Housing Disrepair

Housing Issues We Handle

If your landlord has failed to fix any of these issues within a reasonable time after being notified, you may be entitled to compensation and forced repairs. We act for tenants across all of Greater Manchester on a No Win No Fee basis.

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The law is on your side

Your Landlord's Legal Obligations

Under English law, landlords have a clear legal duty to keep rental properties in good repair. When they fail, you have the right to take action.

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords to keep the structure and exterior of a dwelling in repair, including drains, gutters, and external pipes. They must also maintain installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and space and water heating.

This obligation applies regardless of what your tenancy agreement says. Even if your contract tries to pass repair responsibilities onto you, Section 11 overrides those terms for tenancies of less than seven years.

Your landlord's duty to repair is triggered once they have been notified of a problem — or once they ought reasonably to have known about it. From that point, they must carry out repairs within a reasonable time. Failure to do so is a breach of their legal obligations and entitles you to claim compensation.

What Your Landlord Must Fix

  • Structure and exterior — walls, roof, windows, doors
  • Water, gas and electricity supply installations
  • Sanitation — basins, sinks, baths, toilets
  • Space and water heating — boilers, radiators, hot water
  • Drains, gutters and external pipes

Reasonable Timeframes

  • Emergency repairs (no heating, major leaks) — 24 hours
  • Urgent repairs (broken windows, faulty electrics) — 3 to 5 days
  • Routine maintenance (minor damp, cosmetic damage) — 2 to 4 weeks
How it works

How We Help You Claim

From your first call to compensation in your account — we handle everything so you can focus on your family.

1

Get in Touch

Call us on 0161 697 5959 or fill in the claim form. We will ask a few questions about your tenancy and the issues you are experiencing.

2

Free Case Review

A qualified solicitor reviews the details of your case at no cost. We will tell you honestly whether you have a valid claim and what to expect.

3

Independent Inspection

We arrange for a qualified surveyor to inspect your property and produce a detailed report documenting every defect, completely free of charge.

4

Claim & Compensation

We handle all legal proceedings against your landlord to secure repairs, compensation for discomfort, and reimbursement for any damaged belongings.

Compensation

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Tenants who have lived with disrepair caused by their landlord's neglect can claim for several types of loss.

General Damages

Compensation for the inconvenience, discomfort, and loss of enjoyment of your home caused by the disrepair. Awards are typically calculated as a percentage of your rent — often 25 % to 50 % — for every month you have been affected.

Health & Personal Injury

If the disrepair has caused or worsened health problems — respiratory conditions from damp and mould, skin irritation, stress, anxiety, or depression — you can claim additional compensation for the impact on your health and wellbeing.

Damaged Belongings & Forced Repairs

You can claim reimbursement for furniture, clothing, electronics, or other belongings damaged as a result of the disrepair. On top of compensation, the court can order your landlord to carry out all necessary repairs within a set deadline.

Client reviews

What Our Clients Say

Real reviews from Manchester tenants we have helped recover compensation and get their homes repaired.

5.0from 6 Google reviews
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Sarah M.
3 weeks ago · Oldham

Brilliant service from start to finish. My council flat had black mould in every room for over two years and the council kept fobbing me off. SLS got an independent surveyor round within a week, and within three months my landlord had done all the repairs and I received compensation. Can't recommend them enough.

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James K.
1 month ago · Salford

Had a leaking roof and damp walls for months. My housing association kept sending contractors who never fixed it properly. SLS took on my case No Win No Fee and got everything sorted. Repairs done and I got compensation for the damage to my belongings.

A
Amina R.
2 months ago · Manchester

I was living with my children in a flat with no heating for weeks during winter. The boiler kept breaking down and the council weren't responding. SLS acted fast — they got emergency repairs done and pursued a full claim. Very professional and always kept me updated.

Common questions

Housing Disrepair Claims FAQ

Answers to the questions Manchester tenants ask us most often.

How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
Most claims are resolved within 3 to 6 months. Straightforward cases where the landlord cooperates can settle even sooner. If court proceedings become necessary, the process may take longer, but we keep you informed at every stage.
Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We operate on a strict No Win No Fee basis. You will not pay any legal fees unless your claim is successful. If we do win, a pre-agreed percentage is deducted from your compensation — we explain this clearly before you sign anything.
Will making a claim affect my tenancy?
Your landlord cannot legally evict you for making a disrepair claim. The law protects tenants from retaliatory eviction under the Deregulation Act 2015. If your landlord attempts to evict you after you complain about disrepair, this can actually strengthen your case.
What evidence do I need to start a claim?
Ideally, you should have written evidence that you reported the problem to your landlord — emails, letters, text messages, or notes of phone calls with dates. Photographs showing the disrepair are also very helpful. However, do not let a lack of evidence stop you from contacting us; we can advise you on what is needed.
Can I claim if I rent from a housing association?
Yes. Housing associations owe tenants exactly the same repair obligations as private landlords under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. We regularly pursue claims against housing associations and local councils across Greater Manchester.
What counts as a 'reasonable time' for my landlord to make repairs?
There is no fixed legal definition, but generally an emergency (such as no heating in winter or a major leak) should be addressed within 24 hours. Urgent repairs should be completed within a few days, and routine maintenance within a few weeks. If your landlord has ignored the problem for months, you almost certainly have a valid claim.
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