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Housing Association Disrepair
Housing Association Disrepair Claims
Housing association tenants have the same legal rights as all social housing tenants — including the protections of Awaab's Law. Abraham Baron Solicitors pursue disrepair claims against registered social landlords.
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Housing association tenants and housing disrepair
Housing associations — Registered Social Landlords regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing — have the same repair obligations as councils and private landlords, plus additional protections under Awaab's Law.
Housing associations are Registered Social Landlords (RSLs) regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. They include well-known names such as Midland Heart, Bromford, Optivo and Clarion as well as smaller local associations. As landlords, housing associations are bound by exactly the same section 11 duties under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 as private landlords and councils — they must keep in repair the structure and exterior, installations for water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating. The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires the property to be fit for habitation throughout the tenancy, and the Defective Premises Act 1972 imposes duties where defective maintenance creates a danger. As social landlords, housing associations also face the Decent Homes Standard, HHSRS requirements and the emergency timescales of Awaab's Law. It was a housing association property — managed by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing — where Awaab Ishak died from mould exposure in 2020, triggering the legislation that now bears his name.
Many housing association tenants are unsure whether to complain to the Housing Ombudsman or instruct solicitors for legal action. The Housing Ombudsman can investigate complaints about service failures and order remedies including apologies, compensation and service improvements. However, Ombudsman compensation is typically modest — often a few hundred pounds — and the process can take many months. For significant housing disrepair — persistent damp and mould, structural defects, prolonged loss of heating — a legal claim through solicitors is more effective at securing meaningful compensation and court-ordered repairs. Abraham Baron Solicitors handle all housing association claims on a no win, no fee basis. You can pursue both an Ombudsman complaint and a legal claim simultaneously, though we advise discussing this with us to ensure the two processes do not conflict.
The housing disrepair pre-action protocol applies to housing association claims in the same way as to councils and private landlords. Abraham Baron Solicitors send a formal letter of claim giving the housing association 20 working days to respond. Where they fail to engage or offer an inadequate response, we issue court proceedings seeking compensation and an order requiring repairs. We have extensive experience claiming against housing associations across the West Midlands and understand their internal processes, legal teams and typical response patterns. Call us on 0330 133 0777 for a free, no-obligation consultation about your housing association disrepair.
Housing association claims we handle
Housing association disrepair claims we handle
We pursue all types of disrepair claims against registered social landlords
Damp and mould claims
Persistent damp and mould in housing association properties with Awaab's Law protections
Structural disrepair
Cracked walls, roof defects and structural defects in RSL-managed properties
Heating and hot water
Broken boilers and heating systems — emergency Awaab's Law repair timescales apply
Plumbing and drainage
Burst pipes, sewage issues and water damage in housing association properties
Electrical safety
Faulty wiring and electrical hazards with EICR compliance requirements
Awaab's Law breaches
Housing associations failing to meet the emergency repair timescales under Awaab's Law
Awaab's Law duties on housing associations
Why choose Abraham Baron Solicitors for your housing association claim?
No Win No Fee
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Zero upfront cost for housing association claims.
RSL Claim Expertise
We regularly claim against housing associations and understand their internal processes and legal teams.
Awaab's Law Enforcement
We enforce the strict timescales that housing associations must meet under Awaab's Law.
Better Than Ombudsman
Legal claims recover significantly more compensation than Housing Ombudsman complaints.
Regulatory Leverage
We leverage Decent Homes Standard, HHSRS and Regulator of Social Housing requirements.
Free Assessment
Call 0330 133 0777 for a free, no-obligation assessment of your housing association claim.
Frequently asked questions
Is a housing association the same as a council for disrepair claims?
Housing associations and councils are both social landlords and face very similar legal obligations — section 11 duties, Homes Act fitness requirements, Decent Homes Standard and Awaab's Law all apply to both. The main differences are regulatory: councils are public bodies subject to judicial review, while housing associations are regulated by the Regulator of Social Housing. In terms of your rights as a tenant to claim compensation for disrepair, the process is essentially the same. Abraham Baron Solicitors handle claims against both with equal expertise.
