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Compensation for Housing Disrepair Claims

Housing Ombudsman

What you need to know

  • Many social housing tenants are left living in cold, damp, or unsafe homes because their landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs.

  • If your council or housing association isn’t responding to complaints, we can help you raise the issue with the Housing Ombudsman and make sure your voice is heard.

  • Our experts handle the process for you, offering full support and access to no-win, no-fee legal help if repairs or compensation are still being denied.

Find out if you’re eligible to make a complaint through the Housing Ombudsman and claim compensation.

Based on the past 6 months' average settlement, the average compensation claim is worth £1,895 – start yours today!

What is the Housing Ombudsman?

The Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS) is a free, independent body that helps resolve disputes between tenants and their social housing landlords, including councils and housing associations. It can intervene when a landlord fails to carry out essential repairs or respond properly to complaints.

Before the Housing Ombudsman gets involved, you’ll need to go through your landlord’s internal complaints procedure. If that doesn’t lead to a fair outcome, or if they simply don’t respond, you can take the issue to the Housing Ombudsman.

This route can lead to a formal investigation, and in many cases, the Ombudsman can recommend or order your landlord to fix the problems, apologise, or even pay compensation.

How Premier Legal Assist can help with Housing Ombudsman claims

Bringing a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman may sound straightforward, but in reality, the process can be slow, paperwork-heavy, and requires the correct evidence to give it the best chance of success. This process can be frustrating, especially if your landlord has already failed to address serious disrepair issues.

That’s where we come in. We take the pressure off by guiding you through the entire process. We work with a trusted panel of expert housing disrepair lawyers, who will assess your case for free and advise whether a complaint to the Housing Ombudsman (or legal action in some cases) is the best route forward. They ensure that your complaint is accurate, well-supported with evidence, proactively progressed and professionally handled from the outset.

If eligible, your case will be dealt with on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s no financial risk to you if repairs or compensation are being unfairly delayed.

Claims against social landlords

If your windows or doors are damaged, rotten, poorly fitting, badly installed, insecure, or allow draughts or water in, your landlord has a duty to repair them within a reasonable time once notified. If they've failed to act, we can help you bring a legal claim to:

  • Force repairs to be carried out
  • Secure compensation for discomfort, damage, and health issues
  • Reclaim any money you've had to spend on temporary fixes

Our specialist panel of housing disrepair solicitors has extensive experience of dealing with housing associations and local councils when things go wrong. We’ll guide you through the process from start to finish - professionally, efficiently, and with no upfront cost.

Start your claim with Premier Legal Assist

Don't let your housing complaints go unheard. If your landlord has failed to repair serious issues and you're living in unsuitable conditions, we're here to help you recover the redress you deserve. 

FAQs

If you have any problems with your housing association or local authority landlord property, such as internal or external damage or disrepair, and they have failed to put it right, you may have a claim.

You should contact your landlord to make the repairs. If they ignore you, fail to fix the issue, or the problem reoccurs, you can report them to the Housing Ombudsman for free or get in touch with us for a free assessment.

Premier Legal Assist is a claims management company. You do not need to use a claims management company to make a complaint; you can complain directly to your landlord or refer it to the Housing Ombudsman yourself for free.

The process typically begins when you raise a complaint with your landlord, giving them a chance to respond. If they fail to resolve the problem or handle the complaint properly, we can step in to assist.
Once you contact us, we’ll assess your situation and guide you through the next steps:

  • We’ll discuss your case with you including any relevant details about the disrepair and the steps you’ve already taken. This might include emails, photos, repair logs, and complaint letters.
  • Following this discussion, if we believe you have strong grounds for a claim, we'll connect you with our carefully selected panel of solicitors who specialise in housing disrepair matters. These solicitors will conduct a thorough, no-obligation review of your case to establish whether you're entitled to pursue compensation and repairs.
  • Once your legal team confirms you have a viable claim, they'll handle all the complex paperwork and legal procedures on your behalf.
  • You'll have a single point of contact throughout - your dedicated legal adviser who understands the specifics of your case and will keep you informed at every stage.

Your solicitor will take full responsibility for pressing your landlord to carry out the essential electrical work using qualified professionals, whilst simultaneously pursuing any compensation you deserve. 

Should the matter require Court proceedings, your legal team will represent your interests with full commitment and expertise.

We offer free case assessments if we believe you have a valid complaint. If legal action is needed to get urgent repairs or pursue compensation, and if you are eligible, your claim will be dealt with on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. This means there is no financial risk to you.

If your case is successful, the solicitor's fee (typically 25%) is deducted from your compensation.

Your solicitor will provide transparent disclosure of all costs before you begin, with complete fee details documented in your legal agreement. Please note that terminating your arrangement with your legal team after the 14-day withdrawal period may result in cancellation charges.

If your complaint is successful, the Housing Ombudsman may:

  • Order your landlord to carry out the necessary repairs
  • Recommend changes to how your landlord handles complaints
  • Award compensation for the stress, inconvenience, or health problems you’ve experienced
  • Reimburse you for any personal losses (e.g., damaged belongings or higher heating costs)

Compensation amounts vary depending on the duration of the unresolved issue and the severity of the impact. If they take on your case, your solicitors will provide more details about what you can recover. 

We understand how stressful and exhausting it is to live in a home that isn't being properly maintained, especially when your concerns are being ignored. Our experienced claims team is well-versed in the housing system, and we'll work on your behalf to achieve the outcome you deserve.

If they take on your case, your legal team will manage the whole process, from gathering evidence to submitting your complaint and supporting you through every step. If the Housing Ombudsman isn't the right option, we can advise on alternative routes, including legal action.

It depends on the severity of the disrepair, your landlord's response, and the amount of evidence required. Your case handler will provide you with regular updates and keep the process moving forward.

Get in touch with Premier Legal Assist today

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 housing association or council landlord directly. If the issue is not resolved, you can refer it to the Housing Ombudsman service for free.

Our Client Commitment

At Premier Legal Assist, we’re here to make sure your voice is heard.

We are committed to:

  • Listening to you and treating your concerns with respect and understanding.
  • Acting quickly and fairly to assess your case and connect you with experienced housing disrepair solicitors.
  • Keeping things clear by explaining your options in plain English and avoiding technical legal jargon.
  • Supporting you throughout the claims process – no pressure, no upfront costs, no time wasting.
  • Respecting your privacy by protecting your personal data.
  • Putting your well-being first, helping you achieve the safe and secure home you deserve.

Because everyone has the right to a home that’s safe, secure, and fit to live in.

Important Information

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.