Tenants Advice

Internal Damage

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Browse our Tenants Advice below for help and guidance about your housing disrepair.

There are cracks in my council house walls

Cracks in the walls of your council house can be a sign of underlying issues, such as structural problems or subsidence, so it’s important to report them to your council’s housing repairs team as soon as you notice them. While some hairline cracks may be harmless and part of the natural settling of the property, larger or more significant cracks could indicate a serious issue that needs attention.

The council is responsible for maintaining the structure of your home, including the walls. If the cracks are growing larger, causing doors and windows to stick, or if you’re noticing sloping floors, these could be signs of subsidence, and it’s essential that the council inspects and repairs the damage quickly.

If the council fails to respond promptly or ignores the problem, you may have grounds to escalate the issue. You could also be entitled to compensation or legal action if the disrepair is affecting your safety, wellbeing, or quality of life.

Cracks in walls and ceilings of council properties. Could you claim compensation?

Your questions, answered.

The council is not fixing my damaged ceiling2025-05-21T16:46:26+01:00

If the council is not fixing your damaged ceiling, it’s important to act quickly, as this could be a sign of a larger issue, such as a roof leak or structural damage. The council is legally obligated to maintain the structure of your home, including the ceiling, and should carry out repairs in a timely manner.

You should contact the housing repairs team and report the damage, providing as much detail as possible about the issue. If the damage is due to a leak or water ingress, make sure to highlight any signs of damp or mould, as this could worsen over time. It’s also helpful to keep a record of when you reported the issue and any reference numbers or responses from the council.

If the council delays the repair or fails to act within a reasonable timeframe, you may have the right to escalate the complaint or seek compensation. In some cases, legal action may be necessary to ensure your home is properly maintained.

The wall paint is peeling in my council housing2025-05-21T16:46:46+01:00

If the wall paint in your council housing is peeling, it may be a sign of moisture, damp, or poor maintenance. The council is responsible for maintaining the condition of your home, including ensuring that the walls are properly painted and protected.

You should report the issue to the council’s housing repairs team, providing details of the problem and any signs of damp or mould that could be contributing to the peeling paint. If the issue is due to a deeper problem like water ingress, the council may need to address the source of the moisture before repainting the walls.

While peeling paint alone may not be classified as an urgent repair, it is still the council’s responsibility to ensure your living conditions are maintained. If the damage is affecting your health or causing further deterioration to your property, you may have grounds to escalate the complaint or seek compensation.

Plaster collapsing in council house2025-05-21T16:47:28+01:00

If the plaster is collapsing in your council house, it’s a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Damaged or crumbling plaster can indicate underlying structural problems, such as water damage, damp, or even subsidence. The council is legally responsible for ensuring that your home remains safe and habitable, which includes maintaining the integrity of the walls and plaster.

You should report the problem to your council’s housing repairs team as soon as possible, explaining the extent of the damage and any potential safety concerns. If the plaster is falling in large sections or leaving exposed areas of the wall, this could pose a risk to your health and safety. It’s also important to highlight any other potential issues, such as leaks or damp, that might be contributing to the plaster’s condition.

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