Repairs your housing association keeps delaying.

Housing associations are responsible for maintaining certain parts of the properties they own and manage. Their obligations arise from tenancy agreements and the law. In general, they are expected to keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair and maintain key installations relating to water, gas, electricity, sanitation, heating and hot water.

In England, these repairing obligations are underpinned by section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, and rented homes must be fit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. Before legal action is considered, the housing association will usually need to have been made aware of the repair issue and given a reasonable opportunity to investigate and complete the necessary works.

Common repair problems

Housing association tenants often contact us regarding:

• Damp and mould
• Water leaks and roof defects
• Plumbing problems
• Heating failures
• Electrical issues
• Damaged doors and windows
• Structural problems and ongoing repair delays

Each case depends on its own facts and should be considered individually.

When might you have a claim?

You may wish to seek legal advice if you rent from a housing association, you have reported repair problems, and repairs have not been completed within a reasonable period — particularly where the condition of your property has affected your health, safety or enjoyment of your home, or your belongings have been damaged because of the disrepair. The availability of a claim will depend on the circumstances of your case.

Supporting your claim

Helpful evidence may include repair reports, emails and letters, photographs, medical evidence where relevant, records of missed appointments, and details of damaged possessions. Keeping a clear record of events can assist in explaining the history of the disrepair.

Common challenges

Housing association tenants often experience long delays before repairs are completed, repairs that do not resolve the underlying issue, ongoing damp and mould, repeated contractor visits without a lasting solution, and poor communication. Legal advice may help you understand your options where repair issues remain unresolved.

We review the history of your repair issues, explain your legal rights and advise whether legal action may be appropriate. Where suitable, we assist tenants in seeking the completion of repairs and, where the law allows, compensation for losses arising from the disrepair.

Why choose Jefferson Clarke?

We provide:

• Specialist advice for housing association tenants
• Practical legal guidance
• Clear communication
• Professional support throughout your claim

See our full Housing Disrepair overview for the other repair problems we take on.