What Is Housing Disrepair and Why Does It Matter?

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Housing disrepair is when a rented or leased property falls into a poor condition because internal or external repairs haven’t been carried out.

That might mean leaking pipes, faulty heating, unsafe electrics or damp and mould.

When these problems aren’t fixed in good time, they damage the property and can seriously affect people’s health, wellbeing and finances.

Whether you’re a tenant, leaseholder or landlord, understanding what disrepair means and why it matters could make a genuine difference to everyone affected.

Is disrepair just about buildings?

Behind every damp wall, broken boiler or x is a person or family trying to live their life - children sleeping in mouldy bedrooms, older people shivering through winter, someone with a disability using a bucket to catch water leaking from the ceiling.

These are real situations faced by thousands across the UK.

So, disrepair is much more than bricks and mortar, it’s about dignity, safety and well-being.

Why does it matter?

The UK is in the grip of a housing crisis.

Ageing properties, rising costs and stretched services mean disrepair is becoming more common, especially in the social housing sector.

In fact, the Housing Ombudsman recently warned that 'simmering anger at poor housing conditions' is at a such a high level it could lead to social unrest.

When repairs are delayed or ignored, tenants often feel powerless or unsure where to turn and it needs to change.

What does the law say?

Both private and social landlords have a legal duty to undertake certain repairs within reasonable timeframes.

In certain circumstances tenants and leaseholders can take legal action if those duties aren't met.

Disrepair doesn’t need to become a legal fight though - with the right awareness, communication and support, most issues can be resolved early between residents and landlords before they get worse.

What can you do?

If you're a tenant or leaseholder, knowing and understanding your rights can give you the confidence to speak up and take action.

If you're a landlord, knowing and understanding your responsibilities can save you time, money and reputation.

If you’re a housing professional, it’s a chance to be part of the solution.

How can DISREPAIR AWARE help?

Many rented homes are not inspected regularly or maintained properly - we want to help improve housing conditions for everyone.

We help tenants and leaseholders understand their rights and get support and help registered providers, private landlords and estate agents to understand their obligations and get compliant.