Should I use the Housing Ombudsman or instruct a solicitor?
For significant housing disrepair, a legal claim through solicitors is more effective. The Housing Ombudsman can order apologies, modest compensation (typically a few hundred pounds) and service improvements, but the process is slow and the remedies limited. A legal claim through Abraham Baron Solicitors seeks full compensation — general damages based on rent reduction plus special damages for belongings, health impact and other losses — as well as a court order requiring repairs. You can pursue both routes simultaneously, but discuss this with us first to ensure they do not conflict.
What is Awaab's Law and how does it affect housing associations?
Awaab's Law was introduced following the death of Awaab Ishak in a housing association property and places strict timescales on social landlords including housing associations. They must investigate reported hazards within 14 days, begin repairs within 7 days if a health risk is identified, and complete emergency repairs within 24 hours. Failure to meet these timescales significantly strengthens a tenant's compensation claim. Abraham Baron Solicitors enforce Awaab's Law timescales as part of every housing association claim where applicable.
How do I start a housing association disrepair claim?
First, ensure you have reported the disrepair to your housing association in writing — use their online portal, email or write a letter. Keep copies of everything and note any reference numbers provided. Then contact Abraham Baron Solicitors on 0330 133 0777 for a free, no-obligation assessment. We review your evidence, assess the strength of your claim, and handle everything from the pre-action letter through to settlement or court proceedings on a no win, no fee basis.
Can I claim if my housing association repaired the problem but took too long?
Yes. Compensation covers the entire period of disrepair — from when the housing association was notified (or should reasonably have been aware) until the repairs were completed. If your housing association eventually carried out repairs but took six months to do so, you are entitled to compensation for those six months of inconvenience, discomfort and any damage caused. The fact that repairs have now been done does not extinguish your right to claim for the period you lived with the disrepair. Abraham Baron Solicitors regularly pursue retrospective claims.
How your housing association claim works
Simple, transparent process from start to finish
Free Consultation
Tell us about the disrepair and your complaints to the housing association. We assess your claim for free.
Pre-Action Letter
We send a formal letter to the housing association citing their legal duties and Awaab's Law obligations.
Survey and Evidence
We instruct independent surveyors to document the disrepair and compile medical evidence where relevant.
Compensation and Repairs
We negotiate with the housing association's legal team or pursue court proceedings for compensation and repairs.
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- We aim to respond within 24 hours
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Client reviews
Trusted by hundreds of clients
Stephane Bowley
I can recommend Ali to anyone he's very good at his job work really hard and keep you updated at all times.
Sheila Garces
I can't recommend this firm enough for their outstanding support during my housing disrepair case. From the very beginning, Ali made me feel heard and understood, which meant so much during what was a really stressful time.
Ahsan Hussain
Dealt with Isaa with regards to my personal injury claim, he was very professional and prompt with dealing with my claim, kept me updated and helped to get me a great settlement, would definitely recommend to others.
Shaz Josephs
From start to finish of my claim I can't say anything but thank you Isaa. 100% true to your word. What an amazing Solicitor.
Molly White
Absolutely amazing solicitors, helped me with my housing disrepair claim, from start to finish my solicitor Ali was amazing kept me updated on everything, everyone was also very polite who I spoke to highly recommended.
Alex
After a court case with my local council after their repeated failure for nearly two years to solve the mould and damp within my house I contacted Abraham Baron Solicitors and in no time did they help with my claim.
A M L
I am very grateful to Abraham Baron solicitors for their great work, specially Bahja has done a great work supporting me all the way through and they got the best result possible. Thank you very much.
Father and son Gaming
Took care of our claim from start to finish and the result was pretty decent. Thanks to everyone's hard work we got the desired outcome.
imaan aziz
Isaa has been a very good solicitor he has showed me and explained every detail of the situation I have been in and I appreciate it so much. I would recommend him to you guys.
