If you’re a tenant living in Burnley and your rented home is in disrepair, you might be entitled to compensation or repairs through a housing disrepair claim. However, one of the most common concerns tenants have is whether they can afford legal action. Fortunately, no win no fee housing disrepair solicitors make it possible to seek justice without the financial burden. This guide explains everything you need to know about no win, no fee agreements and how they apply to housing disrepair claims.

What is a housing disrepair claim?

A housing disrepair claim is a legal process tenants can use when their landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs. If your home is in poor condition and the landlord has not paid attention to repeated requests to resolve the issues, you may be able to claim for:

Structural problems
Dampness and mould
Leaking roofs or windows
Faulty heating or plumbing
Dangerous electrics
Pest infestations

The key is that you must have reported the issue to your landlord, and they must have had a reasonable opportunity to carry out repairs but failed to do so.

What does no win, no fee mean?

No win, no fee is a legal funding option, officially known as a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). With this type of agreement, you do not pay your solicitor’s legal fees if your case is unsuccessful. If you win, the solicitor recovers their costs from the opposing party (typically your landlord or their insurer), and you may pay a pre-agreed success fee, usually deducted from your compensation.

This model allows people to access legal support without the fear of racking up legal bills they cannot afford. It also means your solicitor has a strong incentive to win your case, as they will only be paid if they succeed.

How does a no win, no fee housing disrepair claim work?

If you contact a solicitor who offers no-win, no- fee agreements, the process usually begins with an initial consultation. They will assess your case to determine whether you have a strong claim. If they agree to take your case on a no win, no fee basis, you will sign a Conditional Fee Agreement.

From there, the process usually includes:

Evidence gathering: You provide photos, correspondence with your landlord, and medical evidence if your health has been affected.
Expert inspections: A surveyor may assess your property to document the disrepair.
Pre-action protocol: Your solicitor will notify the landlord of your claim and request a response.
Negotiation: Many cases settle without going to court, especially if the evidence is strong.
Court proceedings (if necessary): If the landlord does not respond or denies liability, the case may proceed to court.

Why no win, no fee is especially valuable in Burnley

In towns like Burnley, where there is a high proportion of rental properties and a significant number of tenants living in older housing stock, disrepair issues are not uncommon. However, many tenants are on tight budgets and worry about the cost of legal action.

The no win, no fee model offers peace of mind. It ensures tenants in Burnley can hold negligent landlords accountable without putting their personal finances at risk. It also helps prevent housing conditions from deteriorating across communities, as landlords are more likely to act when they realise that legal action is accessible.

For whom is a no-win, no-fee claim for house damage eligible?

To qualify for a no win, no fee agreement, you typically need to meet the following criteria:

You are a tenant in a rented property (council or housing association tenants are most common)
Your landlord is responsible for the repairs under the tenancy agreement or legal obligations
You have reported the issue, and the landlord has failed to act within a reasonable time
The disrepair has caused inconvenience, damage to belongings, or harm to health

Even if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, it is always worth contacting a solicitor to find out.

Common housing disrepair issues that lead to claims

Here are some examples of disrepair problems that often result in successful, no-win, no- fee claims:

Dampness and mould

Prolonged damp and mould can cause or worsen health problems such as asthma, especially in children and elderly residents.

Heating and hot water issues

Especially during colder months, faulty boilers and heating systems can make a property uninhabitable.

Structural issues

Cracked walls, leaking roofs, or broken windows not only cause discomfort but can also pose safety risks.

Electrical faults

Exposed wires or non-functioning sockets can lead to accidents or fires if not repaired promptly.

Pest infestations

Rats, mice, and insects can infest properties with structural openings or dampness, leading to health risks.

What can you claim for?

A successful housing disrepair claim can cover a range of outcomes:

Repairs: A court can order your landlord to carry out necessary repairs.
Compensation: You may be compensated for inconvenience, damage to personal belongings, and any health problems caused by the disrepair.
Legal costs: In a successful no win, no fee claim, your legal costs are typically covered by the opposing party.

Is there a time limit to make a claim?

Yes, housing disrepair claims generally need to be brought within six years from the date the disrepair began (or three years if the claim relates to personal injury caused by the disrepair). However, it is always best to act as early as possible to improve your chances of success and prevent further damage.

Choosing the right solicitor in Burnley

If you are looking to pursue a housing disrepair claim in Burnley, it is important to choose a solicitor with specific experience in this area of law. Look for a firm that:

Offers no win, no fee representation
Has a proven track record in housing disrepair cases
Understands the unique challenges tenants face in Burnley

At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to helping tenants live in safe, habitable homes. We have extensive experience handling no win no fee housing disrepair claims and are here to support you at every step of the process.

Start your claim today

You should not have to live in substandard conditions because you fear the cost of legal action. Thanks to no win, no fee agreements, justice is accessible. Whether you are dealing with persistent damp, broken heating, or unsafe electrics, Marley Solicitors can help you pursue your housing disrepair claim without financial risk.

Burnley

No Win, No Fee Explained: Pursuing Housing Disrepair Claims in Burnley