DISREPAIR AWARE is an independent and impartial support service for housing disrepair
What is 'housing disrepair'?
'Housing disrepair' refers to defects to a property or block that a landlord is legally obliged to repair under the terms of a tenancy or leasehold agreement and housing legislation
What is a 'housing disrepair claim'?
A 'housing disrepair claim' is legal action taken by a tenant or leaseholder against their landlord when repairs reported to them have not been fixed in a reasonable time
Landlords must provide safe and decent homes for tenants. This is their fundamental responsibility. Failure to do so exposes tenants to unacceptable risks and can damage trust in the entire housing sector.
- Regulator of Social Housing Sector Risk Profile, November 2025
Who are DISREPAIR AWARE?
We are an independent and impartial housing disrepair service to help tenants and leaseholders get support and help social and private landlords and their agents to get compliant
How can DISREPAIR AWARE help?
We provide housing disrepair information and referrals to tenants and leaseholders and advice and training to social and private landlords and their agents
The link between poor housing conditions and poor health outcomes is long established. The Nuisances Removal and Disease Prevention Act 1846 is attributed with starting the process of defining unfit living accommodation.
- House of Commons Library Research Briefing - Housing and health, October 2022
What is the history of social housing?
Social housing in the UK is rooted in late 19th century with the establishment of housing trusts and charities and has evolved and expanded significantly over 150 years
What is the 'Make things right' campaign?
The ‘Make things right’ campaign was launched by the Government to ensure people living in social housing with housing disrepair issues know their rights and how to complain
Case Study: Mr H from Birmingham
Mr H had been suffering from leaks from an upstairs flat into his Council-owned home for 4 and a half years - after receiving free information from DISREPAIR AWARE, Mr H was able to get his issues resolved through his Council's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scheme
Case Study: Mrs M from Islington
Mrs M, a single mother with 3 children, was living in a housing association home with severe mould for over a year - following a free referral from DISREPAIR AWARE, Mrs M was able to get fast legal advice and resolve the matter with her landlord without the need to go to Court