Umar Asghar
Very highly respected people Nazsh and Ali Kassam both helped me with my case, always helped if I had any problems and concerns. Thank you so much for everything.
Aaron Webster
My handler Junayd did fantastic work in winning my settlement.
Arshe Habib
They are the most professional and the best when it comes to disrepair claims and worked really hard.
kamal hamed
Thank you so much Abraham Solicitors for sorting out my ongoing problems in my flats. Special thank you to Mr Ali Kassam, who is a very talented, kind and responsible person.
Sean Connolly
I can recommend this company they fixed all my disrepair to my home. Jayned was my solicitor and he was excellent and I'd use them again if I need their help.
Satish Malaviya
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Special thanks to Issa, who handled my case with great professionalism, clear communication, and genuine care.
Sacherevell Aikens
Abraham Baron Solicitors are great to work with. Very helpful, above and beyond. If you need a solicitor ask for Iman Chishty, he is very good.
Usama Khan
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors while handling my injury claim. The process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. A special thank-you to Maria, who did all the hard work.
Rumana Miah
Abraham Baron Solicitors were very professional, helpful, supportive and patient throughout. They ensured our claim was dealt with efficiently and always communicated to us.
Becky Maunder
Junahd was absolutely amazing with my case. He went above and beyond to help me. Outstanding service provided by him and great outcome. Couldn't be more happier.
H Singh
Thank you to Issa. Always kept me updated during the whole process of the claim. Appreciate the time and dedication he put in.
Mhamad Maulud
I want to give 5 star review to Abraham Baron Solicitors for great job and professional. Special thanks to Issa for his support. They were able to get good money for my injury claim very quickly.
Jim Mummert
Excellent result achieved with the professional assistance of Solicitor Sejal Karavadra who specializes in visa applications and the Home Office. Highly recommended.
Isa Ali
I want to give my full appreciation to Abraham Baron Solicitors and especially to Imam for his outstanding support with my housing disrepair claim. When I had lost hope, they guided me with professionalism.
Jane Hunt
Absolutely fantastic service, totally professional and respectful at all times. I was updated and kept informed every step of the way. I'm really happy with the outcome which was a really quick process.
Darren Stone
Abraham Baron Solicitors done a great job with my damp claim and would highly recommend them.
Julie Pinot de Moira
We found them supportive and thorough.
Jalil Nebizai
The best firm I have dealt with, very professional, very knowledgeable, amazing customer service. Would like to praise Mubi, who did amazing work. She went the extra mile and made a lot of effort on my claim.
Rizgar Zaree
2 times in the last 8 months I gave my case to Isaa and he went above and beyond to settle my claim very quickly. Very professional and reliable service.
katherine Harrison
The firm Abraham Baron Solicitors Limited is a fantastic firm, very professional, extremely kind. Get things done very fast. Very easy to contact and the outcome is true to the lawyers' words.
Marcus Williams
Highly recommended this company. Great communication levels from start to finish. Imam very friendly and good at his job, many thanks to you guys.
Phillip Marriott
Munira and Abraham both worked extremely hard to get the repairs done. Even though it was something they don't usually deal with, they got us the result we wanted.
Daisy Maria
Iman has been amazing from the very first day we spoke and has always paid complete attention to my needs. He has communicated with me throughout and shown so much support.
Kristal Thomas
I am very satisfied with the work that Imam and the firm has done from start to finish. Excellent communication throughout and have achieved an excellent outcome.
A Demisse
ABS is very helpful, pays attention to what I am saying, and is totally honest. I received so much help from Mr Ali Kassam, who handled my case professionally from start to finish.
Anil Badhan
Gave my case to Issa Khan and he went above and beyond to settle my claim. Very professional and reliable service. I felt valued as a customer.
