Private Landlord Claims

We are here for you if you are a private tenant with housing disrepair

Take our free quiz to find out if you have a claim or book a call with our friendly Housing Disrepair Team

Yes, we do help Private Tenants

But we do understand that it's not an easy decision.

Are you are a private tenant living with housing disrepair?

Are you are scared you might not get your deposit back?

Are you frightened about asking for help in case your landlord evicts you?

Are you at breaking point and just can't take it anymore?

What you need to do

The first step is to contact us. We won't do anything or contact your landlord without your consent. We will discuss your options with you and if we can help we will, but a housing disrepair claim might not be the right option and we will advise you accordingly.

Get Started Today

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this information is useful, but please contact us if you have any other questions

Can my landlord evict me if I start a claim?

The short answer unfortunately is still yes. Whilst there are some changes to the law coming which means landlords will not be able to evict you if you're not at fault, those changes still have yet to come into force and landlords can and will still evict as a means of retalliation.

How much will it cost me to claim?

We help private tenants on the same basis as council and housing association tenants - no win no fee. This means you do not pay anything up front and only pay for our services when your claim is successful.

What can I claim for?

You can claim compensation for living in a property that is in disrepair, along with any damages for personal items that have been damaged and any injury to your health due to the disrepair.

How much compensation will I receive?

The main focus of a housing disrepair claim is to get your property repaired to the highest possible standards (not your landlord's standard). Compensation depends on the severity of the disrepair and how long you have been complaining about it. It varies on a case by case basis.

What do I need in order to make a claim?

You need to have informed your landlord of the disrepair and given them a reasonable amount of time to make those repairs. If they are ignoring you or refusing to repair then providing you still live in the property and can prove that you have notified the landlord then you can make a claim.

I am in arrears, does this make a difference?

Yes, it can make a difference to your claim. If you are not paying rent (even if you believe that withholding rent is fair due to the poor state of your property) you are in breach of your tenancy agreement and your landlord can evict you.

Top 5 Benefits of a Damp, Mould and Condensation Survey

Top 5 Benefits of a Damp, Mould and Condensation Survey

February 28, 20254 min read

For landlords, addressing damp, mould, and condensation issues isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about protecting properties, maintaining tenant satisfaction, and staying compliant with increasingly stringent housing regulations. While some problems might seem minor at first glance, they can quickly escalate into costly repairs, legal claims, or reputational damage if left unchecked.

That’s where Damp, Mould, and Condensation (DMC) surveys come in. These professional inspections provide landlords with the insights they need to take targeted, effective action. In this post, we’ll explore the top five benefits of investing in a DMC survey and how they can transform the way you manage your properties.


1. Early Problem Detection

Damp and mould rarely appear overnight. Instead, they develop gradually, often showing subtle warning signs before escalating into significant issues. A professional DMC survey helps landlords detect these problems early, identifying:

  • Small areas of condensation that could lead to mould growth.

  • Minor leaks or water ingress that might go unnoticed.

  • Insufficient ventilation or heating that creates conditions for damp.

The Benefit: Early intervention saves landlords thousands in potential repair costs and ensures that minor issues don’t escalate into major problems.


2. Tailored, Actionable Recommendations

Every property is unique, and so are the causes of damp, mould, and condensation. A DMC survey doesn’t just diagnose the issue; it provides practical, tailored recommendations to resolve it. This could include:

  • Upgrading extractor fans to meet Building Regulation standards.

  • Improving insulation to prevent cold spots.

  • Educating tenants on proper heating and ventilation practices.

The Benefit: Landlords receive a clear roadmap for addressing issues, ensuring time and money are invested in effective solutions rather than guesswork.


3. Legal Compliance and Risk Mitigation

With the introduction of Awaab’s Law and the Fitness for Human Habitation Act, landlords face increased legal obligations to maintain safe and habitable properties. Ignoring damp and mould issues can lead to:

  • Housing conditions claims from tenants.

  • Intervention by the Housing Ombudsman or local councils.

  • Fines, compensation payouts, or court proceedings.

A professional DMC survey ensures landlords meet their legal obligations by:

  • Identifying compliance gaps.

  • Providing documentation to demonstrate proactive property management.

  • Offering evidence to counter tenant claims if disputes arise.

The Benefit: Protect yourself from legal and financial risks while ensuring your properties remain compliant with current regulations.


4. Improved Tenant Satisfaction

Damp and mould aren’t just property problems—they’re tenant problems. Left unaddressed, these issues can:

  • Impact tenant health, particularly for those with respiratory conditions.

  • Damage tenant belongings, leading to dissatisfaction or compensation requests.

  • Harm the landlord-tenant relationship, increasing the likelihood of complaints or negative reviews.

A DMC survey helps landlords address issues proactively, creating healthier living environments and improving tenant satisfaction.

The Benefit: Happier tenants are more likely to renew leases, reducing void periods and turnover costs.


5. Long-Term Property Protection

Properties are valuable investments, and maintaining them is essential to preserving their value. Damp, mould, and condensation can cause:

  • Structural damage, such as rotting timber or deteriorating plaster.

  • Reduced energy efficiency due to poor insulation or ventilation.

  • Long-term devaluation of the property.

A DMC survey provides landlords with the insights needed to protect their properties in the long term, addressing issues before they cause significant damage.

The Benefit: Protect your investment and ensure your properties retain their value for years to come.


Why Choose Redfearn Experts for DMC Surveys?

At Redfearn Experts, we specialise in providing comprehensive DMC surveys tailored to the needs of landlords, housing associations, and councils. Our service includes:

  • Advanced Testing: Using tools like thermal imaging and damp meters to identify hidden issues.

  • Occupant Consultation: Engaging with tenants to understand behaviours contributing to damp and mould.

  • Detailed Reporting: Delivering clear, actionable recommendations backed by data and photographic evidence.

With our expertise, you can confidently tackle damp, mould, and condensation, ensuring your properties are protected and your tenants are satisfied.


Conclusion

Damp, mould, and condensation are more than just inconvenient—they’re risks that can affect your properties, your tenants, and your bottom line. Investing in a professional DMC survey is one of the best ways to stay ahead of these challenges, providing early detection, actionable solutions, and long-term protection.

Ready to take the first step? Contact Redfearn Experts today to book your Damp, Mould, and Condensation survey and ensure your properties are protected from the inside out.

Read more about our DMC surveys or Contact Us now.

blog author image

Simon Redfearn

Simon is the founding director of Redfearn Experts, a surveyor with over 30 years experience in the building industry.

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