Yes, tenants of council or housing association properties have the legal right to live in homes that are structurally safe and in good repair. If your landlord has failed to resolve serious issues like cracks, sagging floors, roof leaks, or defective brickwork, you may be entitled to compensation and repairs.
What you need to know
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Approximately 1 in 10 social housing tenants live in properties deemed "non-decent", which fail to meet legal safety and quality standards.
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Under the law, your council or housing association is responsible for ensuring the structural integrity of your home. If they’ve failed to fix serious structural issues after you’ve reported them, you may be entitled to compensation and can insist that proper repairs are made.
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We’re here to help you get the justice you deserve. No-win, no-fee.
Find out if you can claim against your landlord for unresolved structural defects in your home.
Based on the past 6 months' average settlement, the average compensation claim is worth £1,895 – start yours today!
Structural Defects in Social Housing Properties
Structural defects go far beyond minor repairs. These are serious faults that can compromise the stability and safety of your home, and landlords often overlook them despite their legal obligation to address them.
- These issues can include:
Cracks in walls, ceilings or foundations - Damaged or crumbling brickwork
- Roof damage leading to leaks, noise or pest infestations
- Sagging floors or bowing walls
- Broken or loose window and door frames
- Water getting into the property or persistent damp and mould due to a faulty structure
Your landlord is required by law to investigate and repair such defects. If they fail to do so within a reasonable time after you've reported the problem, you may be able to bring a housing disrepair claim for compensation.
Issues caused by structural defects
When structural problems are left unaddressed, the consequences go beyond inconvenience. They can:
- Make your home unsafe to live in
- Cause long-term damage to your belongings
- Impact your physical and mental health
- Leave you unable to use entire rooms
- Lead to vermin, damp, or mould infestations
Tenants shouldn't have to suffer in silence. If your landlord has neglected their responsibilities, you have every right to demand repairs and compensation.
Claims for structural damage and disrepair
Social landlords have a legal duty to maintain the structure and exterior of your home. If your housing association or council has ignored your reports, left damage to worsen, or carried out inadequate repairs, you could have grounds to take action.
At Premier Legal Assist, we work with expert housing disrepair solicitors who can help you on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis secure compensation for the inconvenience and harm caused by structural neglect and push your landlord to complete proper repairs.
Start your structural defect claim with Premier Legal Assist
We understand the stress of living in unsafe conditions and unanswered complaints. Our specialist team is here to help you make your voice heard and get the safe, comfortable, secure home you deserve.
We’ll guide you through the claims process, working with legal specialists who focus exclusively on housing disrepair. You may be entitled to claim compensation and force the repairs that your landlord has delayed or ignored.
FAQs
Can I make a housing disrepair claim for structural problems?
What steps should I take if there are structural issues in my home?
First, report the issue clearly to your landlord and keep records of all communication, ideally in writing. Take dated photos or videos of the damage and note any effects on your health or belongings.
If your landlord delays repairs or ignores your complaints, you may have grounds to bring a claim. Our team can help you take the next step and refer your case to housing disrepair solicitors.
What’s the housing disrepair claims process?
Start by getting in touch with us; we’ll call you back so you won’t incur any charges.
You’ll speak to a housing disrepair adviser who will assess your situation. If your case qualifies, our panel of solicitors will conduct a free review and advise you on the next steps. If they think you have a valid ‘no-win, no-fee’ claim, they'll handle everything on your behalf.
They will:
- Ensure your landlord completes the necessary structural repairs
- Pursue any compensation you may be owed
- Support you throughout the process, including if court action becomes necessary
Will it cost me anything to make a claim?
Your case review is free, and if eligible, your solicitors will work on a ‘no-win, no fee’ basis. If you proceed with a claim and are successful, the solicitor's fee (typically 25%) is deducted from your compensation; there are no upfront costs. All fees are explained clearly before anything begins.
If you cancel after the 14-day cooling-off period, some termination fees may apply.
What kind of compensation could I receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of the damage and its effect on you. You may be able to claim for:
- Parts of your home being unsafe or unusable
- Damage to your personal property
- Illness caused by damp, mould or cold
- Stress, inconvenience, and disruption
- Out-of-pocket expenses or repair costs
Why should I use Premier Legal Assist for my housing disrepair claim?
We work with specialist housing disrepair solicitors who understand how to hold landlords accountable. Whether it’s roof damage, cracked foundations or a sagging floor, we’ll help you take action.
We are a claims management company. You do not have to use a claims management company to make your complaint; you can approach your landlord or the Housing Ombudsman directly, free of charge.
Who is the Housing Ombudsman?:
The Housing Ombudsman is an independent service that resolves complaints between tenants and social landlords. If your landlord won’t resolve your complaint, you can escalate it to the Ombudsman for free.
They'll review your evidence, including emails, photos, and repair requests, and attempt to mediate or investigate the issue. Although their decisions aren't legally binding, most landlords follow them.
You can still get legal advice or representation if needed during this process.
Get in touch with Premier Legal Assist today
If your housing association or council landlord has ignored reports of structural damage, you don’t have to stay silent.
You have the right to a safe, structurally sound home and the right to hold your landlord accountable.
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.