Jay
Iman Chishty is the man. He done an amazing job, helped me so much and is a good and down to earth person to speak to. Highly Recommended.
fozia c
Excellent professional service! Isaa Khan handled my accident claim with prompt communication and a favourable outcome, closed within a matter of weeks.
Matthew Hurley
Yes and thank you very much for all the help, really grateful.
VernB
Imam has been the best. From the beginning he gave me good advice and support because it wasn't an easy process but with his frequent updates and explanations of the next steps, I felt at ease.
Lee Duffy
Can't thank this firm enough and the gentleman who helped me. With me being so ill, all these problems just got too much for me. I'd recommend these guys to anybody out there.
T G
Can't recommend this firm enough and Imam who took on my case has been so helpful keeping me updated with things and getting me the help I needed!
NANCY THORPE
Exceptional service provided by the company. Specifically Hana Nasreen: she provided knowledge and experience with a professional approach with regular updates. She dealt with my disrepair claim successfully.
Muryam Rivers
Exceptional service provided by the company and specifically from Imam. Professional approach, commitment, and regular updates. Dealt with issues and concerns successfully.
Natasha Frost
Amazing, friendly, helpful and go the extra mile! Abraham helped me with a case against my landlord.
Talha Khan
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Abraham Baron Solicitors, particularly by Sejal Karavadra. Her dedication and commitment to my case were truly remarkable.
arsham manouk
We are council tenants and we had a great experience with this firm. They helped us resolve a situation with our upstairs neighbours, whose persistent leaks were damaging our property.
Caroline Aro
We had a lovely experience with this firm. The client care was exceptional, the advice was easy to understand. My father felt his voice was heard all the time. They won the case.
Raise Malik
From the very beginning, I experienced excellent service with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Throughout my claim, they kept me well-informed, patiently explaining whenever needed.
akhtar miah
I had an exceptional experience. Their professional approach and unwavering confidence in handling my case truly stood out. The team's expertise and dedication provided me with peace of mind.
Adam Kalam
I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism that the team provided me with. They really went the extra mile to make sure everything was completed exactly how we wanted it.
Mohammed Rashid
Absolutely fantastic service, very efficient, good communication at all times. Nice and prompt resolution, very happy with their service indeed.
mohsin Farooq
5 star service, very professional. Will recommend to all friends and family. Thank you Abraham.
Parminder Badhan
Outstanding service. If you're looking for a solicitor who is prompt, efficient and helpful with excellent communication skills, I would highly recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Azharul Islam
Very knowledgeable in many areas, extremely clear in all communications and a genuine caring organisation. I fully recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Hammad Ullah Sharif
Highly competent at what they do! The professional guidance and support provided was above and beyond. Would happily recommend.
Aman Rayat
Amazing solicitors!! I would definitely recommend them as they are very knowledgeable and give the best service to all their clients.
The Magnetic Muslimah
I definitely recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors, top service, very quick response, great customer service. Abraham is very knowledgeable and knows the law very well.
Jayesh Bhatt
Brilliant service, very professional and helpful and also very efficient.
Adele Dwyer
I am very happy with the work that has been done for my family, and very impressed with the work done in a short time frame. I would recommend this firm to others.
Stephane Bowley
I can recommend Ali to anyone he's very good at his job work really hard and keep you updated at all times.
Sheila Garces
I can't recommend this firm enough for their outstanding support during my housing disrepair case. From the very beginning, Ali made me feel heard and understood, which meant so much during what was a really stressful time.
Ahsan Hussain
Dealt with Isaa with regards to my personal injury claim, he was very professional and prompt with dealing with my claim, kept me updated and helped to get me a great settlement, would definitely recommend to others.
Shaz Josephs
From start to finish of my claim I can't say anything but thank you Isaa. 100% true to your word. What an amazing Solicitor.
Molly White
Absolutely amazing solicitors, helped me with my housing disrepair claim, from start to finish my solicitor Ali was amazing kept me updated on everything, everyone was also very polite who I spoke to highly recommended.
