Approximately 10% of social housing tenants live in homes classified as 'non-decent', which fall short of the minimum legal standards.
Housing associations and councils are responsible for ensuring their properties are safe, secure, and structurally sound. If your landlord has failed to fix significant cracks or structural damage in walls, ceilings, or floors, you may be entitled to claim compensation and insist that proper repairs are carried out.
We’re here to help you take that next step and get the redress you are owed.
Find out if you're eligible to claim against your housing association or local authority for unaddressed structural cracks.
Based on the past 6 months' average settlement, the average compensation claim is worth £1,895 – start yours today!
Cracks or evidence of structural damage in walls, ceilings, and floors are among the most overlooked issues in social housing, but they can cause irreparable damage to both the property and the health and well-being of tenants.
Minor hairline cracks are often cosmetic, but deeper or expanding cracks can be signs of much more serious structural movement, subsidence, or neglect.
These issues can affect the safety of the home and may indicate long-term problems that require professional attention. Structural issues could include:
Your landlord is legally obligated to investigate and fix these types of repairs, especially when the structural integrity of the property is in question.
If you've reported cracks or structural damage and nothing has been done, or the repairs were rushed or superficial, you could have grounds to make a compensation claim for housing disrepair against your housing association or council landlord.
Social landlords are required to maintain homes in a state that is fit for people to live in, which includes dealing with issues that might compromise structural safety or the tenant’s comfort.
If your landlord has failed to respond appropriately after being informed of visible cracks or signs of structural damage or subsidence, that doesn’t mean the case is closed.
At Premier Legal Assist, we partner with experienced housing solicitors who know how to take on social landlords, push for meaningful repairs, and where necessary, claim compensation on your behalf.
We understand how worrying it can be to live with cracks and structural issues that never seem to get resolved following complaints to housing association or council landlords.
Our team is here to help you make your voice heard and to get the safe, comfortable, secure home you deserve.
We’ll guide you and work with legal experts who specialise in housing disrepair cases, ensuring your claim is handled with care, urgency, and professionalism, and where appropriate, seeking to recover any compensation you are owed.
Can I make a housing disrepair claim if there are cracks in my rented property?
Yes – as a tenant of a housing association or council property, you’re entitled to live in a home that’s safe and properly maintained.
It’s your landlord’s duty to keep the home in good condition and to fix any defects, including structural cracks, within a reasonable time once reported. If they don’t, you may have the right to claim compensation and require them to make the necessary repairs.
What steps should I take if there are cracks or evidence of structural damage in my rented home?
If your landlord has failed to fix severe or worsening cracks after you've reported them, you could be eligible for compensation. These faults may indicate more than surface-level damage; they could point to structural problems that make parts of your home unsafe or lead to other issues such as leaks or damp.
You should report the problem clearly and preferably in writing, keeping a record of all communication between you and the landlord, including any photos or videos. If repairs are ignored or poorly carried out, you have the right to escalate the matter via the Housing Ombudsman.
What’s the housing disrepair claims process?
Start by getting in touch with us using our contact form - we’re happy to call you back so you don’t incur any charges. You’ll then speak with one of our specialist advisors who will review your situation.
If your case is suitable, we’ll pass you to our panel solicitors will carry out a free assessment to determine whether you have a valid housing disrepair claim. If they believe you do, they’ll be in touch to go through the next steps. From there, you can sit back while your solicitor takes care of everything.
Our panel of experienced housing disrepair solicitors are committed to securing the best possible outcome for you, providing guidance and support every step of the way.
Acting on your behalf, they will ensure your landlord completes the necessary repairs and will pursue any compensation you may be entitled to. If Court action is required, which may be the case in some instances, they will support you throughout.
You won’t be charged to have your case assessed. If you decide to move forward and ultimately win your claim, the solicitor's fee (typically 25%) is taken from the compensation awarded. All fees will be clearly explained upfront and outlined in the paperwork provided by your solicitor.
Please note, if you choose to cancel the agreement with the law firm dealing with your claim after the 14-day cooling-off period, termination fees may apply.
What kind of compensation could I receive for my housing disrepair claim?
Compensation for cracks and structural defects depends on the severity and impact of the damage. Each case is unique, the areas for financial redress may include:
If they pursue your claim on your behalf, your solicitor will be able to provide more information.
Why choose Premier Legal Assist?
We only work with legal professionals and solicitors who specialise in housing disrepair cases and have a strong track record of holding social landlords accountable.
You don’t have to face dealing with housing disrepair issues alone – the Premier Legal Assist team help many tenants every day with concerns that they have about the state of their rented accommodation
The Housing Ombudsman is an independent body in the UK that helps resolve disputes between tenants and landlords such as housing associations or local authorities. Acting as a neutral party, it offers a free alternative to Court proceedings for issues like unresolved repairs, tenancy breaches, unfair eviction, or service charge disputes.
Before approaching the Ombudsman, tenants must try to resolve matters directly with their landlord. If those attempts fail, a complaint can be submitted to the Ombudsman, who will assess the case and may mediate or investigate further.
The process involves gathering evidence such as correspondence and photos, then submitting a detailed complaint. The Ombudsman may attempt mediation or carry out a formal investigation, ultimately issuing recommendations to resolve the issue.
While its decisions aren’t legally binding, they are usually followed by housing providers. During this process, tenants can also seek help from housing solicitors to ensure their rights are protected and their complaint is clearly presented.
Every claim is different, so it's hard to say exactly how long yours will take. Factors like the severity of the disrepair, how much evidence is needed, and whether Court action is necessary can all affect the timeline.
While we can’t guarantee a set timeframe, your case handler and solicitor will keep you fully updated as things progress. If they take on your case, your solicitor will be able to provide more information.
If you’ve reported cracks in your council or housing association property and your landlord hasn’t responded appropriately, let us help.
You have the right to a safe, structurally sound home—and the right to hold your landlord accountable. Please fill out our claim form today, and a member of our team will be in touch with you.
We are a claims management company. You do not need to use a claims management company to make your complaint, you can complain to your landlord or refer it to the Housing Ombudsman yourself for free.
Premier Legal Assist is a claims management company. You do not need to use a claims management company to make your complaint, you can complain to the organisation you are complaining about directly. If the issue is not resolved, you can refer it to the relevant independent Ombudsman service for free.
