Housing disrepair in Burnley

A home should be a place of safety and comfort, yet for many tenants in Burnley this is not the reality. Housing disrepair remains a serious issue across Lancashire, with problems such as damp, mould, broken heating systems, and leaking roofs leaving tenants in unsuitable living conditions. When landlords fail in their duty to maintain a property, tenants are not powerless. The law allows you to take action to ensure repairs are carried out and to claim compensation for the hardship you have suffered.

This guide explains what housing disrepair means, the responsibilities landlords must meet, how to start a claim, and the ways Marley Solicitors can help tenants in Burnley assert their rights.

What is housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to any situation where a rented property falls below a safe and acceptable standard due to the landlord’s failure to maintain it. While some issues may seem minor, they can quickly escalate into serious problems that impact health, safety, and quality of life.

Common examples of housing disrepair in Burnley include:

• Damp and mould – a persistent issue in older terraced housing, often leading to damaged walls, ceilings, and belongings, as well as respiratory illnesses.
• Leaks and flooding – from roofs, gutters, or internal plumbing, causing structural damage and ruined possessions.
• Heating and hot water failures – leaving tenants without basic facilities during winter months, which is a breach of basic housing standards.
• Electrical hazards – outdated wiring, faulty sockets, or exposed cables that present a fire or shock risk.
• Structural problems – subsidence, cracked brickwork, broken windows, or unsafe staircases that compromise safety.
• Infestations – rats, mice, or insects caused by poor property maintenance or broken entry points.

In Burnley, much of the housing stock is made up of Victorian and early 20th-century properties. Without proper upkeep, these homes are particularly prone to damp, draughts, and heating failures, making disrepair a widespread concern.

Health impacts of housing disrepair

Living in a property with disrepair does more than cause inconvenience; it can seriously affect your health. Damp and mould are linked to asthma, bronchitis, and skin conditions. Children are especially vulnerable, with long-term exposure increasing the risk of chronic respiratory problems.

Cold homes without adequate heating can worsen arthritis, increase the risk of heart disease, and contribute to poor mental health. Infestations often cause stress and anxiety, while structural issues such as broken stairs or faulty bannisters can lead to physical injury.

The law recognises that housing disrepair can endanger health, which is why tenants have a right to expect landlords to act promptly when problems are reported.

Landlord responsibilities in Burnley

Landlords in Burnley, whether private owners, housing associations, or the local council, have clear legal duties to ensure properties are fit for human habitation. Their responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the structure and exterior of the property are maintained in good condition.
• Keeping heating, hot water, gas, electricity, and sanitation systems in safe working order.
• Dealing with damp, mould, and infestations that affect tenant health.
• Repairing damage caused by water leaks, faulty roofing, or broken windows.
• Responding to repair requests within a reasonable timeframe.

These obligations are set out in laws such as the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. You may have grounds for a housing disrepair claim if your landlord in Burnley fails to carry out repairs after notification.

How to report disrepair

The first step in any housing disrepair case is reporting the problem to your landlord. This should always be done in writing, either by letter or email, so you have a record of the notification. Make sure to:

• Describe the issue clearly and include the date of the report.
• Take photographs or videos of the problem.
• Keep copies of all correspondence.
• Note any impact on your health or daily life.

If your landlord does not respond or fails to resolve the issue in a reasonable period, you may be entitled to bring a legal claim.

Tenant action plan for housing disrepair in Burnley

Tenants often feel unsure about how to proceed when their landlord ignores repair requests. The following step-by-step plan provides a clear framework:

1. Report the issue – notify your landlord in writing and give them reasonable time to act.
2. Collect evidence – photographs, videos, medical records, receipts for damaged items, and witness statements all help.
3. Contact Marley Solicitors – seek legal advice to understand your rights and whether you have a valid claim.
4. Inspection – in some cases, an independent surveyor may inspect your property to confirm the extent of the disrepair.
5. Letter of claim – we send a formal letter to the landlord outlining the issues and requesting resolution.
6. Negotiation – many landlords agree to repairs and compensation once faced with legal action.
7. Court proceedings – if the landlord still refuses to act, we can bring the case to court to secure both repairs and damages.

Compensation in housing disrepair claims

Compensation is awarded to reflect both the inconvenience suffered and any financial or health-related losses. Typical areas covered include:

• General damages: for the distress, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of your home.
• Special damages: covering out-of-pocket expenses such as medical costs, replacement of damaged belongings, or higher utility bills caused by faulty systems.
• Health impacts: compensation may increase where disrepair has contributed to illness.
• Rent rebate: if parts of your home were uninhabitable, you may be entitled to a reduction in rent.

Example scenarios

• A family in Burnley living with damp and mould in their children’s bedrooms may be awarded compensation for health impacts and a percentage of the rent back until repairs are completed.
• A tenant whose boiler broke during winter and was left without heating for several weeks could claim for discomfort, extra heating costs, and distress.
• A resident injured by a broken stair tread in a rented flat could recover damages for pain, suffering, and medical treatment costs.

Legal support and local context in Burnley

Burnley has a high proportion of rented properties, including private rentals and social housing. Many of these homes are older, with outdated heating systems and structural vulnerabilities. This phenomenon makes housing disrepair a persistent problem across the town.

Local tenants often feel pressured to accept poor living conditions because they fear eviction or believe they cannot challenge their landlord. However, the law is firmly on the side of tenants when landlords fail to meet their obligations. Marley Solicitors provide reassurance and expertise, ensuring Burnley tenants can live in homes that meet basic health and safety standards.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a claim if my rent is not up to date?
Yes, you can still make a housing disrepair claim even if you are behind on rent. Your landlord’s duty to repair the property is separate from your obligation to pay rent.

How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
Most cases are resolved within 6–12 months, but complex cases involving major structural issues or court proceedings can take longer.

What if my landlord is the council or a housing association?
You still have the same rights. Local councils and housing associations must also keep properties safe and habitable, and they can be held liable for disrepair.

Can I claim if repairs are urgent?
Yes. In cases where disrepair poses an immediate health or safety risk, emergency legal action may be possible to force urgent repairs.

Will I need to go to court?
Most claims are settled through negotiation, but if your landlord refuses to cooperate, court action may be necessary. Marley Solicitors will guide you through every step if such an incident happens.

Speak to Marley Solicitors about housing disrepair in Burnley

If you are living with housing disrepair in Burnley, do not let your landlord ignore their responsibilities. Marley Solicitors can help you secure the repairs you need and claim the compensation you deserve. Our team specialises in housing disrepair cases across Lancashire and has the expertise to hold landlords accountable.

Contact Marley Solicitors today to speak with our dedicated Burnley housing disrepair team. We are here to protect your rights, improve your living conditions, and ensure your landlord fulfils their legal duties.