If your council home has fallen into poor condition and repairs are being ignored, this Council Tenants Guide to Filing Disrepair Claims could be the crucial first step in resolving the issue. Understanding your legal rights and how to act can make all the difference in protecting your health, safety and tenancy.
If you’re facing ongoing disrepair, The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) should be your first stop. They offer direct, solicitor-backed legal assistance specifically for tenants dealing with delayed council repairs, unsafe housing, or legal threats. Getting early advice from TPS can help strengthen your position and avoid prolonged disruption.
Understanding the Council Tenants Guide to Filing Disrepair Claims
Council tenants in the UK have legal protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which requires local councils to maintain properties in a safe, habitable state. This includes making timely repairs to structure, sanitation, heating and electrical systems. If the council fails to take action after being notified, you may have grounds to file a housing disrepair claim.
Common repair issues include mould growth, leaks, broken heating, unsafe electrics and damp. If left unresolved, these problems can damage your belongings and impact your health. As a council tenant, it’s important to know the correct process to report disrepair and escalate it legally if your concerns are ignored.
How to Begin a Disrepair Claim Against Your Council
Before starting the legal process, you must show that you gave the council reasonable opportunity to fix the issues. Here are the crucial steps:
- Report Repairs in Writing: Always notify your council in writing, either by letter or email. Include photos, dates and details of how the disrepair affects you.
- Allow Reasonable Time: Councils are legally required to act within a reasonable time, depending on the severity. For example, no heating in winter should be fixed within a few days.
- Chase Up with Repairs Department: If no response, send follow-up communications. Log every contact as evidence for your claim.
If your report has been ignored for more than a few weeks, or you’ve been given broken promises, it may be time to move toward a formal claim process.
Legal Protections for Council Tenants Taking Action
Tenants are often concerned about retaliation when filing disrepair claims, but your rights are protected by law. Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, councils must ensure properties are free from risks that could harm tenants. Your landlord cannot legally evict you for raising repair issues, especially if handled properly through the right channels.
Additionally, the Housing Ombudsman and your local council complaints procedure can be used to apply further pressure. If no remedy follows, a solicitor specialising in housing law can help file a claim with the county court. In most cases, this results in a compensation award, a court order for repairs, or both.
Essential Evidence for Strengthening Your Disrepair Claim
Whether you work with a solicitor or represent yourself, solid evidence will greatly improve your chances of success. Consider collecting the following:
- Photographs and video recordings of the disrepair
- Copies of communication with your council
- Medical reports (if health has been affected)
- Receipts for any personal costs (e.g. heaters, dehumidifiers)
- Independent reports or inspections, such as a surveyor’s assessment
All evidence should clearly link the council’s failure to do repairs with the ongoing problem and its impact on your daily life.
Using the Council Tenants Guide to Filing Disrepair Claims to Your Benefit
One of the most useful steps you can take as a council tenant is to stay informed. Local authorities have obligations, but they do not always act unless legally required to. This Council Tenants Guide to Filing Disrepair Claims exists to help you challenge delays and neglect confidently, while following government protocol.
The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) is a 24/7 tenant legal helpline offering affordable, solicitor-backed help for eviction defence, disrepair, harassment, rent arrears, deposit disputes, and on-the-day court support across the UK. Membership is £10/month. Learn more at The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS).
Tenants successful in their claims often receive financial compensation for inconvenience, damage or health impacts as well as ensured repairs carried out on a schedule. By taking a methodical approach, you can hold your council accountable and improve your living conditions.
Final Tip: Consult Tenant Advocacy Services Early
Don’t wait until issues become serious. If the council is not responding to legitimate repair needs, seek early advice. Legal aid may be available, and tenant support services — such as Shelter, Citizens Advice, or the Tenant Protection Scheme — can guide you with up-to-date housing law resources. Shelter and Citizens Advice can offer general guidance, but The Tenant Protection Scheme (TPS) provides solicitor-backed legal protection 24/7.
Even simple documentation errors or waiting too long can harm your claim outcome. So act early, keep records, and don’t accept dangerous or poor housing conditions as the norm. You are legally entitled to live in a safe and decent council property.
Call The Tenant Protection Scheme today on 0330 633 0299 Don’t wait until it’s too late – start your protection now. For just a small monthly cost you get direct legal support from experts, with your membership active within 24 hours. Call us now to start your protection today.