New Year Resolutions for Tenants Facing Housing Disrepair

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect, set fresh goals, and make positive changes. For tenants struggling with housing disrepair, this could be the time to take action and ensure your home is safe, comfortable, and properly maintained. Whether you’re dealing with persistent damp, faulty heating, mould, or structural issues, now is the moment to tackle these problems and assert your right to a livable, well-kept home.

Maria had spent the last winter wrapped in three blankets, struggling with a faulty boiler her landlord refused to fix. Every morning, she woke up to condensation dripping down the walls, mould creeping further into the corners of her bedroom. Despite multiple complaints, nothing changed—except for her rising heating bills.

Sound familiar? If you’re a tenant dealing with housing disrepair, the year is a perfect time to take control. Whether it’s damp, leaks, or broken heating, resolving disrepair can also save you money. Here’s how to start the year right.

Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Many tenants don’t realise that UK law protects them from living in unsafe conditions. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are responsible for keeping properties habitable. That means:

• Fixing structural damage
• Addressing damp and mould
• Maintaining heating and plumbing systems
• Ensuring electrical safety

If your landlord isn’t taking action, you’re not powerless. Knowing your rights means you can push back effectively, whether by filing complaints, escalating the issue to your local council, or even seeking compensation. Spend 10 minutes reading up on your rights. Resources like Shelter and Citizens Advice can help.

Report Repairs Promptly and Persistently

Landlords aren’t mind readers. If you don’t report a problem, they won’t fix it, and the longer you wait, the worse (and more expensive) the damage gets. Do This:

• Report the issue in writing (email is best).
• Include photos, dates, and a clear description of the problem.
• Set a reasonable deadline for a response.

If your landlord ignores you, follow up regularly. And if they still don’t act, escalate—contact your local council, environmental health, or a housing solicitor. Report any disrepair within 48 hours of noticing it. Keep records of all communication.

Stop Overpaying on Bills Caused by Disrepair

Housing disrepair doesn’t just make life uncomfortable, it can cost you money. Issues like poor insulation, faulty boilers, and damp walls mean you’re using more energy than you should. Ways Disrepair Can Hike Your Bills:

• Damp walls make heating less effective, forcing you to turn it up.
• Broken boilers mean you’re paying for electric heaters instead of central heating.
• Drafty windows and poor insulation let warmth escape, making your energy bills soar.

If your home is costing you more due to landlord negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Track your bills over time—if disrepair is making them rise, use this as evidence when pushing for repairs.

Get Expert Help When Needed

Not all landlords respond to polite emails. If you’ve been ignored for months, it’s time to bring in the professionals. A housing disrepair solicitor can help:

• Force repairs to be completed
• Claim compensation for damage to your belongings or health
• Ensure you don’t have to suffer through another winter in poor conditions

The best part? Many firms, including SilverOak Solicitors, work on a No Win No Fee basis that means you won’t pay anything unless they win your case. If your landlord is ignoring you, speak to a solicitor before things get worse.

Take Small Steps to Prevent Bigger Problems

While major repairs are your landlord’s responsibility, there are simple things you can do to prevent minor issues from turning into major ones.

• Open windows regularly to reduce condensation.
• Wipe down mould-prone areas before they spread.
• Keep an eye on pipes in winter to prevent freezing and leaks.

These small actions can help strengthen your case when reporting disrepair—showing that you’re doing your part while your landlord isn’t. Stay on top of small maintenance tasks that can prevent bigger problems later.

Consider Your Next Steps—Is It Time to Move?

If disrepair is making your home uninhabitable, it might be time to consider moving. Some landlords simply won’t change, and living in poor conditions can take a toll on your health, finances, and peace of mind. Ask Yourself:

• Is my landlord refusing to fix basic safety issues?
• Am I paying too much in bills due to disrepair?
• Is this affecting my health and wellbeing?

If the answer is yes, start looking at other rental options. And if you need to move out due to serious disrepair, you may even be able to claim compensation for the inconvenience. Start researching better housing options if your landlord refuses to act.

Don’t Let Another Year Go to Waste

Housing disrepair can feel overwhelming, but taking small steps now will make a huge difference in the long run. Whether it’s learning your rights, pushing for repairs, or seeking legal help, you deserve to live in a safe and comfortable home.

A Fresh Start with SilverOak Solicitors

If you’re tired of waiting and need legal support, SilverOak Solicitors are here to help. Contact us today on 020 8578 7778 to see how we can fight for your rights and make sure 2025 is the year your landlord finally takes action.