Private Landlord Housing Disrepair Solicitors – Repairs, Compensation & Tenant Protection

Expert Housing Disrepair Solicitors for Tenants Renting from Private Landlords

If you rent from a private landlord in England or Wales and are living with damp, mould, leaks, unsafe electrics, pests, structural problems, or any condition that makes your home unsafe, unhealthy, or unfit to live in, you have strong legal rights.

If your landlord has ignored your repair requests, delayed action, or carried out poor-quality or temporary repairs, Knights & Shah Solicitors can help you to:

• Force your landlord to carry out proper repairs

• Claim compensation for the time you have lived with disrepair

• Protect your tenancy and housing rights

• Challenge unlawful or unfair landlord behaviour

• Secure a safe, healthy, and properly maintained home

We specialise exclusively in tenant-side housing disrepair claims. We offer solicitor-led advice, nationwide coverage, and high-quality legal representation, with no win, no fee options available.

Unlike generic firms or “claims factories”, your case is personally handled and overseen by an experienced litigation solicitor, ensuring the strongest legal position and the best possible outcome for your claim.

Your Private Landlord’s Legal Repair Duties

Private landlords must keep your home safe and fit to live in under the law, including:

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11)

• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

• Defective Premises Act 1972

• Environmental health and building safety standards

• The repair obligations in your tenancy agreement

They are responsible for repairing and maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, including:

• Roof, gutters, walls and foundations

• Windows, doors and chimneys

• Floors, stairs and bannisters

• External paths or areas included in the tenancy

They must also maintain essential services, including:

• Heating systems and boilers

• Gas safety installations

• Electrical wiring and fittings

• Plumbing, water supply and hot water

• Toilets, baths, sinks and drainage

Your landlord must also ensure the property is fit for human habitation. This includes dealing with:

• Damp and mould

• Pest infestations

• Unsafe electrics

• Structural cracks or movement

• Flooding or water leaks

• Fire safety risks

• Broken or insecure doors and windows

• Extreme cold caused by heating failure

If your landlord has failed in any of these duties, you may have a strong housing disrepair claim.

Common Disrepair Issues We Handle

We regularly help tenants dealing with:

• Damp, mould and condensation

• Roof leaks and collapsing ceilings

• Faulty or dangerous electrics

• Boiler breakdowns or no heating

• Broken or non-working radiators

• Water leaks from neighbouring or upstairs properties

• Rat, mouse or insect infestations

• Rotting or broken windows and doors

• Structural damage or subsidence

• No hot water

• Broken bathrooms or toilets

• Unsafe floors, stairs or railings

• Poor insulation causing severe cold

• Flooding or sewage problems

• Delayed or poor-quality repairs

No problem is too small if it affects your health, safety, or ability to live comfortably in your home.

What You Can Claim Against a Private Landlord

A successful claim may include:

• Compensation for distress and inconvenience, often between 10% and 50% of your rent for the affected period

• A court order forcing the landlord to complete repairs within a strict timeframe

• Financial losses, such as:

  • Medical costs where health has been affected

  • Damaged furniture, clothing or personal belongings

  • Increased heating or electricity bills

  • Costs of dehumidifiers or temporary heaters

  • Replacement bedding or clothing

• Additional compensation for loss of enjoyment of your home

• Interest and legal costs, where allowed by law

How We Run Your Claim — Step by Step (Premium Knights & Shah Process)

Our process is clear and solicitor-led:

• Free initial case review based on your photos, messages and repair history

• Evidence gathering, including:

  • Photos and videos

  • Messages or emails to the landlord or agent

  • Tenancy agreement

  • Medical evidence (if relevant)

  • Rent statements and council reports

• Formal Letter of Claim demanding:

  • Full repairs

  • Compensation

  • Expert inspection access

  • A response within 20 working days

• Independent expert survey by a qualified surveyor

• Strong negotiation to secure repairs and compensation

• Court proceedings only if the landlord refuses to cooperate

In most cases, you will not need to attend court. We handle the process for you.

Evidence We Recommend You Keep

Keeping good records can strengthen your claim, including:

• Date-stamped photos and videos

• All messages or emails sent to the landlord or agent

• Notes of phone calls

• Medical records

• Rent statements

• Council or environmental health notices

• Receipts for damaged items or extra costs

Timeframes & Fees

Typical timelines include:

• Letter of claim sent within 48 hours

• Survey arranged within 7–14 days

• Many cases settled within 6–12 weeks

• Court cases take longer but allow strong enforcement

Funding options include:

• No win, no fee in suitable cases

• Fixed-fee options for some stages

• No upfront payments

Contact us today for a tailored legal assessment and clear guidance on your next steps.