One in 10 housing association tenants (approximately 242,000) are currently living in a ‘non-decent home’, meaning they do not meet the minimum standard for housing.
Social housing providers, housing associations and councils, are legally responsible for keeping your home safe and well-maintained and dealing with any reported problems promptly.
If your landlord has failed to deal with leaks, flooding, or water damage in your property, you may be entitled to claim compensation and push for the necessary repairs to be completed. We’re here to support you through that process and get the compensation you’re owed..
Find out if you are eligible to claim against your housing association or local authority landlord for untreated leaks, flooding, and water damage.
Based on the past 6 months' average settlement, the average compensation claim is worth £1,895 – start yours today!
Leaks, flooding, and water damage are common issues in UK social housing and can lead to serious problems if not addressed effectively.
Leaks often result from faulty plumbing, broken pipes, damaged roofs, or gaps around windows and doors. Even slow or small leaks can cause hidden damage behind walls or under floors and may lead to damp and mould over time.
Flooding is a more sudden and severe water issue caused by issues such as burst pipes, blocked drains, or heavy rain entering the home. Flooding can damage carpets, furniture, and electrical equipment. It may make part or all of the home unsafe to live in until it's properly repaired and dried out.
Water damage is the result of leaks or flooding that have not been effectively dealt with. It can leave stains, weaken ceilings and walls, rot wood, and encourage mould growth. Watermarks, peeling paint, a musty smell, or visible mould can all be signs of water damage and should be investigated.
Social landlords are legally responsible for repairing these issues. If they don't act after you report it or do not fix the problem satisfactorily, you may be able to claim compensation via the Housing Ombudsman.
Long-term exposure to the effects of water damage can also have a detrimental impact on physical and mental health, leading to breathing problems, skin conditions, or infections, particularly for children, older adults, or individuals with pre-existing medical conditions.
As well as health issues, these conditions can also cause damage to personal belongings, furniture, and electrical equipment, resulting in a financial loss to the tenant.
If parts of your home become unusable or unsafe, if you've had to spend your own money on repairs or temporary accommodation or have medical expenses because of substandard conditions, you may have a right to claim compensation from your landlord for the impact on your daily life and well-being.
Council and housing association tenants are entitled to live in a home that is safe, dry, and well-maintained. Social landlords are legally required to deal with repair requests quickly and effectively, but if they fail to respond after being informed of problems like leaks or flooding, you don’t have to put up with it.
At Premier Legal Assist, we work alongside experienced legal professionals who understand how to effectively challenge social landlords and navigate the legal process, including representing clients in Court when necessary.
If your home has been affected by water damage and your landlord hasn’t responded appropriately, we’re here to support you in making a compensation claim.
We recognise that living in poor housing conditions, such as leaks, flooding, or water damage, can have a significant impact on both your health and well-being, especially if the problem has been raised with the landlord and continues to go unresolved. That's why we're committed to ensuring that your concerns are taken seriously and that you receive the compensation you're entitled to.
Our expert advisers and specialist housing disrepair solicitors are here to guide you through the process, offering expert advice and support from start to finish to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Can I make a claim for leaks, flooding or water damage in my social housing property?
If your landlord has failed to act after you've reported leaks, flooding, or water damage in your council or housing association property, you could be entitled to make a compensation claim.
These issues can cause significant harm to both your home and your health. Your landlord has a legal duty to rectify the situation within a reasonable timeframe. Ignoring or delaying essential repairs is unacceptable.
What is the process for making a housing disrepair claim for leaks, flooding or water damage?
Before making a claim, it’s important to give your landlord the chance to resolve the issue. Always report the problem to them clearly, preferably in writing, and keep a record of any communication and evidence, such as photos or videos of the damage. If they fail to carry out the necessary repairs, if the issue persists, or if they ignore your complaints, you can escalate the complaint.
You can raise the issue with the Housing Ombudsman, a free and independent service that investigates complaints about social landlords. Alternatively, you can seek legal representation to help you with your claim.
If you believe you have a claim against your social housing landlord relating to leaks, flooding or water damage, fill in our claim form, and one of our specialist advisers will call you back for a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case.
If necessary, arrangements will be made for someone to visit your home to document and take pictures of any damage, as detailed in your initial consultation.
Our advisers will refer your case to our panel of housing disrepair solicitors for a free legal assessment to establish if you are eligible to make a claim against your landlord.
If they believe you have a case, they will contact you directly to discuss your claim, and you can relax while your solicitor does the rest. It may be that your landlord promptly carries out the necessary repairs, but in some cases, the claim may need to go to Court, and your solicitor will keep you up-to-date and informed throughout the process.
What will it cost me to make a claim?
We do not charge for assessing your case against your social housing landlord. You only pay when your case is successful, and the cost will be deducted from any compensation you receive; typically, this is 25% of your total compensation.
Full details of fees will be disclosed in the paperwork you receive from the law firm handling your case. Termination fees may apply if you end the agreement with your solicitor outside of the 14-day cancellation period.
What compensation can I claim for housing disrepair?
If you are suffering with leaks, flooding, or water damage that your landlord hasn't properly fixed, you might be able to claim compensation.
This can cover the inconvenience and distress caused by living in a damaged or unsafe home, especially if parts of your property become unusable, for example a room being out of action due to water-damaged floors or walls.
You may also be entitled to compensation for damaged belongings, such as furniture, clothing, or electronics, so it's essential to keep photos and receipts as evidence for your claim.
In some cases, water damage can lead to health problems such as asthma or skin conditions, and you may be able to claim for related medical expenses or personal injury. You can also be reimbursed for any costs you've paid out of pocket, such as temporary accommodation or repairs.
We cannot provide a definitive figure for compensation value, as this varies on a case-by-case basis. If they pursue your claim on your behalf, your solicitor will be able to provide more information.
Why should I use Premier Legal Assist for my housing disrepair claim?
We work with a panel of specialist housing disrepair solicitors who have extensive experience in this area of law, particularly in relation to water damage issues.
Together, we manage the entire process for you, providing you with peace of mind that your voice is being heard, your complaint is being taken seriously, and you recover any compensation that you are owed.
How long does the compensation claims process take?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as the time it takes will vary based on how severe the disrepair is, what evidence is needed, and whether the case has to be taken to Court.
We cannot provide an exact timeline, but your solicitor will keep you updated and informed throughout the process.
The Housing Ombudsman Service (HOS) is an independent UK body that helps resolve disputes between tenants and landlords, including housing associations and local councils. It offers a free, impartial alternative to going to Court for issues like unresolved repairs, tenancy breaches, unfair evictions, or service charge problems.
Before contacting the Ombudsman, tenants must try to resolve the issue with their landlord first. If that fails, they can submit a complaint with supporting evidence, such as emails and photos.
The HOS may mediate or investigate the case and issue recommendations; while not legally binding, these recommendations are generally followed by landlords. Tenants can also seek legal support from specialist housing law solicitors to protect their rights and strengthen their case.
If you believe you have a claim against your social housing landlord relating to leaks, flooding, or water damage and would like to speak with our team of specialist advisers, please start your claim by completing our online claim form.
We will then contact you for a no-obligation and confidential consultation and guide you through the next steps.
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.
