You are entitled to have essential repairs carried out and you may be entitled to compensation depending on the extent of the disrepair and how long the disrepair has been on-going.

Examples of disrepair would be damp causing condensation and mould in a property. This can be caused by a leaking roof, broken or blocked gutters, cracked walls or rendering, leaking pipes or rotten window frames.

Condensation is the most common form of damp in properties. This occurs when moisture in the air comes in contact with a cold surface, such as window or a cold wall. Mould can grow on walls and window frames. Severe mould growth can be a health problem for people with asthma or other chest problems and can exacerbate these conditions.

Landlords must be notified of any disrepair and cannot delay unreasonably in carrying out remedial works. If a landlord fails to act, you may be eligible for compensation for the inconvenience caused, including ill heath that has been caused by or exacerbated respiratory symptoms attributable to the dampness.