No one should have to live in a home that puts their health at risk. Yet, in Prescot and surrounding areas, many tenants continue to face serious problems with housing conditions. From damp-ridden walls to broken heating systems, the impact of neglect by landlords can be severe.
If you are a tenant in Prescot and your landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs, you may be entitled to pursue a housing disrepair claim. This process allows you not only to request necessary repairs but also to claim financial compensation where appropriate.
What housing disrepair really means
Housing disrepair is more than just an inconvenience. It refers to any damage or defect in a rented property that a landlord has failed to repair and which affects the property’s safety, comfort, or usability.
This might involve physical damage to the structure of the home, faults in the heating or plumbing systems, or even ongoing problems with pests. In legal terms, if a landlord has been notified of the issue and has not resolved it within a reasonable time, they may be liable.
Local challenges in Prescot
Prescot has a mixture of private rental homes and social housing stock. While many properties are well-maintained, some tenants live in buildings that are decades old, with outdated systems and structural weaknesses. When repairs are not carried out promptly, the consequences can quickly escalate.
Reports of long-standing damp, heating failures during winter, or leaks that go unaddressed for months are not uncommon. Unfortunately, tenants are sometimes left with little choice but to seek legal advice.
Legal obligations landlords must follow
Landlords in the UK are legally required to maintain their properties to a minimum standard. These obligations include:
- Ensuring the structure and exterior (such as walls, windows, and roof) remain in good repair
- Maintaining a safe and working supply of water, gas, electricity, and heating
- Keeping drains, toilets, and sinks clear and operational
- Fixing any damage that could impact health, including issues causing damp or mould
If a landlord is informed of a problem and does not fix it in a reasonable amount of time, they may be in breach of the tenancy agreement and housing law.
What can tenants in Prescot claim for?
If you are experiencing disrepair and your landlord has ignored your reports, you may be able to claim:
- Compensation for distress or disruption to your daily life
- Costs of damaged personal items (such as furniture or clothing)
- Medical costs if your health has been affected by the living conditions
- Excess energy bills (for example, if you needed to use electric heaters due to a broken boiler)
The amount you can claim will depend on the severity of the issue, how long it went unresolved, and how much it has affected your health or finances.
Can repairs be ordered even if you remain in the home?
Yes. Most housing disrepair claims are brought while the tenant still lives in the property. In many cases, one of the goals of the claim is not just to receive compensation but to force the landlord to carry out proper repairs.
You do not need to move out or end your tenancy to begin the legal process. In fact, your claim may help ensure the issues are resolved more quickly.
How the claim process works
At Marley Solicitors, we support tenants in Prescot through every stage of their claim. Here’s how a typical process unfolds:
- Initial consultation
We speak with you to understand the problems you are facing and determine whether you may have a valid legal claim. - Evidence collection
You will need to gather proof of the disrepair, such as photographs, letters or emails to the landlord, medical reports, and witness statements. - Letter before action
Our legal team will write to your landlord, clearly outlining the issues and your right to claim compensation and request repairs. - Expert inspection
In some cases, we may arrange for a surveyor to assess the condition of the property and prepare a report. - Negotiation or court action
If your landlord fails to respond or refuses to carry out repairs, we may issue court proceedings to secure both compensation and the necessary work.
How long do you have to claim?
The general time limit for a housing disrepair claim is six years from the date the disrepair began. However, if your claim involves personal injury (such as a medical condition linked to damp or mould), the time limit is usually three years from when the health issue was diagnosed.
We recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible to avoid missing any deadlines and to prevent conditions from worsening.
Why local support in Prescot matters
While many national firms offer disrepair claims, working with a solicitor who understands Prescot and its housing landscape can make a real difference. At Marley Solicitors, we’re familiar with the issues tenants face in this part of Merseyside – whether you’re dealing with a private landlord, the council, or a housing association.
We provide practical advice, swift legal action, and personal support tailored to your situation. Our focus is not just on compensation but on helping you live in a property that is safe and fit for purpose.
How Marley Solicitors can help
When your home is in poor condition and your landlord fails to act, you need more than legal knowledge – you need a team that listens, cares, and acts quickly. We offer:
- Free initial assessments
- No win, no fee representation in suitable cases
- Friendly legal experts with housing law experience
- A local team committed to helping Prescot tenants live safely
Whether your heating has failed this winter or you’re suffering from untreated mould, we can help you take action.
Take the first step toward a safer home
You deserve to live in a home that supports your health and wellbeing. If you are renting in Prescot and believe your landlord has neglected essential repairs, contact Marley Solicitors today.
We will guide you through your options, help you gather the necessary evidence, and begin the legal process on your behalf. Your right to a safe home is not optional, and we’re here to help you enforce it.
