Evidence for a housing disrepair claim
Written and reviewed by the RemedyBridge team · Last reviewed June 2026
Quick answer
The most useful evidence is a clear record of the problem and of telling your landlord about it: dated photographs and videos, copies of how you reported each issue, repair reference numbers, and notes of inspections and missed appointments. You do not need everything to start.
Key points
- Two things matter most: evidence of the disrepair, and evidence that you reported it.
- Dated photographs and written reports are especially valuable.
- A simple timeline makes everything easier to follow.
- You do not need medical records to begin an enquiry.
Evidence of the problem
- Dated photographs and short videos of each affected area.
- Notes of which rooms are affected and whether any are unusable.
- Evidence of damaged belongings, if relevant.
Evidence you reported it
- Emails, letters, portal entries or texts reporting the problem.
- Repair reference or job numbers.
- Dates of inspections, promised appointments, and missed visits.
- Complaint letters and responses.
You may not need us — free routes first
You can often resolve repairs for free. Depending on your situation you may be able to:
- report repairs to your landlord in writing and keep a dated copy;
- use your landlord’s formal complaints process;
- take dated photos and keep a record of what you reported and when;
- give your landlord a reasonable chance to put things right.
Frequently asked questions
- What if I only reported by phone?
- Verbal reports count but are harder to prove. Follow up in writing — even a short email noting the date you called creates a record.
Sources
RemedyBridge provides a free initial check for housing disrepair problems in England & Wales. The result is a guide only and never tells you that you definitely have a claim. Checking your situation is free.
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