A practical housing disrepair claims checklist for council tenants: report the problem in writing, gather evidence, and understand next steps. This free guide for council and housing association tenants in England and Wales is published by Council Repair Claims, a regulated claims management company, not a law firm.
Step-by-Step Housing Disrepair Claims Checklist
Key Points
- Before doing anything else, report the problem to your landlord in writing (email or letter) and keep a copy. This single step is the foundation of any successful claim
- Your landlord's legal clock starts from the moment they are notified, not from when you formally complain or instruct a solicitor
- Gather evidence as early as possible: dated photographs, written reports, records of your landlord's response or lack of it, medical records if your health has been affected, and receipts for any extra costs incurred
- If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, use their formal complaints process before escalating further. This is usually required before the Housing Ombudsman will investigate
- Most claims are resolved without going to court. Once a solicitor is involved, many landlords act on repairs and compensation they had previously ignored
- A free assessment from Council Repair Claims costs nothing and carries no obligation. If your case is suitable, we will connect you with a regulated solicitor on a no-win, no-fee basis
If your landlord has ignored a repair you reported in writing, it is worth finding out where you stand.
Our free eligibility check takes two minutes and carries no obligation to proceed.
Here's a simple guide to help you prepare your housing disrepair claim.
If your landlord has failed to carry out repairs you've reported, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claim.
Report the Problem to Your Landlord
Describe the issue in writing (email, text, or letter)
Describe the issue in writing (email, text, or letter)
Include the date the issue started
Ask for repairs and keep a copy of your message
You usually need to give your landlord a fair chance to fix the problem before making a claim.
If you are still at the repair-chasing stage, rather than ready to make a claim, start with how to get council property repairs fixed.
Keep a Record of the Problem
Document everything for your case
Take clear photos or videos of the disrepair
Note how long the issue has been going on
Write down how it affects your health or daily life
Keep receipts if belongings have been damaged
Track Communication
Keep detailed records of all interactions
Save all emails, texts, and letters
Write down dates of phone calls or visits
Record any promises made by your landlord
Note if any repairs were attempted, and if they failed
Check If You Qualify for a Claim
Verify you meet the requirements
You live in a council or housing association property
You reported the problem but nothing was fixed
The disrepair is affecting your health, safety, or home
You're not already working with another solicitor
Get Help If You Need It
Connect with professional support
Reach out to Council Repair Claims or another trusted service
Prepare to share your evidence and timeline
Understand the process, it's no-win, no-fee, and you'll be referred to a regulated solicitor if your case is eligible
There are several ways to get help, not only through a claims management company. You can escalate to your landlord's formal complaints process, use the Housing Ombudsman for free, find a solicitor yourself, or check Legal Aid eligibility. See our full breakdown: Making a Housing Disrepair Claim: Your Options Explained. For what a solicitor actually does at this stage, and when instructing one is the right move, see Housing Disrepair Solicitors — Do You Need One as a Council Tenant?.
What Not to Do
Don't stop paying rent, this can weaken your case or risk eviction
Don't ignore letters from your landlord, council, or solicitor
Don't exaggerate your claim, honesty makes your case stronger
Don't delay too long, the longer the issue goes unreported, the harder it is to claim
Don't pay upfront for legal help, regulated services like ours work on a no-win, no-fee basis
Tip: You Don't Have to Do Everything Perfectly
Just try to keep as much information as you can, the solicitor will guide you the rest of the way.
Related guides
What evidence do you need for a housing disrepair claim?
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Photos, written reports, medical records and losses: evidence that strengthens a housing disrepair claim, even if you have not kept records.
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Housing disrepair compensation
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How housing disrepair compensation is calculated for council tenants: general and special damages, what strengthens a claim, and what to expect.
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Making a housing disrepair claim
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Honest overview of housing disrepair claim routes for council tenants: landlord complaints, Ombudsman, solicitors, Legal Aid, or a claims company.
Read guideNeed Help?
If you've completed the checklist and believe you have a valid claim, Council Repair Claims can help you take the next step and connect you with a regulated solicitor.
Contact us on 03330 111104 or email info@councilrepairclaims.co.uk
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Content correct as of Aug 2026.