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Personal injury claims against your landlord

If your landlord failed in their duty of care and you were injured as a result, you may be entitled to make a claim against them. Our specialist team can guide you.

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Reviewed by

Victoria Marsden

Director of Legal Excellence

Additional content

Stephen Hussey

Associate, Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

19th July 2026

Can I make a claim against my landlord?

You can make a claim against your landlord if you’ve been injured on your rental property because your landlord failed to keep it in a safe condition. Landlords – whether private or council and housing association – have a legal duty of care to provide tenants with a safe place to live and to carry out necessary repairs.

To make a successful claim, you’ll generally need to show two things – first, that you reported the hazard or defect to your landlord, and second, that they failed to act on it appropriately. For example, if you told your landlord about a broken stair rail or a suspected mould and they didn’t fix it, and you were later injured or harmed as a result, that could form the basis of a valid claim.

Even if you’re not completely sure whether your situation qualifies – or if some time has passed since the incident – it’s still worth speaking to us. We’ll always tell you honestly where you stand.

Example of a claim against a landlord

Imagine a tenant who slips on a broken step in their rented home – a defect they had already flagged to their landlord in writing several months earlier. Despite receiving that written warning, and clear indications that the issue could be harmful, the landlord took no action to repair it. Because the landlord was aware of the hazard and failed to address it, this could be a valid claim.

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What compensation can help with

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Covering the costs of recovery and financial pressure.

Compensation in a claim against your landlord is not just about acknowledgement – it’s about making sure you have the financial support to recover and move forward. When an injury at home is serious and has the potential to impact your ability to work and go about your daily routine, the right settlement can make a real difference.

A successful compensation claim for landlord negligence may help fund:

  • Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
  • Loss of earnings, including time already missed and any future impact on your ability to work
  • Medical treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation costs
  • Psychological support and counselling
  • Out-of-pocket expenses directly related to your injury
  • Travel and transport costs connected to your recovery
  • Care and support you’ve needed as a result of the injury
Understanding the potential value

A successful claim can cover a wide range of losses and costs, both immediate and longer-term. The value will be shaped by the seriousness of your injury, how long it affects your life, any impact on your income, and the care or treatment you need. More straightforward claims involving short-term injury may settle at a lower level, while cases involving lasting injury with significant financial consequences can result in significantly higher awards. We’ll give you a clear and honest view of what your claim may be worth once we understand the full picture.

Understanding special and general damages

A settlement is made up of general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of your injury, including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life. Special damages cover the specific financial losses we can evidence on your behalf, from medical treatment and rehabilitation costs to lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Specialist claims against landlords’ solicitors

Our team specialise in claims against landlords across England and Wales.

Why choose Fletchers for a claim against your landlord?

At Fletchers, our personal injury solicitors understand the legal and practical challenges these cases present - and we're committed to getting you the right outcome. Claims against landlords can involve complex questions of landlord liability, tenancy agreements and evidence. Having the right specialist on your side from the start makes a real difference. We also recognise that you may have reservations about making a claim against your landlord, and that it may feel unsettling. We understand this, and can provide reassurance and clear explanations throughout the case.

Expertise you can rely on

  • Specialist personal injury solicitors with experience in landlord claims
  • Clear, honest advice from the first conversation – so you always know where you stand
  • We handle all the complexity, including gathering evidence and managing correspondence with your landlord
  • We act for tenants in claims against private landlords, housing associations and local councils
  • Trusted by clients across England and Wales, with strong independent reviews on Trustpilot
  • No win, no fee – so you can pursue your claim without any upfront financial risk

You're not alone

We understand the uncertainty you may be feeling.

Being injured in your own home – the place that should feel safest – can be deeply unsettling. You may be contending with physical pain, discomfort, and feelings of anxiety about pursuing a claim against your landlord. You may also feel frustrated after trying to resolve things directly with your landlord, without success.

There’s often a financial pressure too. If you have to take time off work, and that impacts your ability to earn, then additional recovery costs – like physiotherapy, medical care and prescriptions – can soon add up.

We understand all this, and we want to take some of the load for you. If you pursue a claim with us, we’ll handle every part of the process, keep you informed at each stage, and work hard to secure compensation that reflects the real impact this has had on your life.

FAQs about claims against landlords</h2> against landlords

How long do I have to make a claim against my landlord?

In most cases, you have three years to make a claim. That three-year period starts either from the date of your injury, or from the date you first realised that your injury was connected to your landlord’s failure to act. If the claim is on behalf of someone under 18, the three-year period does not begin until their 18th birthday. If the person you’re claiming on behalf of lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves, the time restriction may not apply in the same way. No matter what your circumstances, it’s important to contact us as early as you can – the sooner we can start, the better.

Who can make a claim against a landlord?

Anyone who has suffered an injury due to a landlord’s failure to maintain a safe property may be able to bring a claim. This includes tenants of private landlords, housing associations and local councils.

If a loved one has been injured and may have a valid claim – but is under 18 or lacks the capacity to act for themselves – you may be able to start the process on their behalf. We can advise you on the right approach for your situation.

What evidence do I need to support my claim against my landlord?

The stronger your evidence, the stronger your claim. Useful evidence includes:

  • Records of when and how you reported the defect to your landlord, such as emails, text messages or letters
  • Photographs of the defect and any injuries you sustained
  • Details of the date and time of your accident
  • Receipts or invoices for any out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
  • A copy of your tenancy agreement

 

If you’re unsure what evidence you have or how to obtain it, we’ll help you work through this.

How much will a claim against my landlord cost me?

We work on a No Win No Fee basis, which means there are no upfront costs and no financial risk to you. You won’t pay anything unless your claim is successful. This means you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal process on your behalf. We’ll explain exactly how the fee arrangement works before you commit to anything.

Does it matter which solicitor I choose for a claim against a landlord?

Yes – choosing the right solicitor really does matter. Claims against landlords involve specific areas of law, and working with a firm that has the relevant experience can make a significant difference to your outcome. We’d encourage you to take the time to research any firm you’re considering, and to ask about their experience with landlord and tenant claims specifically. Charities and support organisations can sometimes provide directories of approved solicitors if you’d like guidance.

Can I change my solicitor if I'm unhappy with the advice I'm receiving?

Yes. You have the right to choose who represents you, and you can change solicitor at any stage if you feel you’re not receiving the right support or specialist expertise. If you’re uncertain about the advice you’re getting from another firm, you’re perfectly within your rights to seek a second opinion. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.

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