Living in a rented property should offer peace of mind and basic comfort. But when a landlord fails to maintain the property to a legally acceptable standard, it becomes more than just an inconvenience – it becomes a legal issue. Housing disrepair claims are legal processes through which tenants can seek both repairs and financial compensation when landlords neglect their legal duties.
In Salisbury, where housing stock ranges from historical cottages to post-war council homes and new-build flats, problems like damp, mould, faulty boilers, and unsafe electrics are unfortunately all too common. If you’ve reported these issues and your landlord has failed to act, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim on a no win, no fee basis with Marley Solicitors.
What is a housing disrepair claim?
A housing disrepair claim is a legal claim brought against a landlord who has failed to carry out necessary repairs in a rented property. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining:
- The structure and exterior of the property
- Plumbing, heating, and water systems
- Electrical wiring and installations
- Gas pipes and appliances
- Communal areas in blocks of flats
These responsibilities apply to private landlords, housing associations, and local authorities such as Wiltshire Council, which oversees much of the social housing in and around Salisbury.
Can I claim housing disrepair compensation in Salisbury?
Absolutely; Whether you’re in Harnham, Bemerton Heath, Laverstock, or right in the Salisbury city centre, you are entitled to a safe and well-maintained home. If your landlord has ignored your complaints and allowed the property to fall into disrepair, you can take legal action. Marley Solicitors has helped many clients across Salisbury recover the cost of:
- Physical damage to personal belongings
- Illnesses or injuries caused by poor living conditions
- Emotional distress and inconvenience
- Additional living expenses (e.g. using electric heaters)
We work on a no win, no fee basis, which means there is no upfront cost and no financial risk to you.
What are the most common types of disrepair in Salisbury rental homes?
In Salisbury’s mixed housing stock, tenants frequently face the following types of disrepair:
- Damp and mould: Often found in older properties with poor ventilation or rising damp.
- Leaking roofs or ceilings: Especially in converted loft spaces or ageing flats.
- Broken boilers: A common issue during the colder Wiltshire winters.
- Faulty electrics: Flickering lights, broken sockets or outdated fuse boxes.
- Infestations: Rats, mice, or insects due to broken drainage or structural gaps.
- Unsafe stairs or flooring: A serious risk for children and elderly tenants.
Many of these problems can be exacerbated by Salisbury’s damp climate and the age of much of its housing.
How do I start a housing disrepair claim in Salisbury?
If you’re dealing with any of the above, follow these steps:
- Report the issue in writing to your landlord or property manager.
- Document everything: Take photos and keep a log of problems.
- Track communications: Save emails, texts, or letters you send and receive.
- See a doctor: If your health is affected, visit your GP or Salisbury District Hospital for medical evidence.
- Contact Marley Solicitors: We’ll assess your claim during a free consultation and guide you through the process.
We often work with tenants in estates managed by Wiltshire Council or large housing associations like Aster Group. Whether you’re in social housing or private accommodation, your rights remain the same.
What evidence do I need for a housing disrepair claim?
The strength of your case depends heavily on the evidence you can provide. We recommend collecting:
- Photographs or videos showing the extent of the damage
- Medical records if you’ve developed conditions like asthma, eczema, or anxiety
- Receipts for any damaged items (clothes, bedding, electronics)
- Written complaints to your landlord
- Inspection reports, if any exist
You can also request a formal assessment from environmental health at Wiltshire Council if the disrepair is affecting your health.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation is calculated based on:
- The severity of the disrepair
- Length of time the issue was unresolved
- Impact on your health and quality of life
- Cost of repairs or temporary measures you had to take
For tenants in Salisbury, payouts can range from £1,000 to over £15,000, especially in long-term cases where health has been severely impacted. Marley Solicitors ensures that every aspect of your suffering and financial loss is fully accounted for in your claim.
What if my landlord is a housing association or Wiltshire Council?
You still have the same rights. Many tenants mistakenly believe they can’t take legal action against councils or housing associations. This is false. Landlords are legally obliged to act promptly and effectively regardless of who they are. We’ve brought successful claims against:
- Wiltshire Council
- Aster Group
- Sovereign Housing Association
- Private landlords throughout Salisbury and the surrounding villages
If your child has missed school due to illness caused by the living conditions, or if you’ve had to sleep in a single room due to black mould elsewhere, we’ll build a case that reflects those serious consequences.
What makes Marley Solicitors the right choice in Salisbury?
- Local knowledge: We understand the housing issues specific to Salisbury, from old Georgian terraces in the city centre to newer developments in Bishopdown and Laverstock.
- Proven results: We’ve secured substantial settlements for tenants across Wiltshire.
- Client-first approach: Free consultations and a transparent, no-nonsense claims process.
- No win, no fee promise: You only pay if we win your case.
We’re not afraid to challenge housing providers who cut corners. If you’re tired of excuses, delays and living under unhealthy conditions, we’ll take action.
Frequently asked questions about housing disrepair in Salisbury
Can I be evicted for making a disrepair claim?
No. This is known as a “retaliatory eviction”, and it’s illegal in many cases, especially if you’ve already reported the disrepair. We can provide advice and protection throughout your claim.
How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
Most cases settle in 3 to 9 months, depending on the severity of the issues and the landlord’s cooperation. Emergency repairs can sometimes be secured faster.
Is there a time limit to make a claim?
Yes. You generally have up to 6 years to claim, but don’t delay – the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
What if the disrepair has made my child sick?
We treat these cases with high priority. We’ll gather medical evidence from local services such as Salisbury District Hospital, and if necessary, speak to schools or social services to support your claim.
Get expert help from Marley Solicitors today
If you’re living with housing disrepair in Salisbury, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to tolerate it. Whether your landlord is dragging their feet on repairs or outright ignoring you, we’re here to help. Our team will fight to get you both the repairs you need and the compensation you deserve.
Call Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here for Salisbury tenants, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Take back control of your living conditions with Marley Solicitors by your side.