Alex
After a court case with my local council after their repeated failure for nearly two years to solve the mould and damp within my house I contacted Abraham Baron Solicitors and in no time did they help with my claim.
A M L
I am very grateful to Abraham Baron solicitors for their great work, specially Bahja has done a great work supporting me all the way through and they got the best result possible. Thank you very much.
Father and son Gaming
Took care of our claim from start to finish and the result was pretty decent. Thanks to everyone's hard work we got the desired outcome.
imaan aziz
Isaa has been a very good solicitor he has showed me and explained every detail of the situation I have been in and I appreciate it so much. I would recommend him to you guys.
Umar Asghar
Very highly respected people Nazsh and Ali Kassam both helped me with my case, always helped if I had any problems and concerns. Thank you so much for everything.
Aaron Webster
My handler Junayd did fantastic work in winning my settlement.
Arshe Habib
They are the most professional and the best when it comes to disrepair claims and worked really hard.
kamal hamed
Thank you so much Abraham Solicitors for sorting out my ongoing problems in my flats. Special thank you to Mr Ali Kassam, who is a very talented, kind and responsible person.
Sean Connolly
I can recommend this company they fixed all my disrepair to my home. Jayned was my solicitor and he was excellent and I'd use them again if I need their help.
Satish Malaviya
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Special thanks to Issa, who handled my case with great professionalism, clear communication, and genuine care.
Sacherevell Aikens
Abraham Baron Solicitors are great to work with. Very helpful, above and beyond. If you need a solicitor ask for Iman Chishty, he is very good.
Usama Khan
I had an excellent experience with Abraham Baron Solicitors while handling my injury claim. The process was smooth, professional, and stress-free. A special thank-you to Maria, who did all the hard work.
Rumana Miah
Abraham Baron Solicitors were very professional, helpful, supportive and patient throughout. They ensured our claim was dealt with efficiently and always communicated to us.
Becky Maunder
Junahd was absolutely amazing with my case. He went above and beyond to help me. Outstanding service provided by him and great outcome. Couldn't be more happier.
H Singh
Thank you to Issa. Always kept me updated during the whole process of the claim. Appreciate the time and dedication he put in.
Mhamad Maulud
I want to give 5 star review to Abraham Baron Solicitors for great job and professional. Special thanks to Issa for his support. They were able to get good money for my injury claim very quickly.
Jim Mummert
Excellent result achieved with the professional assistance of Solicitor Sejal Karavadra who specializes in visa applications and the Home Office. Highly recommended.
Isa Ali
I want to give my full appreciation to Abraham Baron Solicitors and especially to Imam for his outstanding support with my housing disrepair claim. When I had lost hope, they guided me with professionalism.
Jane Hunt
Absolutely fantastic service, totally professional and respectful at all times. I was updated and kept informed every step of the way. I'm really happy with the outcome which was a really quick process.
Darren Stone
Abraham Baron Solicitors done a great job with my damp claim and would highly recommend them.
Julie Pinot de Moira
We found them supportive and thorough.
Jalil Nebizai
The best firm I have dealt with, very professional, very knowledgeable, amazing customer service. Would like to praise Mubi, who did amazing work. She went the extra mile and made a lot of effort on my claim.
Rizgar Zaree
2 times in the last 8 months I gave my case to Isaa and he went above and beyond to settle my claim very quickly. Very professional and reliable service.
katherine Harrison
The firm Abraham Baron Solicitors Limited is a fantastic firm, very professional, extremely kind. Get things done very fast. Very easy to contact and the outcome is true to the lawyers' words.
Marcus Williams
Highly recommended this company. Great communication levels from start to finish. Imam very friendly and good at his job, many thanks to you guys.
Phillip Marriott
Munira and Abraham both worked extremely hard to get the repairs done. Even though it was something they don't usually deal with, they got us the result we wanted.
Daisy Maria
Iman has been amazing from the very first day we spoke and has always paid complete attention to my needs. He has communicated with me throughout and shown so much support.
