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What evidence do you need for a housing disrepair claim?
Good evidence makes a claim stronger and quicker. You do not need everything, and you can start gathering it today.
- Take dated photos and videos
- Keep every message to your landlord
- Do not worry if you are missing some
What to gather
Photos and videos
Show the problem clearly, in every affected room, and repeat every few weeks so the spread is visible.
Proof you told your landlord
Emails, texts, letters, online portal messages and call notes with dates and reference numbers.
Missed or failed repairs
Dates of appointments that were cancelled, missed or did not fix the problem.
Medical records
GP or hospital notes, prescriptions or letters if the problem has affected anyone's health.
Costs and receipts
Heaters, dehumidifiers, cleaning, replacement items and higher bills linked to the problem.
Other people
Names of neighbours, family or visitors who have seen the problem and could confirm it.
Taking good photos and videos
- Start with a wide shot of the room, then take close-ups of each defect
- Put a coin or ruler next to damp, cracks or damage so the size is clear
- Use your phone's own camera so the date and time are saved
- Photograph damaged belongings before you move or throw them away
- Keep the original files and avoid filters or edits
- Photos can contain location data, so tell us if you want to take extra care
A simple problem diary
Write a short note each time something happens. A few lines is enough.
| Date | What happened | Who you contacted | What they said |
|---|---|---|---|
| Example: 3 March | Mould spread to the bedroom ceiling | Emailed the housing officer | Said an inspection would be booked |
Things to avoid
- Do not withhold rent without taking advice first, because arrears can put your tenancy at risk
- Do not rely on memory alone. Write things down as they happen
- Do not carry out major repairs yourself without telling your landlord in writing
- Do not worry if you have gaps. Tell us what you have and we will explain what else would help
Questions
Do I need an expert report to start?
No. Your photos and records are a good start. If an expert is needed, your solicitor can arrange one later.
Are phone photos good enough?
Yes. Keep the original files rather than screenshots, because they hold the date and time.
What if my landlord has already inspected?
Keep any report, letter or message that followed the visit. It can be important evidence.
Ready to find out where you stand?
It takes about two minutes and there is no obligation.
Check my claimHow our fees work
Disrepair Claims Hub is a trading style of Equitas Solicitors Ltd. Our own solicitors handle every claim from start to finish, and we explain our fees in writing before you sign anything. Read the full guide to our fees.
- Upfront: you pay nothing to start.
- If your claim succeeds: your landlord usually pays most of our costs. If it does not pay all of them, a success fee may apply, capped at 25% of your damages. The insurance premium, a flat £425 plus Insurance Premium Tax (£476.00 in total at the current 12% rate), is payable only if you win and comes out of your compensation. VAT [applies / does not apply] to our fees.
- If it does not succeed: you do not pay our charges, provided you have kept to your agreement with us. Your insurance is designed to cover the other side's costs and the expenses it insures. Cover can be lost in some situations, and in a few you may have to pay our charges. These are explained in the full guide.
- What's included: [list the stages covered], usually taking [X to Y months].
- Cooling-off: you have 14 days to cancel after signing without charge. If you cancel, your insurance ends too.
Complaints
We want to put things right. If you're unhappy, tell us at Enquiries@disrepairclaimshub.co.uk, on [phone] or in writing to [address]. We'll acknowledge your complaint within [X] working days and aim to reply within [Y] weeks. [Insert the steps of your procedure.]
If we can't resolve it, you can complain to the Legal Ombudsman, normally within six months of our final written response. [COLP to confirm current time limits.] You can also report concerns about our conduct to the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
Privacy notice
Equitas Solicitors Ltd is the data controller. We use the details you give us to assess your enquiry, contact you and, if you instruct us, handle your claim. Our lawful bases are [list them]. We share data only with [service providers, insurers, experts, courts] and keep it for [retention period]. If you upload photos or videos, we use them only to assess your claim, and they may contain location data.
You can ask to see, correct or delete your data, restrict or object to its use, or ask for a copy. Contact Enquiries@disrepairclaimshub.co.uk. You can also complain to the Information Commissioner's Office. We only send news and offers if you tick the optional box, and you can opt out at any time. [Replace with your full UK GDPR privacy notice.]
Who we are
Disrepair Claims Hub is a trading style of Equitas Solicitors Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 459787. Company number 5871121. Registered office: Muirfields Buildings, 5 Fairways Office Park, Pittman Way, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9LF.