More and more, tenants are living in poor housing conditions with rising damp, mould, leaks, dangerous electrics, and vermin infestations which their landlord should have repaired.

* Whether you live in social housing or council housing, your landlord is responsible for making sure you live in a safe and habitable environment.

The tenancy agreement you signed should provide the protection that your landlord will keep the property in a good state of repair. Unfortunately, landlords don’t always fulfil their obligations. If this happens, you can make a claim on the basis of breach of contract. The landlord’s obligation usually only covers the structure, exterior, and supply of utilities to the property. For example, the basis of a disrepair claim could be for damage caused by a water leak as opposed to condensation.