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

Expert Housing Disrepair Solicitors for Tenants Renting from Private Landlords

If you are renting from a private landlord in England or Wales and are living with damp, mould, leaks, unsafe electrics, pests, structural issues or any condition that makes your home unsafe, unhealthy or unfit — you have powerful legal rights.

And if your landlord has ignored your repair requests, delayed action, or carried out poor-quality work, Knights & Shah Solicitors can help you:

• Force repairs
• Claim compensation
• Protect your tenancy rights
• Challenge unlawful behaviour
• Secure a safe, healthy home

We specialise exclusively in tenant-side claims, offering solicitor-led advice, nationwide coverage, and premium representation with no win, no fee options.

Unlike generic firms or “claims factories”, your case is personally handled, drafted and overseen by an experienced litigation solicitor — ensuring maximum compensation and the strongest legal position.

Your Private Landlord’s Legal Repair Duties

Private landlords are legally required to keep your home safe and habitable under:

• Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (Section 11 repairs duties)
• Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
• Defective Premises Act 1972
• Environmental health and building safety standards
• Any obligations within your tenancy agreement

They must repair and maintain:

Structure & Exterior

• Roof, gutters, walls, foundations
• Windows, doors, chimneys
• Floors, stairs, bannisters
• External pathways where part of the tenancy

Installations & Essential Services

• Heating & boilers
• Gas safety systems
• Wiring & electrical installations
• Plumbing, water supply, hot water systems
• Sanitation (toilets, baths, sinks, drainage)

Health & Safety Conditions

They must also ensure the property is fit for habitation — including:

• Damp & mould
• Infestations
• Unsafe electrics
• Structural cracks
• Flooding or leaks
• Fire hazards
• Broken doors or windows
• Extreme cold due to heating failure

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

Common Disrepair Issues We Handle

We act for tenants facing problems such as:

• Damp, mould and condensation
• Roof leaks, ceiling collapse
• Faulty or unsafe electrics
• Boiler failures or no heating
• Broken radiators
• Water leaks from above
• Pest infestations
• Rotting windows or doors
• Structural damage or subsidence
• No hot water
• Broken toilets/bathrooms
• Unsafe flooring or stairs
• Poor insulation causing extreme cold
• Flooding or sewage issues
• Poor-quality or delayed repairs

No issue is “too small” if it affects your health, safety or ability to use your home.

What You Can Claim Against a Private Landlord

A successful claim can include:

Compensation for Distress & Inconvenience

Most tenants receive 10–50% of their rent for every month the property was affected.

Order for Repairs

A court order forcing the landlord to carry out repairs within a strict timeframe.

Special Damages

You may claim for:

• Medical expenses (if health affected)
• Damaged belongings or furniture
• Increased electricity bills caused by damp
• Cost of dehumidifiers or heaters
• Replacement clothing or bedding

Loss of Enjoyment of Home

Additional compensation if the situation affected your daily life.

Interest & Legal Costs

Where allowed under law.

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

1. Initial Contact & Free Case Review

You share photos, messages and repair history.
We tell you immediately if you qualify.

2. Evidence Gathering

We compile:

• Photos & videos
• Emails/WhatsApps to the landlord
• Tenancy agreement
• Medical letters (if applicable)
• Rent statements
• Environmental health reports (if any)

3. Letter of Claim

We send a formal Pre-Action Protocol Letter demanding:

• Full repairs
• Compensation
• Expert inspection access
• A response within 20 working days

4. Independent Expert Survey

A qualified engineer (usually RICS) inspects the property, documenting:

• Defects
• Causes
• Health risks
• Repair works required
• Compensation valuation

5. Negotiation & Settlement

We negotiate the highest possible settlement.
Most cases settle without court.

6. Court Proceedings (if needed)

If the landlord refuses to cooperate, we issue proceedings seeking:

• A court repair order
• Full compensation
• Costs
• Deadlines backed by legal enforcement

You rarely need to attend a hearing — we handle everything.

Evidence We Recommend You Keep

• Photos & videos (date-stamped)
• All messages/emails to landlord or agent
• Notes of phone calls
• Copies of medical reports
• Rent statements
• Council notices or environmental reports
• Receipts for damaged items

The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim.

Timeframes & Fees

Typical Timelines

• Letter of claim issued within 48 hours
• Survey arranged within 7–14 days
• Settlement within 6–12 weeks (on average)
• Court proceedings take longer but achieve powerful results

Fees

• No Win, No Fee available
• Fixed-fee options in some cases
• No upfront payments