If you are living in rented accommodation and your landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim. This type of claim allows tenants to take legal action when their home falls into a state of disrepair and the landlord has ignored complaints or failed to act within a reasonable timeframe.
In a town like Blackburn, with a large number of rental properties and a growing population, housing disrepair is a common issue. From damp and mould to broken heating systems and structural hazards, poor living conditions can seriously affect your health and well-being. Marley Solicitors works with tenants across Blackburn to secure compensation and force landlords to make the repairs they are legally obligated to carry out.
What is a housing disrepair claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a legal case brought by a tenant against their landlord for failing to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition. Tenants have a legal right to live in a property that meets acceptable standards of repair under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
Common examples of housing disrepair include:
- Damp, mould, or water damage
- Leaking pipes or roofs
- Unsafe electrics or gas appliances
- Broken boilers or central heating
- Cracked walls or collapsed ceilings
- Insect infestations or vermin
- Dangerous flooring or damaged staircases
If your landlord has been notified of the problem but failed to fix it within a reasonable time, you could be entitled to make a no win, no fee housing disrepair claim.
Can I claim housing disrepair compensation in Blackburn?
Yes. Whether you rent your home from a housing association, local council, or private landlord, you are protected by law. If you have reported disrepair and nothing has been done, you may be able to claim:
- The cost of damaged belongings
- Illness or injury caused by the disrepair
- Emotional distress or inconvenience
- Financial losses (e.g. higher heating bills due to broken windows or boiler issues)
At Marley Solicitors, we have helped tenants across Blackburn – including in areas like Mill Hill, Shadsworth and Little Harwood – take successful legal action against negligent landlords.
What are my landlord’s responsibilities?
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure their property is safe, secure, and in good condition. This includes:
- Keeping the structure and exterior in repair (roofs, walls, windows, and doors).
- Ensuring that the heating, gas, electricity, and water systems are functioning properly
- Maintaining sanitation facilities (toilets, baths, sinks, drains)
- Addressing damp and mould problems caused by disrepair
- Fixing appliances or fixtures they have provided
You must allow your landlord access to carry out repairs, but they must give at least 24 hours’ notice (except in emergencies).
How do I start a housing disrepair claim?
You can begin a claim by following these steps:
- Report the problem to your landlord
Always put your complaint in writing and keep a copy. Give them a reasonable amount of time to respond. - Gather evidence
Take dated photos, keep repair request records, and collect medical evidence if your health has been affected. - Get legal advice
Contact a solicitor who specialises in housing disrepair claims. Marley Solicitors offers free consultations to assess your eligibility. - Start your claim
If your landlord fails to respond or complete the repairs, your solicitor will initiate a formal legal claim for compensation and an order to carry out the repairs.
What if I live in council or housing association property?
You have the same rights as private tenants. Many disrepair claims in Blackburn involve properties owned or managed by:
- Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
- Together Housing
- Great Places Housing Group
- Places for People
Even if you live in social housing, you are still entitled to live in a home that is fit for human habitation. We can help you bring a claim against your council or housing association if they have failed to maintain your property.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation varies depending on the extent and duration of the disrepair, the impact on your health and belongings, and the financial losses you have suffered. Generally, compensation can cover:
- Physical damage to your possessions (e.g. clothing, furniture, electronics)
- Medical costs and pain and suffering
- Higher energy bills due to faulty heating or insulation
- Loss of enjoyment of your home
- Stress, inconvenience, and disruption to daily life
Each case is unique. At Marley Solicitors, we assess your situation in detail to ensure your claim reflects the full impact the disrepair has had on your life.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Blackburn?
We understand how frustrating and stressful it is to live in poor housing conditions, especially when your landlord ignores you. That’s why we handle everything on your behalf, from gathering evidence to negotiating compensation.
Why clients across Blackburn trust Marley Solicitors:
- Experienced in all types of housing disrepair claims
- In-depth knowledge of Blackburn’s rental landscape and housing providers
- Local solicitors who work closely with residents and community organisations
- A no win, no fee service – you only pay if your case succeeds
- Clear communication and compassionate support throughout
Whether you live near Royal Blackburn Hospital, close to the town centre, or on a nearby estate, we are here to help.
What are the time limits for bringing a housing disrepair claim?
In most cases, you have up to six years from the date you first reported the problem to bring a claim. If your claim includes personal injury (e.g. breathing problems from mould), the time limit is three years from when the symptoms started or were first linked to the disrepair.
The sooner you act, the better. Delaying a claim can make it harder to gather evidence or prove the extent of the damage.
Other FAQs
Can I claim housing disrepair compensation if I still live in the property?
Yes. You do not have to move out to start a claim. In fact, many tenants remain in the property while repairs are ordered and compensation is pursued.
What if my landlord threatens to evict me?
It is illegal for a landlord to evict you simply for making a disrepair claim. This is known as a retaliatory eviction, and it may give you grounds for further legal action.
Do I need to go to court?
Most claims are resolved without court proceedings. If your landlord refuses to cooperate, your solicitor will guide you through the next steps and ensure your rights are protected.
Contact Marley Solicitors for housing disrepair support in Blackburn
If you are living in unsafe or poorly maintained housing in Blackburn, don’t suffer in silence. Marley Solicitors can help you take legal action, secure repairs, and recover the compensation you deserve.
We offer free initial consultations and handle all housing disrepair claims on a no win, no fee basis – so there’s nothing to lose by getting advice. Let us help you restore your home to a safe, livable condition.
Call us today to speak with a housing disrepair solicitor in Blackburn and take the first step toward resolving your situation.
