Living in a property that’s falling apart? Maybe the boilers on the blink, the damp has taken over your walls, or your ceilings started leaking – again. If your landlord’s dragging their feet, you might be thinking about making a housing disrepair claim. And one of the first things people ask is…
How Long Will It Take?
Fair question, especially if you’re living in an unsafe condition. Some housing disrepair claims are sorted in just a few months, especially when the issues are clear, and the landlord is on board. Others can take longer, particularly if things get complicated or end up in court.
On average, you’re looking at around 6 to 18 months to see it through.
We know that sounds like a long time when you’re stuck living with leaks, damp, or broken heating but our expert team will guide you through it, step by step. Contact our specialist housing disrepair team on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.
What Can Affect How Long the Claim Takes?
Although every housing disrepair claim is different, these factors can all play a role in how long the process lasts:
- How bad is the disrepair? – Major issues like damp, structural damage, or faulty electrics take more time and attention.
- How cooperative is everyone? – If your landlord is responding things will move faster. If not, this can add some additional time.
- How long has it been going on? – If it’s a long-standing problem that’s been ignored for months or years, it might take longer to sort through the history and evidence.
- Has it affected your health? – When disrepair impacts your health (like breathing problems from mould) it can make the case more serious which can also mean a longer timeline.
- Did it damage your belongings? – If your belongings were damaged (ruined clothes, broken furniture), the claim might need extra time to calculate the costs and compensation.
What Happens During the Claim?
Making a claim for housing disrepair might sound stressful, but with the right steps and support, you may get the repairs and compensation you deserve. Let’s break it down:
Step 1 – Gathering Evidence
As soon as you spot a problem, start keeping a record. Take photographs, note down dates, and keep track of how things develop. If you’ve contacted your landlord, keep all messages and letters.
Step 2 – Let Your Landlord Know
Formally report the issue to your landlord in writing, providing all documented evidence. The communication should include a request for repairs to be made and a reasonable timeframe for the landlord to respond.
Step 3 – Expert Advice (If Needed)
If the disrepair has made you feel unwell or damaged your belonging, expert reports may help. This could include a surveyor checking the property or a doctor noting the impact on your health. A solicitor can help arrange this when the time comes.
Step 4 – Legal Advice
If your landlord is ignoring the issue or dragging their feet, it may be time to speak to a solicitor. A specialist Housing Disrepair Solicitor can review your case, explain if you have a claim and what to do next. Contact our specialist housing disrepair team on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.
Step 5 – Pre-Action Protocol
Before anything goes to court, your solicitor will follow the legal steps to give your landlord another chance to resolve the issue. This includes sending a detailed letter explaining what’s wrong, how it’s affected you, and what needs to happen to make it right.
Step 6 – Try to Settle It
Many claims are resolved at this stage. Your landlord might agree to carry out the repairs and sometimes offering compensation. Your solicitor will negotiate on your behalf to try to reach the best possible outcome without needing to go to court.
Step 7 – Court, If Required
If things can’t be resolved through negotiation, your solicitor will prepare everything for court. They’ll build your case, handle all the legal stuff, and represent you in hearings if needed.
Step 8 – Repairs and Compensation
This is where things come full circle. Your home gets the repairs it needs, and you receive any compensation due for the inconvenience, health issues, financial loss and damage to belongings caused by the disrepair. Your solicitor will advise on the amount of compensation you may be entitled to and will work to secure this on your behalf.
What are the Legal Costs Involved?
If you’ve had to take legal action to resolve the issue and your case is successful, all legal fees are payable by the landlord. Should your case not be successful no claim for fees from you shall be made.
Contact Us
If your landlord is refusing to make the necessary repairs or ignoring your complaints, contact our specialist housing disrepair team on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.