Kristal Thomas
I am very satisfied with the work that Imam and the firm has done from start to finish. Excellent communication throughout and have achieved an excellent outcome.
A Demisse
ABS is very helpful, pays attention to what I am saying, and is totally honest. I received so much help from Mr Ali Kassam, who handled my case professionally from start to finish.
Anil Badhan
Gave my case to Issa Khan and he went above and beyond to settle my claim. Very professional and reliable service. I felt valued as a customer.
Jay
Iman Chishty is the man. He done an amazing job, helped me so much and is a good and down to earth person to speak to. Highly Recommended.
fozia c
Excellent professional service! Isaa Khan handled my accident claim with prompt communication and a favourable outcome, closed within a matter of weeks.
Matthew Hurley
Yes and thank you very much for all the help, really grateful.
VernB
Imam has been the best. From the beginning he gave me good advice and support because it wasn't an easy process but with his frequent updates and explanations of the next steps, I felt at ease.
Lee Duffy
Can't thank this firm enough and the gentleman who helped me. With me being so ill, all these problems just got too much for me. I'd recommend these guys to anybody out there.
T G
Can't recommend this firm enough and Imam who took on my case has been so helpful keeping me updated with things and getting me the help I needed!
NANCY THORPE
Exceptional service provided by the company. Specifically Hana Nasreen: she provided knowledge and experience with a professional approach with regular updates. She dealt with my disrepair claim successfully.
Muryam Rivers
Exceptional service provided by the company and specifically from Imam. Professional approach, commitment, and regular updates. Dealt with issues and concerns successfully.
Natasha Frost
Amazing, friendly, helpful and go the extra mile! Abraham helped me with a case against my landlord.
Talha Khan
I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional service provided by Abraham Baron Solicitors, particularly by Sejal Karavadra. Her dedication and commitment to my case were truly remarkable.
arsham manouk
We are council tenants and we had a great experience with this firm. They helped us resolve a situation with our upstairs neighbours, whose persistent leaks were damaging our property.
Caroline Aro
We had a lovely experience with this firm. The client care was exceptional, the advice was easy to understand. My father felt his voice was heard all the time. They won the case.
Raise Malik
From the very beginning, I experienced excellent service with Abraham Baron Solicitors. Throughout my claim, they kept me well-informed, patiently explaining whenever needed.
akhtar miah
I had an exceptional experience. Their professional approach and unwavering confidence in handling my case truly stood out. The team's expertise and dedication provided me with peace of mind.
Adam Kalam
I was extremely impressed with the level of professionalism that the team provided me with. They really went the extra mile to make sure everything was completed exactly how we wanted it.
Mohammed Rashid
Absolutely fantastic service, very efficient, good communication at all times. Nice and prompt resolution, very happy with their service indeed.
mohsin Farooq
5 star service, very professional. Will recommend to all friends and family. Thank you Abraham.
Parminder Badhan
Outstanding service. If you're looking for a solicitor who is prompt, efficient and helpful with excellent communication skills, I would highly recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Azharul Islam
Very knowledgeable in many areas, extremely clear in all communications and a genuine caring organisation. I fully recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors.
Hammad Ullah Sharif
Highly competent at what they do! The professional guidance and support provided was above and beyond. Would happily recommend.
Aman Rayat
Amazing solicitors!! I would definitely recommend them as they are very knowledgeable and give the best service to all their clients.
The Magnetic Muslimah
I definitely recommend Abraham Baron Solicitors, top service, very quick response, great customer service. Abraham is very knowledgeable and knows the law very well.
Jayesh Bhatt
Brilliant service, very professional and helpful and also very efficient.
Adele Dwyer
I am very happy with the work that has been done for my family, and very impressed with the work done in a short time frame. I would recommend this firm to others.
Your first conversation is free, confidential, and without obligation. Contacting us does not start proceedings or commit you to any fees.