What is housing disrepair
Housing disrepair is when there are problems with your home that your landlord is responsible for repairing but have not yet been fixed.
Why disrepair claims matter
Every year, thousands of pounds from tenants' rent is spent on legal costs related to disrepair claims. This is money that could otherwise be used to carry out repairs, improve homes, and support services for tenants. We want to make the best use of tenants' rent by investing it in homes and neighbourhoods across Leeds.
Before making a disrepair claim
If you have a problem with your home, such as damp, mould, leaks or other repairs, contact Housing Leeds first. We want to put things right and support you through the process.
Report the repair
Tell us problems as soon as possible.
Help us to help you
To resolve issues quickly:
- report problems as soon as possible
- keep your contact details up to date
- allow access for inspections and repairs
- work with us to arrange appointments
If we cannot get access to your home, repairs may be delayed.
Be aware of claims farmers
Some companies, often referred to as claims management companies or claims farmers, make money by encouraging tenants to make disrepair claims. They may promise quick results, however, making a claim can sometimes lead to extra costs, delays, or legal action that may not be needed.
Some provide a legitimate service, but others may:
- knock on doors looking for claims
- contact you on the telephone or through social media
- exaggerate how much compensation you could receive
- imply they are working with the council when they are not
- encourage legal action before giving us a chance to fix the problem
We do not work with these companies and do not send them to your home.
If someone knocks on your door
- always ask to see photo identification
- contact us if you are unsure who they are
- do not sign anything you do not understand
- contact the police if you feel unsafe or pressured
Think carefully before signing up
We know that we sometimes get things wrong, and repairs do not always get done right first time. Before you think about putting in a disrepair claim, remember:
- even if your claim is successful, most of the money awarded is going to go to your legal firm
- you are at risk of being left with a large bill if your claim is not successful
- it is likely to take us longer to get the repairs done for you, due to advice given by legal firms
‘No win, no fee’ means you will not have to pay solicitor fees, but if you lose your case, you would be ordered to pay our legal fees.
Real examples
Mr X from Seacroft lost his disrepair case. The judge ordered our costs to be repaid – these costs are more than £10,000.
Ms X from Harehills believed she would get thousands in compensation. The judge ordered her to pay costs of more than £7,000 for wasting of the court's time.
Mrs X from Tingley lost her disrepair case. The judge found there was no disrepair in her home and the case should never have been brought to court. Costs were more than £4,000.
These tenants and others like them, are now left with large debts that they'll be paying back for several years.
Report a disrepair problem
You can report a repair issue or check the status of something you have already reported.
Talk to us about disrepair issues by:
Phone: 0113 378 1113
Email: hsg.disrepair@leeds.gov.uk
PFI and BITMO area tenants
Swarcliffe PFI area
Phone: 0113 378 1296 or 0345 366 4404
Little London, Beeston Hill, and Holbeck PFI areas
Phone: 0808 168 7335 or 03331 210 074
BITMO
Phone: 0113 378 2188
Web: Belle Isle TMO