Question 1

Am I eligible to make a housing disrepair claim?

Accepted Answer

If you rent from a council or housing association and have reported disrepair that hasn't been fixed in a reasonable time, you're likely eligible. Private tenants can also claim if they can show they complained to their landlord in writing.

Question 2

Can my landlord evict me for making a claim?

Accepted Answer

No. It is unlawful for a social landlord to evict you in retaliation for a legitimate disrepair claim. You are protected by the Deregulation Act 2015 and related tenant protections.

Question 3

How does No Win No Fee work?

Accepted Answer

You pay nothing upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you owe us nothing. If it succeeds, our fees are recovered largely from the landlord alongside your compensation, in line with SRA rules.

Question 4

How long does a claim take?

Accepted Answer

Most claims settle within 4 to 12 months, depending on the severity of the disrepair, the landlord's response and whether court proceedings are required.

Question 5

What compensation could I receive?

Accepted Answer

Compensation depends on the severity of the disrepair, how long it lasted, and any impact on your health or possessions. We can give you a realistic estimate after a free assessment.

Question 6

What is the process?

Accepted Answer

1) You contact us. 2) We arrange a free independent property inspection. 3) We formally notify your landlord and pursue repairs plus compensation. 4) Your home is fixed and you're compensated.

Question 7

Do I need to pay for an inspection?

Accepted Answer

No. The property inspection by an independent surveyor is arranged and paid for as part of your claim, you pay nothing.

Question 8

Can you help with private landlords?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only where you can evidence that you formally complained to your landlord about the disrepair and they failed to act within a reasonable period.

Question 9

What if I've already left the property?

Accepted Answer

You may still be able to claim for the period you lived there, provided the disrepair was reported and it's within the legal limitation period (usually up to 6 years).

Question 10

Will I have to go to court?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of claims settle without a court hearing. If proceedings are necessary, we handle everything and prepare you fully.

Question 11

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

We cover all of Greater Manchester including Manchester city centre, Salford, Bolton, Bury, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan and Oldham. Our office is in Hollinwood, Manchester.

Question 12

What is Awaab's Law and does it apply to my case?

Accepted Answer

Awaab's Law (introduced under the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023) sets strict timescales for social landlords to investigate and fix damp, mould and other hazards. If your landlord has missed those timescales, it strengthens your claim.

Question 13

How much notice do I need to give my landlord?

Accepted Answer

You must have reported the disrepair, ideally in writing, and given the landlord a reasonable period to fix it. Save texts, emails, portal reports and repair reference numbers, they are key evidence.

Question 14

Is my personal information kept confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As SRA-regulated solicitors we owe you strict duties of confidentiality. Your details are only used to pursue your claim and are never sold to third parties.

Question 15

Can I claim for damage to my belongings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Damaged furniture, clothes, electricals, flooring and other possessions ruined by damp, leaks or pests can be recovered as 'special damages' alongside your general compensation.

Question 16

What if my health has been affected?

Accepted Answer

If the disrepair has caused or worsened conditions such as asthma, chest infections, skin problems or mental health impact, this significantly increases the compensation payable. Medical evidence will support the claim.

Question 17

How do you get paid if I pay nothing?

Accepted Answer

Our costs are recovered from the landlord if your claim succeeds, in line with SRA rules on conditional fee agreements. A small success fee may be deducted from your compensation, and this is always explained and agreed with you in writing before we start.

Question 18

Do you offer home visits?

Accepted Answer

Yes, where needed. Many clients are elderly, disabled or living in unsafe conditions. We can arrange a home visit or a video/phone consultation, whichever suits you best.

Housing disrepair questions, answered.

Eligibility

Process

Compensation

Tenant Rights

Start your free claim assessment today.