
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2
The repair is not carried out
Nothing happens, the work is delayed, or the repair does not hold and the problem returns.
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3
We review your enquiry
We ask about the property, the problem and what you have already reported, then explain what we can and cannot do.
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4
A survey, where one is needed
An independent surveyor may inspect the property and record the condition it is in.
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5
Referral to a panel solicitor
If your case appears suitable, we may refer it to a regulated solicitor. Any agreement, and the costs involved, are explained to you first.
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6
Repairs are pursued
The solicitor deals with your landlord about putting the disrepair right.
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7
Compensation may follow
Some cases also result in compensation. No outcome can be promised, and some cases are unsuccessful.
What evidence should I collect?
Useful whoever you deal with, whether that is your landlord, the Housing Ombudsman, a solicitor or us.
Photographs
Clear, well lit shots of each affected room, taken as the problem develops.
Short videos
Helpful for damp spreading, dripping leaks or noise from a fault.
Emails and messages
Anything you have sent your landlord, and any reply you received.
Letters
Written complaints, responses and anything from the housing office.
Repair reports
Job numbers, contractor notes and any inspection paperwork.
Dates and appointments
When you reported it, when contractors were due, and whether they attended.
You do not have to use a Claims Management Company
You can pursue a housing disrepair complaint yourself, for free, and you may prefer to. Using a Claims Management Company will not resolve a claim more quickly, or with a better prospect of success or a better outcome, than making the claim yourself.
We are simply one option. If you would rather take a different route, the organisations listed here can help, and we are happy to point you to them.
Complain to your landlord
Every council and housing association must have a complaints procedure, and it costs nothing to use.
The Housing Ombudsman
A free, independent service for complaints about social landlords, once their own process is exhausted.
Shelter and Citizens Advice
Free advice charities that can talk you through your housing rights.
Instruct a solicitor directly
You can approach a housing solicitor yourself, without going through us.
Learn about housing disrepair
Plain English guides to your rights and the options open to you.
Housing disrepair explained
What counts as disrepair, what your landlord is responsible for, and where the law sits.
Read the guide → GuideCan I claim myself?
Yes. Here is how to do it free of charge, step by step, without any help from us.
Read the guide → GuideUsing the Housing Ombudsman
When you can complain, what the service does, and what it can put right.
Read the guide → GuideDamp and mould guide
Causes, health effects and what to ask your landlord to do about it.
Read the guide → ChecklistEvidence checklist
A printable list of what to photograph, keep and write down.
Read the guide → GuideYour rights as a tenant
Repairs, inspections, retaliation and what your tenancy agreement covers.
Read the guide →Your landlord has a legal duty to keep your home in repair
Councils and housing associations are responsible for keeping the structure and services of your home in good order. If you have reported a problem and nothing has happened, it is worth understanding what you can do next. We work with council and housing association tenants only.
Tell us about your homeFrequently asked questions
Speak to the Helping Tenants team
Ask us anything about your situation. No pressure, and no obligation to go any further.
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Call us020 3098 0400
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Email usinfo@helpingtenants.co.uk
Opening hours
| Monday – Thursday | 10:00am – 6:00pm |
|---|---|
| Friday | 9:00am – 4:00pm |
| Saturday – Sunday | Closed |
Related articles
Housing disrepair claims
What counts as disrepair, what a claim can achieve, and how the process works.
Read more →Evidence checklist
What to photograph, keep and write down, whoever you deal with.
Read more →Can I claim myself?
How to raise a disrepair complaint yourself, free of charge.
Read more →No one should live with a home that is not fit to live in
Tell us what is wrong and we will explain your options honestly, including the ones that do not involve us.