MAKE A NEW CLAIM 0333 999 3902
Has your council or social housing property fallen into disrepair?
Are you renting from the Council or a Housing Association? You may be entitled to compensation.
Living in a home that has fallen into disrepair can have a real and lasting effect on day-to-day life, as well as on health and overall wellbeing. Sadly, many social housing tenants in Folkestone are left dealing with problems like these when landlords fail to meet their legal obligations. If your property is affected by issues such as damp and mould, structural damage, or unreliable heating, you may be entitled to seek compensation and require that the necessary repairs are completed.
SDS Solicitors supports tenants in Folkestone and the surrounding areas with housing disrepair claims. Drawing on decades of experience, the team works to ensure properties are returned to a safe, warm, and habitable standard. SDS Solicitors takes a robust approach to challenging landlord inaction—pursuing repairs and working to secure the compensation tenants are entitled to under UK law.
Housing disrepair refers to a failure by landlords, whether Folkestone and Hythe District Council or housing association, to keep a rented property in good repair. This includes maintaining the structure and systems essential for a habitable home, such as heating, plumbing, and electrical safety. Common disrepair issues tenants face include:
Mould is a common issue in disrepair claims.
Issues with electrics can be a serious safety issue.
Disrepair can attract rats, mice, and other vermin.
Broken seals and locks can be a security issue.
Landlords are legally obligated to keep a property in a reasonable state of repair and landlords must provide safe, habitable living conditions throughout your assured tenancy.
Compensation in housing disrepair claims will depend on how serious the defects are, how long they have been ongoing, and the extent to which they have affected everyday living. Where key areas of the home, such as the kitchen, bathroom, or vital facilities, have been unusable for a period of time, tenants may be able to recover compensation calculated as a proportion of their rent for the time those areas were out of use.
As a general guide, awards can be up to 50% of the annual rent for the relevant period, although particularly serious cases may justify a higher figure. SDS Solicitors will carefully review the full circumstances of the disrepair to ensure all heads of loss are included, including any financial outlay, disruption and distress, and the impact on health and wellbeing.
Sheldon Davidson LL.B (HONS)
Managing Director
Living in a property affected by disrepair can place a heavy physical, emotional, and financial burden on tenants. Damp and mould are frequently reported in Folkestone, particularly where homes are older or prone to moisture issues, and they can contribute to breathing difficulties, allergies, and other longer-term health concerns. Structural defects can be just as serious, creating hazards that leave a home feeling unsafe and, in some cases, unfit to live in comfortably.
The impact is not limited to health. Disrepair can also lead to avoidable costs, such as damaged possessions and higher energy bills where heating systems are ineffective or the property struggles to retain warmth. Many tenants also experience a significant knock-on effect on their mental wellbeing, including stress, worry and a reduced ability to relax or feel at home.
Where a landlord fails to act, tenants do not have to tolerate unacceptable conditions alone. Taking early legal advice can be an important first step towards securing the repairs needed and restoring a safe living environment.
Social housing in England can be handled by either a Council, which is a government authority, or by private Housing Associations which rent out properties. In Folkestone, and in the wider Kent area, your local Council is likely to be Folkestone and Hythe District Council however other authorities may operate in the surrounding areas.
If your property is under the responsibility of a private Housing Association, this organisation must be properly registered and approved by the UK Government to operate in England. You can check the details of your association on the list of registered providers on the Government’s website. In Folkestone and Kent, some of the most common housing associations include:
Other private providers operate in Folkestone, and you can still make a claim for disrepair issues if you are dealing with a provider who does not have a local office in Folkestone.
I have been very happy with all the help your staff have given me during my claim. Mr B
I have been very happy with all the help your staff have given me during my claim.
SDS Solicitors’ housing disrepair team has extensive experience supporting tenants in Folkestone to challenge landlord failings and secure proper action. A free initial consultation is available to review the circumstances and advise on the next steps, without any obligation to proceed. Claims can be handled under a No Win, No Fee agreement, meaning there is nothing to pay unless the case succeeds, allowing tenants to pursue repairs and compensation without taking on unnecessary financial risk.
From the outset, our housing disrepair solicitors can assist with gathering clear evidence of the disrepair, corresponding with the landlord, and pushing for repairs within an appropriate timeframe. Where needed, the firm can also negotiate settlement or take formal legal action to achieve a resolution. The team recognises how upsetting and disruptive poor housing conditions can be and works with care and determination to secure the best possible outcome for each client.
If you believe you have grounds for a housing disrepair claim for a Folkestone home, you must be able to answer the following questions:
Contact SDS Solicitors. Our team will assess your claim and provide expert advice on the process of claiming for housing disrepair.
Established in Manchester in 1997, SDS Solicitors is a trusted name in housing disrepair claims. We proudly serve clients across Folkestone and surrounding areas. Whether you’re based in Central Folkestone or East Folkestone our expert solicitors are ready to help.
We also offer nationwide support across England. With our No Win, No Fee promise, you face no financial risk in pursuing your claim.
Contact us today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll ensure your home is safe and habitable once again.
£50
Earn £50 from our recommendation Bonus scheme. It’s easy!
No, there are laws in place protecting Folkestone Council and Housing Association tenants from being evicted for starting a housing disrepair compensation claim against their landlord.
Yes, you should continue regular rent payments throughout a Folkstone disrepair claim unless you have come to an agreement with the landlord about reducing or withholding rent. Rent arrears could make you liable for eviction, even if you have reduced your rent payments by a reasonable amount while the issues is not resolved or during the repairs if these affect the function of the house or some of the rooms.
By submitting, you consent to us processing your information to respond to your enquiry. We may contact you by phone, email, SMS or post. Privacy Policy
You will be contacted by one of our team calling from an 0161 number.
Sheldon Davidson
