Council & Housing Association Claims
As a social housing tenant, you have strong legal rights. Councils and Housing Associations are professional landlords and are held to a high standard.
Start Your ClaimYour Rights as a Social Tenant
Whether your landlord is a local council or a housing association, they have the exact same legal duties as a private landlord to keep your home in good repair. This includes fixing issues with the structure, heating, plumbing, and any other problem that makes your home unsafe or unhealthy. In fact, as large, professional organisations, they are often expected to have robust systems in place for handling repairs efficiently.
Held to a High Standard
The Housing Ombudsman & Legal Action
Two Paths to Justice
Before starting a legal claim, social housing tenants are usually required to go through their landlord's formal complaints procedure. If the issue is still not resolved, you can escalate it to the Housing Ombudsman. However, the Ombudsman cannot award the same level of compensation as a court. A legal claim is often the most effective way to secure both the full compensation you deserve and a binding order for the repairs to be completed.
What a Successful Claim Provides
We can help you hold your council or housing association landlord to account.
Full Compensation Award
Receive a payment for the period you have lived with the disrepair, reflecting the impact on you and your family.
Court Order for Repairs
We secure a legally binding order to ensure the necessary repairs are completed properly and without further delay.
Key Evidence for Your Claim
Keeping a clear record is the most important step:
- Dated photos of the disrepair
- Copies of your tenancy agreement
- Records of all communication with your landlord
- A log of the formal complaint process
Council & Housing Association FAQs
No. They are both classified as 'social landlords' and have the same legal responsibilities under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and other housing laws. They cannot use lack of funding as an excuse for failing to carry out essential repairs.
No. As a council or housing association tenant, you almost certainly have a secure or assured tenancy. This gives you very strong legal protection against eviction. They cannot simply ask you to leave for making a complaint or a disrepair claim.
Yes, for social housing tenants, it is a required step called the 'pre-action protocol'. You must show that you have given your landlord a fair opportunity to resolve the issue through their own system before you can take legal action. We can guide you through this process.
If your housing officer is unresponsive, you must escalate the issue by making a formal corporate complaint. All social landlords have a multi-stage complaints procedure. Following this process is crucial for building your case if legal action becomes necessary.
Yes, absolutely. Your tenancy rights and your landlord's legal obligations are exactly the same regardless of whether you pay your rent yourself or receive benefits to cover it. Your benefit status has no impact on your right to claim.
Hold Your Social Landlord to Account
You have a right to a safe and healthy home. If your council or housing association is failing you, contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim.
Start Your Free Assessment Today