How no-win, no-fee housing disrepair claims work: what you pay, what happens if you lose, and free alternatives before you commit. 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.
Understanding no-win, no-fee
Key Points
- A no-win, no-fee arrangement means you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful, but this protection is conditional on you co-operating fully with your solicitor and acting honestly throughout
- If your claim succeeds, your solicitor's fees are typically recovered from your landlord or deducted from your compensation. Your solicitor must explain exactly how this works before you agree to proceed
- The arrangement is backed by After the Event (ATE) insurance, which covers certain costs if the claim is lost, but this insurance will not apply if you withdraw against legal advice, fail to provide required instructions, or act dishonestly. In those circumstances you may be personally liable for costs incurred
- Most housing disrepair claims are settled without going to court. The involvement of a solicitor creates legal pressure that often resolves cases through negotiation
- No-win, no-fee is not the only way to pursue a housing disrepair claim. The Housing Ombudsman Service is a free alternative that does not involve a solicitor or any funding arrangement
- Before signing anything, make sure you understand the terms fully. Ask your solicitor to explain any conditions you are unclear about
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.
How no-win, no-fee arrangements work and what you need to know
If you're considering making a housing disrepair claim, you might have heard about "no-win, no-fee" arrangements. This guide explains how they work, what you can expect, and what you need to know before you start.
No-win, no-fee is not the only way to pursue a housing disrepair claim. For an overview of free complaints routes, solicitors, Legal Aid, and claims management companies side by side, read Making a Housing Disrepair Claim: Your Options Explained. For the broader solicitor context — what they do and when one is the right next step — see Housing Disrepair Solicitors — Do You Need One as a Council Tenant?.
What is No-Win, No-Fee?
A "no-win, no-fee" arrangement (also called a Conditional Fee Agreement or CFA) means that if you don't win your case, you don't pay your solicitor's legal fees. If you do win, your solicitor's basic costs are usually recovered from your landlord. In addition, your solicitor charges a success fee - 25% (+VAT) of your compensation - which is deducted from your award and cannot be recovered from your landlord.
This makes it possible for people who might not otherwise be able to afford legal representation to pursue a claim.
How It Works
We assess your case
We'll review your situation and evidence to see if you have a valid claim
If eligible, we refer you to a regulated solicitor
We connect you with a qualified solicitor who specializes in housing disrepair
The solicitor works on your case
They handle all the legal work, including gathering evidence and negotiating with your landlord
You only pay if you win
If successful, the solicitor's fees are paid by your landlord, not you
What You Pay
You win your case
You Pay
Nothing upfront. A success fee of 25% (+VAT) of your compensation, deducted from your award
Solicitor Gets
Their basic costs from your landlord, plus the 25% (+VAT) success fee from your compensation
You Get
Compensation for the disrepair and its impact, less the success fee
You lose your case
You Pay
Nothing
Solicitor Gets
Nothing
You Get
No compensation, but no legal bills either
Important - when the no-win, no-fee protection applies
The no-win, no-fee arrangement and any associated insurance policy are conditional on you co-operating fully with your solicitor, following their advice, and acting honestly throughout your claim.
If you withdraw your claim against your solicitor's advice, fail to provide information they require, or act dishonestly, you may become personally liable for costs incurred - including disbursements and, in some circumstances, your landlord's legal costs.
Your solicitor will explain these conditions clearly before you agree to proceed. If you have any questions about them, ask before signing anything.
You cancel after the cooling-off period
You Pay
Some costs (varies by case)
Solicitor Gets
Partial payment for work done
You Get
No compensation, but reduced legal costs
Important Things to Know
Before You Start
You can complain directly to your landlord, then the Housing Ombudsman (England) or the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, for free
You're not required to use our services to make a claim
If your case is referred to a solicitor, we receive a referral fee from them. This is not charged to you
Other costs may apply if you cancel after the cooling-off period or fail to cooperate
Free Alternatives
Before considering a no-win, no-fee arrangement, you can try these free options:
Complain directly to your landlord
Write a formal complaint letter
Contact the Housing Ombudsman
Free independent service
Get advice from Citizens Advice
Free legal guidance
Contact your local council
Environmental health department
Related guides
Housing disrepair compensation
5 min read
How housing disrepair compensation is calculated for council tenants: general and special damages, what strengthens a claim, and what to expect.
Read guide
Making a housing disrepair claim
6 min read
Honest overview of housing disrepair claim routes for council tenants: landlord complaints, Ombudsman, solicitors, Legal Aid, or a claims company.
Read guide
Step-by-Step Housing Disrepair Claims Checklist
3 min read
A practical housing disrepair claims checklist for council tenants: report the problem in writing, gather evidence, and understand next steps.
Read guideNeed Help Understanding Your Options?
Council Repair Claims can help you understand whether you have a valid case and explain all your options, including free alternatives.
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.