If your rented property in Stafford is unsafe, uncomfortable, or in poor condition due to neglect by your landlord, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim. This is a legal process that allows tenants to seek repairs and compensation when landlords fail in their duty to maintain rental homes.
Housing disrepair includes issues such as damp, mould, leaking roofs, broken heating, and unsafe electrical systems. These problems can have a serious impact on your health and quality of life, especially when they are ignored. Whether you live in a council house in Highfields, a housing association flat in Wildwood, or a private rental in Baswich, your landlord is legally required to keep the property in good condition.
At Marley Solicitors, we help tenants across Stafford hold negligent landlords accountable. We operate on a no win, no fee basis, so you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.
What is a housing disrepair claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a legal case made by a tenant against a landlord who has failed to carry out necessary repairs after being notified. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must ensure the property is structurally sound, safe, and free from hazards. This includes responsibility for:
- The structure and exterior of the building
- Heating and hot water systems
- Plumbing and drainage
- Gas and electrical installations
- Sanitation facilities, such as toilets and sinks
When these responsibilities are ignored, and you suffer as a result, you may be entitled to both repairs and compensation.
Can I make a housing disrepair claim in Stafford?
Yes, if you rent a property in Stafford and your landlord has failed to fix reported issues within a reasonable timeframe, you likely have grounds for a claim. Many properties in Stafford, especially older homes in areas like Doxey and Castletown, suffer from long-term neglect.
Common repair issues include:
- Damp and mould, often caused by leaks or poor ventilation
- Roof or ceiling leaks, particularly during heavy rain
- Faulty boilers, radiators, or no heating in winter
- Electrical faults that pose safety risks
- Infestations such as rats or cockroaches, caused by disrepair
- Crumbling brickwork, broken doors, or unsafe staircases
Stafford tenants are entitled to a safe and habitable home. If your landlord is aware of the problem and fails to act, they may be in breach of contract and health and safety regulations.
Why housing disrepair is a real issue in Stafford
In a town like Stafford, where the rental market includes a mix of older council properties and privately let homes, housing disrepair is a growing problem. We frequently assist tenants in places like Holmcroft, Weeping Cross, and Meadowcroft who are living in poor conditions despite repeated complaints to landlords or housing associations such as Homes Plus.
The impact of disrepair extends beyond discomfort. Damp and cold conditions can worsen respiratory illnesses, trigger skin conditions, and damage mental health. GP practices such as Stafford Health and Wellbeing Centre and Castlefields Health Centre regularly treat patients with health issues linked to poor housing.
What can I claim for?
If your claim is successful, you may receive:
- Repairs to the property
- Financial compensation for inconvenience and discomfort
- Reimbursement for any damaged belongings
- Partial rent refund for the affected period
- Medical expenses linked to disrepair-related health problems
The exact amount depends on how long the disrepair has existed, how serious it is, and how much it has affected your health and daily life.
What should I do if my landlord won’t fix the problem?
Follow these steps to build a strong case:
- Report the issue to your landlord in writing, including photos if possible
- Allow a reasonable amount of time for them to respond
- Keep records of all communications, including texts and emails
- Contact Marley Solicitors for a free consultation
- We will assess your case and take legal action if appropriate
Our team will deal with the legal process while you focus on your health and wellbeing.
Who can I claim against?
You can bring a housing disrepair claim against:
- Private landlords
- Housing associations such as Homes Plus, Clarion, or Riverside
- Stafford Borough Council
- Letting agents with maintenance responsibilities
Regardless of the type of landlord, the legal obligations are the same.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
We specialise in housing disrepair claims and have a strong track record of helping tenants in Stafford take back control of their living conditions. Our team understands the local property landscape and knows how to apply pressure when landlords delay or ignore their responsibilities.
What sets us apart:
- Deep knowledge of housing law and landlord obligations
- Local experience in Stafford and the surrounding areas
- Clear, jargon-free advice and fast case progression
- No win, no fee representation from day one
Whether you’re dealing with black mould in Baswich or no heating in Highfields, our solicitors can guide you through the process and help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Can I still claim if repairs are underway?
Yes. If your landlord only started repairs after long delays, or the work is incomplete or substandard, you may still be eligible for compensation. Past harm and inconvenience still count.
Can I claim if I’m behind on rent?
Yes, but it may affect your position. Even if you’re in rent arrears, your landlord still has a legal duty to repair the property. Let us know your situation, and we’ll advise you on the best approach.
Don’t let your landlord get away with neglect
If you’re living in a rented home in Stafford that’s in poor condition, and your landlord has ignored your requests for help, you don’t have to put up with it. Tenants have legal rights, and at Marley Solicitors, we’re here to help enforce them.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations to tenants across Stafford. If we take on your case, you won’t pay a penny unless we win compensation for you. Whether it’s mould, cold, leaks, or something more serious, don’t stay silent.
Call Marley Solicitors today and start your housing disrepair claim in Stafford. You’ve got nothing to lose, and potentially a lot to gain.
