Renting a property in Blackburn should mean living in a safe, well-maintained home. However, when landlords fail to carry out essential repairs, tenants may find themselves dealing with issues like damp, mould, broken heating or faulty wiring. These problems can have a serious impact on health and wellbeing, especially if left unaddressed. Fortunately, UK law provides a clear path for tenants to take action through housing disrepair claims.
In this guide, we explain what housing disrepair means, what your rights are as a tenant, and how to start a claim step by step. Whether you live in a council property or rent from a housing association, this guide is here to support tenants in Blackburn and help you understand how Marley Solicitors can assist you throughout the process.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to a rented property that is in need of repair due to the landlord’s failure to maintain it. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that certain areas of a property are kept in good repair. This includes:
- The structure and exterior of the building (e.g., walls, roof, windows, doors)
- Water, gas and electricity supplies
- Sanitation facilities (e.g., toilets, sinks, baths)
- Heating and hot water systems
- Fire safety measures
If your landlord has been informed of a problem and fails to fix it within a reasonable time, you may be entitled to bring a housing disrepair claim.
Common examples of disrepair
Some of the most common housing disrepair issues tenants experience in Blackburn and beyond include:
- Persistent damp and mould
- Leaking roofs or ceilings
- Broken boilers or heating systems
- Faulty electrics
- Cracks in walls or ceilings
- Pest infestations
- Blocked or leaking drains
- Insecure windows and doors
If any of these issues have been affecting your living conditions and your landlord has not taken action, you may have a valid claim.
Your rights as a tenant
Tenants in the UK are legally protected when it comes to housing conditions. Your landlord has a duty to keep your property in a habitable state. The law states that:
- You are entitled to live in a safe and healthy home
- Repairs must be carried out within a reasonable timeframe after being reported
- Your landlord must address any hazard that poses a risk to your health or safety
If they do not comply, you may have grounds to take legal action. You could be entitled to:
- Repairs being carried out by court order
- Compensation for inconvenience, stress or health issues
- Reimbursement for damaged belongings
- Reduction in rent
It is always advisable to seek legal advice early, as deadlines for claims can vary depending on the type of property and tenancy agreement.
Who can make a housing disrepair claim?
If you rent your home from a council or housing association, you have the right to make a claim if your landlord fails to carry out necessary repairs. This includes:
- Council tenants
- Housing association tenants
- Social housing tenants
If you rent privately, you may still be able to claim, but the legal route and evidence required may differ slightly. At Marley Solicitors, we support both social and private tenants across Blackburn with expert legal advice tailored to your circumstances.
Step-by-step guide to making a housing disrepair claim
- Identify and record the disrepair
The first step is to identify any repair issues and gather evidence. Keep a detailed record of:
- Photographs and videos of the problem
- Dates when issues started
- Any correspondence with your landlord
- Details of how the issue has affected you (e.g., health, inconvenience)
It is important to have a clear timeline of events to support your claim.
- Report the issue to your landlord
Before you can take legal action, you must give your landlord an opportunity to fix the problem. This involves:
- Writing a formal letter or email outlining the disrepair
- Requesting a specific timeframe for repairs
- Keeping a copy of all communication
In most cases, landlords are given 14 to 28 days to respond, depending on the severity of the issue.
- Allow access for inspection or repair
Once the issue is reported, your landlord may need to inspect the property or send contractors to carry out repairs. As a tenant, you should allow reasonable access for these visits, as refusal could weaken your case.
If no action is taken despite your cooperation, you are entitled to move forward with legal proceedings.
- Seek legal advice
If your landlord does not act, the next step is to consult a solicitor. At Marley Solicitors, we offer free initial consultations for tenants in Blackburn. Our team will assess the strength of your case and advise on the most effective legal route.
In many cases, we can act on a no win, no fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs to you.
- Obtain an expert housing disrepair report
Your solicitor may arrange for an independent surveyor to inspect your property. This expert report:
- Confirms the existence and severity of the disrepair
- Links the disrepair to your health, financial loss or inconvenience
- Strengthens your claim in court
This step is crucial in proving your landlord’s negligence and supporting your claim for compensation.
- Make your claim
Your solicitor will formally notify your landlord of the claim, including details of the disrepair, supporting evidence and any compensation being sought. If your landlord does not settle the matter out of court, your solicitor may issue court proceedings.
Most housing disrepair claims are resolved before reaching trial, but if necessary, your solicitor will represent you in court and argue your case.
- Receive compensation and repairs
If your claim is successful, the court may order your landlord to:
- Complete all necessary repairs
- Pay you compensation for the distress, inconvenience and any financial losses you have suffered
Compensation amounts vary based on the severity and duration of the disrepair, but successful claims can result in thousands of pounds in damages.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your housing disrepair claim?
At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in housing disrepair cases, particularly for tenants in Blackburn. We understand how difficult it is to live in a poorly maintained home, and we are here to ensure that your rights are protected.
Here is why local tenants trust us:
- Experienced in council and housing association claims
- Local knowledge of Blackburn and surrounding areas
- No win, no fee options available
- Free initial consultation
- Clear, honest legal advice with no jargon
We believe that no one should suffer due to landlord negligence. Let our team guide you through the legal process with confidence and compassion.
Tips for tenants in Blackburn
- Act quickly: The sooner you report the disrepair, the sooner it can be addressed
- Keep all evidence: Maintain a paper trail of letters, emails, photos and doctor’s notes
- Know your rights: You are entitled to live in a safe and well-maintained property
- Don’t suffer in silence: Legal support is available, and you are not alone
If you are dealing with disrepair in your rented home, now is the time to take action.
Speak to Marley Solicitors today
If you live in Blackburn and are experiencing housing disrepair, contact Marley Solicitors today for a free consultation. Our dedicated team will review your case and advise you on your next steps. With years of experience supporting tenants just like you, we are ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us now or fill in our online form to get started. Your home should be a place of safety and comfort – let us help you make it that way.
