Quick summary: Damp, mould, leaks or repair delays? Learn which photos, landlord messages, rent records and impact evidence can help organise a housing disrepair complaint.
Photograph the condition clearly
Keep dated photographs and videos of damp, mould, leaks, broken heating, damaged plaster, pest issues or unsafe conditions. Include wide shots and close-ups so the location and scale are clear.
Show when the landlord was told
Save emails, texts, portal messages, repair reports, call notes and any acknowledgements. Evidence that the landlord or agent knew about the problem is often central.
Keep repair and inspection records
Organise contractor visits, missed appointments, temporary repairs, inspection notes and promises to return. A timeline helps show whether the response was reasonable.
Record the impact on daily life
Keep evidence of damaged belongings, extra heating costs, rooms you could not use, health symptoms, medical notes where relevant and any disruption to children, work or sleep.
Evidence checklist
- Dated photographs and videos
- Messages to landlord or letting agent
- Repair reports and missed appointments
- Rent records and tenancy documents
- Evidence of damaged belongings or extra costs
- Medical or vulnerability evidence where relevant
Common questions
Do I need to prove the landlord knew about the problem?
Usually the timeline is much clearer if you can show when the landlord, agent or housing provider was told and how they responded.
Should I keep photos after repairs are done?
Yes. Before, during and after photographs can help show how long the problem lasted and whether the repair fully resolved it.
Can health or mould symptoms be relevant?
They can be relevant where the complaint includes impact on health or living conditions. Keep medical notes, photos and records of how the room was affected.
What if repairs were promised but never completed?
Keep each promise, appointment date, missed visit and follow-up message. Repeated delays can be important when building the timeline.
Should I stop paying rent?
Do not stop paying rent without proper advice. Keep rent records and focus on documenting the repair problem, notice given and the landlord response.