How to take your landlord to court for repairs

Check if you can take court action

You can take your landlord to court if they:

You need to show that they:

Find out more about how long a 'reasonable time' could be if you rent from:

The court could:

For example, you could get compensation if you lost money or had stress or inconvenience because of delayed repairs or things not being fixed.

You might have to prove that the problems caused damage to your health or property, or cost you money.

You need to decide if it's worth going to court.

Your landlord might ignore the court order to pay you compensation.

You will then have to go back to court and pay more fees.

It might take a long time to get the money if your landlord cannot or does not want to pay.

Your landlord could make a claim against you, for example for rent arrears or damage to the property.

You might end up owing your landlord money if the court agrees with them.

From 1 May 2026, your private landlord cannot give you a section 21 eviction notice.

This means your landlord cannot evict you just because you ask for repairs, complain or take them to court.

If your landlord gave you a section 21 notice before 1 May 2026, it could still be valid.

You can claim compensation after you move out, as long as you have the evidence.

You could get free legal help if:

you claim benefits or have a low income
the conditions in your home are very bad and are affecting your health or safety

You cannot get this help if you only want to claim compensation or you earn too much.

You could help from a 'no win no fee' solicitor. This is called a conditional fee arrangement.

It means a solicitor will not charge you unless you win your case.

If you win, you usually have to pay the solicitor's fee from your compensation.

Last updated: 1 May 2026