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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.
When disrepair is left unresolved, it can affect much more than the appearance of a property, it can undermine comfort at home, create health concerns, and leave tenants feeling stuck with problems they did not cause. Many social housing residents in Swindon report ongoing issues that are not dealt with properly, often because landlords fail to take timely action or meet their legal responsibilities. If your home is affected by damp and mould, water ingress, structural defects, or heating and hot water problems, you may be entitled to insist on repairs and seek compensation for the disruption and reduced enjoyment of your home.
SDS Solicitors supports tenants in Swindon and the surrounding area with housing disrepair matters. With decades of experience, the team takes an evidence-led approach, helping tenants record the issues, challenging landlord delays, and working to get properties brought back to a safe, warm and habitable standard. Where appropriate, SDS Solicitors will also pursue the compensation tenants are entitled to under UK law, reflecting the impact the disrepair has had on day-to-day living.
Housing disrepair refers to a failure by landlords, whether Swindon Borough 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 for housing disrepair depends on the seriousness of the problem, how long it has continued, and how it has affected your daily life. If essential parts of your home such as your kitchen or bathroom have not been usable, you may be entitled to a percentage of your rent for the time those areas were out of use.
In many cases, tenants can expect to receive between 25% and 50% of their annual rent as compensation. In more severe situations, this amount may be higher. At SDS Solicitors, we ensure every part of your claim is properly assessed, including financial losses, inconvenience, and the impact on your health and well-being.
Sheldon Davidson LL.B (Hons)
Managing Director
Living with persistent disrepair can affect every part of home life, from physical health to emotional wellbeing and household finances. In Swindon, tenants may find that damp and mould become ongoing problems in older properties or homes with poor ventilation, particularly where leaks or condensation are not dealt with promptly. These conditions can aggravate asthma and allergies, contribute to respiratory infections and lead to longer-term health concerns, especially for children, older residents and anyone with existing medical conditions. Where the property is also affected by structural defects, it can increase safety risks and make parts of the home difficult to use comfortably.
Disrepair can also bring avoidable financial pressure. Tenants may have to deal with damage to belongings, higher energy bills where heating systems are inefficient, and the cost of temporary measures simply to cope while waiting for repairs. The emotional impact is often significant too, with many residents experiencing stress, embarrassment and a reduced ability to relax or feel settled at home.
If a landlord is not addressing these issues, tenants do not have to cope alone. Taking early legal advice can be an important step towards securing the repairs needed and improving living conditions.
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 Swindon, and in the wider South West area, your local Council is likely to be Swindon Borough 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 Swindon and South West, some of the most common housing associations include:
Other private providers operate in Swindon, 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 Swindon.
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.
Our housing disrepair solicitors supports tenants in Swindon where landlords have failed to deal with serious defects or have allowed problems to continue without proper repair. A free initial consultation is available to assess the situation and explain the options, with no obligation to proceed. Claims can be handled under a No Win, No Fee agreement, meaning there are no upfront costs and nothing to pay unless the claim succeeds.
SDS Solicitors can manage the claim from start to finish, helping tenants record the disrepair, gather supporting evidence and dealing directly with the landlord to push for progress. Where repairs are still delayed or the landlord disputes responsibility, the team can negotiate settlement and, if necessary, issue court proceedings to secure both the required works and appropriate compensation. Throughout, the focus remains on professional support, clear communication and achieving the best possible outcome for the tenant.
If you believe you have grounds for a housing disrepair claim for a Swindon 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 Swindon and surrounding areas. Whether you’re based in Walcot East, Dorcan Central, Gorse Hill, Pinehurst Ward, Penhill or Upper Stratton 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.
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No, there are laws in place protecting 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 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.
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Sheldon Davidson
