Your questions.
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Dwellside Legal is for council and housing association tenants with a rented home in England. We do not accept private tenancy enquiries through this service. If you are unsure who your landlord is, check your tenancy agreement.

Report the problem to your landlord as soon as possible and keep a record. A repair report and a formal complaint are different things. The response needed will depend on the defect and how urgent it is; there is no single waiting period for every problem.

Keep any repair reference, call log or notes about who you spoke to and when. An email or message confirming your earlier report can help create a written record. Not having an email from the first report does not automatically rule out a claim.

A housing disrepair claim may seek appropriate repair works as well as compensation. The outcome depends on the landlord’s responsibilities, the evidence and the individual circumstances. Repairs and compensation are not guaranteed.

There is no fixed amount. Relevant factors may include the nature and duration of the disrepair, the effect on the use of your home and proven losses. An individual assessment is needed, so we do not present an automatic compensation figure.

Eligible claims may be funded through a conditional fee agreement. The agreement explains when fees apply, deductions if a claim succeeds, insurance and any circumstances where you could still have to pay. Read our costs and funding page for the approach used on this review website.

Rent arrears can affect your situation and need individual advice. Do not assume a disrepair claim removes rent obligations or protects you from other tenancy action. Continue to seek advice about both issues.

Do not stop paying rent or deduct repair costs without specific advice about your circumstances. This can create arrears and put your tenancy at risk.

Yes. You can use your landlord’s complaints process yourself. The Housing Ombudsman offers a free service and may be able to help with an unresolved complaint. A complaint and a court claim are different routes.

No. An enquiry does not instruct a solicitor or create a solicitor–client relationship. The team will review your enquiry before confirming whether it can assist.

This service is limited to council and housing association tenants in England. Private tenants may still have repair rights. Shelter and Citizens Advice can help you find appropriate information and support.

There is no reliable one-size-fits-all timescale. It can depend on the evidence, inspections, the landlord’s response and whether court proceedings are needed. Legal time limits also apply, so obtain advice promptly.