5 Proven Ways to Prevent Disrepair Claims

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Most housing disrepair claims don’t begin in Court, they begin with frustration.

A leaky roof.

A broken boiler.

A damp patch that keeps spreading.

And above all, a resident who feels ignored.

But it doesn’t have to be this way.

For landlords and housing providers, disrepair claims are avoidable with the right approach.

Prevention not only protects tenants and leaseholders, but also reduces costs, legal risk and reputational damage.

Here are 5 proven ways to prevent disrepair claims before they start...

1. Get proactive with planned maintenance

Relying solely on residents to report issues is risky as many won’t notice a slow leak or rising damp until it becomes a major problem.

Planned maintenance helps you get ahead of faults before they worsen.

Do this: Develop a maintenance schedule that includes regular checks of roofs, windows, heating systems and key structural areas - prevention is cheaper than cure.

2. Carry out regular property inspections

Inspections help you identify problems early and demonstrate that you're taking your responsibilities seriously.

They're also a chance to engage directly with tenants.

Do this: Schedule inspections at least once a year by trained and competent people, more often for older or higher-risk properties - record findings and follow up promptly on any issues.

3. Keep clear records of repairs and communication

A common pitfall is poor record-keeping.

If a tenant claims they reported a fault months ago, and there’s no evidence to the contrary, you're on the back foot.

Do this : Log all repairs, photos, tenant reports, and updates in a central system - if you use contractors, request dated reports and images of completed work.

4. Make it easy for tenants to report repairs

Complicated or unclear reporting systems can delay repairs.

Tenants might give up or assume their issue won’t be taken seriously, increasing the risk of escalation.

Do this: Offer multiple, accessible ways to report issues (e.g. online forms, email, phone) - acknowledge every report quickly and communicate next steps clearly.

5. Invest in tenant relationships and communication

How you respond matters.

Even if a repair takes time, tenants are less likely to escalate a complaint if they feel heard and respected.

Do this: Train your people to take a supportive tone, keep tenants updated, and avoid blame - good communication often defuses potential disputes before they become formal complaints