Housing disrepair in Fleetwood

Living in a home that is safe, warm, and secure is a basic right. Yet for many tenants in Fleetwood, housing disrepair is a daily reality. Damp walls, faulty heating, broken windows, and structural issues not only make life uncomfortable but can also put health and safety at risk.

You may have the right to file a housing disrepair claim if your landlord has neglected to perform essential repairs despite your notification. Marley Solicitors assists tenants in Fleetwood and the broader Lancashire region to obtain repairs and compensation when landlords neglect their obligations.

What is housing disrepair?

Housing disrepair refers to any situation where a rented property has not been kept in good condition by the landlord, leaving it unsafe or unfit to live in. This can range from minor problems to major hazards.

Typical examples include:

• Damp and mould – often caused by leaks, poor ventilation, or failed damp-proofing.
• Leaks and water ingress – from roofs, gutters, or burst pipes.
• Heating and hot water failures – leaving tenants without essentials during colder months.
• Structural issues – such as subsidence, cracked brickwork, or unstable ceilings.
• Electrical faults – including exposed wiring, broken sockets, and fire hazards.
• Broken windows and doors – affecting both security and insulation.
• Infestations – rats, mice, or insects due to property neglect.

Fleetwood has a significant number of older properties, many of which are vulnerable to damp, condensation, and heating problems. Without prompt repairs, these issues quickly worsen.

Health risks linked to housing disrepair

The impact of housing disrepair extends well beyond inconvenience. Poor living conditions can seriously affect physical and mental health.

• Respiratory problems – mould spores can trigger asthma, bronchitis, and chest infections.
• Weakened immune systems – cold, damp homes increase vulnerability to illness.
• Skin irritation – mould, damp, and infestations can cause rashes and infections.
• Mental health issues – constant exposure to unsafe housing often leads to anxiety, depression, and stress.
• Child health risks – children are especially vulnerable to long-term respiratory conditions caused by damp.

In Fleetwood, where cold coastal weather compounds the effects of damp and faulty heating, these health risks are particularly pressing.

Landlord responsibilities

Landlords in Fleetwood, whether private, council, or housing association, are legally required to keep properties in safe and habitable condition.

Their responsibilities include:

• Maintaining the structure and exterior of the building.
• Ensuring plumbing, gas, electricity, and heating systems work safely.
• Fixing damage to windows, doors, and locks.
• Tackling infestations where they are linked to the condition of the property.
• Responding to tenant repair requests within a reasonable timeframe.

These obligations are set out under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and strengthened by the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. If your landlord ignores these duties, you may be able to pursue legal action.

What tenants should do

If you are facing housing disrepair in Fleetwood, follow these steps to protect yourself and strengthen your case:

1. Report the problem in writing – notify your landlord by email or letter and keep copies.
2. Take photographs and videos – capture clear evidence of the issue and its effect on your home.
3. Keep medical records – if your health has been affected, ask your GP to note the link to housing conditions.
4. Record all expenses – such as damaged belongings, higher heating bills, or travel to temporary accommodation.
5. Follow up regularly – chase your landlord if repairs are delayed.
6. Seek legal advice – Marley Solicitors can advise you on whether you have a strong claim.

When you can make a claim

You may have grounds for a housing disrepair claim if:

• Repairs were requested and ignored.
• The disrepair has caused harm to health.
• Your possessions have been damaged.
• Parts of your home are unusable due to the conditions.

Even if the landlord eventually makes repairs, you may still be entitled to compensation for the time you lived in poor conditions.

What compensation can include

Compensation in housing disrepair cases can cover:

• General damages – for inconvenience, distress, and impact on quality of life.
• Special damages – including medical expenses, travel costs, and replacement of belongings.
• Rent rebate – a reduction to reflect periods where parts of your home were uninhabitable.
• Future costs – where long-term health impacts require ongoing treatment.

Example scenarios

• A tenant left without heating for two months in winter could claim for discomfort, stress, and extra heating expenses.
• A family living with mould in bedrooms may recover damages for their children’s health problems and replacement of clothing and furniture.
• A tenant injured by falling plaster due to structural neglect may be compensated for medical treatment and lost income.

The claims process

At Marley Solicitors, we guide Fleetwood tenants through each step:

1. Consultation – we assess your circumstances and provide tailored advice.
2. Evidence collection – photographs, medical reports, and landlord correspondence are gathered.
3. Letter of claim – sent to the landlord or housing provider, detailing the issues.
4. Negotiation – many claims are settled at this stage, with landlords agreeing to repairs and compensation.
5. Court proceedings – if landlords refuse to cooperate, we can take the case to court to enforce repairs and secure damages.

Fleetwood housing – local context

Fleetwood is home to a wide mix of rental properties, from older terraced houses to flats and modern builds. Many of the town’s homes were not designed with modern insulation or dampproofing, making issues like mould and heating failures particularly widespread.

Tenants often worry about retaliation if they complain, but the law protects against unfair eviction linked to repair requests. Seeking legal advice can provide both reassurance and practical solutions.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still have to pay rent if my home is in disrepair?
Yes, rent must still be paid. However, you may be entitled to a rent reduction or compensation to reflect the poor conditions.

Can I claim if I rent from the council or a housing association?
Yes. Local authorities and housing associations are bound by the same legal responsibilities as private landlords.

How long do I have to claim?
Claims for disrepair can usually be made within six years. Claims for personal injury linked to disrepair must generally be brought within three years.

Can my landlord evict me if I make a claim?
It is unlawful for landlords to evict tenants purely for asserting their right to safe housing. If you face eviction threats, Marley Solicitors can also provide advice on your legal protections.

Speak to Marley Solicitors about housing disrepair in Fleetwood

If you are suffering due to housing disrepair in Fleetwood, do not continue to live in poor conditions. Marley Solicitors are here to help you secure repairs and compensation where your landlord has failed to act.

We support tenants across Fleetwood and the wider Lancashire area, combining legal expertise with a commitment to protecting your rights.

Contact Marley Solicitors today to speak with a housing disrepair specialist in Fleetwood. With our help, you can take action, improve your living conditions, and hold your landlord accountable.