FDM Solicitors

One of the most persistent reasons tenants do not pursue legitimate housing disrepair claims is fear of eviction.

It is worth setting the record straight.

In England and Wales, retaliatory eviction - where a landlord seeks possession of a property in response to a tenant exercising their legal rights - is unlawful. The Deregulation Act 2015 introduced specific statutory protections against it, and the courts apply close scrutiny to possession proceedings that follow disrepair complaints or claims.

For social housing tenants in particular, secure tenancies offer further protection: a landlord cannot lawfully terminate a tenancy without proper grounds and proper process, and a complaint about disrepair is not a ground for possession.

For housing professionals, charities, and frontline workers supporting tenants - the practical takeaway is this: clients who are living in poor conditions should not be discouraged from seeking advice on the assumption that they will lose their home if they do.

At FDM Solicitors, we represent council and housing association tenants across England and Wales on a strict No Win, No Fee basis. SRA-regulated. 4.7 stars on ReviewSolicitors from 450+ verified reviews.

https://fdmsolicitors.co.uk/housing-disrepair/