Defence for Housing Disrepair Claims in Manchester

At Mounteney Solicitors, our Housing Disrepair Solicitors specialise in defending landlords across Manchester and the wider North West region against Housing Disrepair Claims.

If you’ve received a letter before action, we understand how stressful and unsettling it can be. These claims are often framed in extreme terms, with exaggerated allegations and inflated compensation demands that can feel both overwhelming and unfair, particularly for landlords who are committed to maintaining decent and safe housing standards.

Since mid-2023, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in Housing Disrepair Claims, likely driven by increased awareness of tenant rights under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and wider economic pressures. As repair costs rise, some landlords have understandably delayed non-essential maintenance, which in turn can lead to opportunistic claims being pursued — often backed by aggressive claims management firms.

With nearly two decades of legal experience, Mounteney Solicitors has become a trusted name in landlord property law, providing clear, strategic advice tailored to the realities of letting property in today’s legal and economic climate. Established in 2005, our team has successfully defended a wide range of clients — from individual landlords to letting agents and property companies — in disputes ranging from minor maintenance issues to complex, multi-faceted claims.

Our Housing Disrepair Solicitors combine technical legal knowledge with practical insight into the day-to-day realities of property management. We provide landlords with tailored, commercially minded advice to protect their interests while ensuring full compliance with legal obligations.

If you are a landlord in Manchester, Stockport or the surrounding area and need expert support with a housing disrepair defence, Mounteney Solicitors is here to help.

Please note that our Housing Disrepair Defence Solicitors only defend landlords disputing housing disrepair claims. We do not offer services for tenants making claims against their landlords.

Why Choose Mounteney Solicitors to Defend Your Housing Disrepair Claim?

While we fully support the principle of tenants having access to safe, well-maintained homes, we also know that not all Housing Disrepair Claims are fair or accurate. Many are driven by external claims firms and can overstate issues or seek unreasonable sums in compensation. At Mounteney Solicitors, our experienced Housing Disrepair Solicitors are here to help landlords respond decisively — protecting both your legal position and your property investments.

What sets us apart is our ability to offer calm, strategic legal support tailored to the realities of being a landlord in today’s market. We don’t just understand the law — we understand how to apply it effectively when your time, resources and reputation are on the line.

Housing disrepair disputes follow a detailed legal framework, known as the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims, which sets out exactly how claims should be made and answered. It covers everything from the tenant’s letter of claim to alternative dispute resolution, the landlord’s formal response, and the use of independent experts. Navigating this process correctly is crucial to achieving a cost-effective outcome and avoiding the risk of court proceedings.

Our team of Landlord Solicitors will guide you through each step, helping you meet deadlines, respond proportionately, and resolve matters wherever possible without litigation. Crucially, delays can reduce your legal options, so early advice is essential.

If you’ve received a letter before action or notice of a housing disrepair claim, get in touch with Mounteney Solicitors today. The earlier we’re involved, the stronger your defence will be.

What are the Legal Obligations on Landlords to Keep their Property in a Good Condition?

At the core of housing disrepair claims is the concept that landlords have a legal obligation to ensure their properties are habitable, safe and free from hazards; the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 are the primary pieces of legislation underpinning this, along with other statutes, regulations and legal principles such as contract law and negligence. As well as covering housing repair, these authorities also provide for other obligations on landlords, such as annual electrical inspection, annual gas inspection, periodic provision of Energy Performance Certificates over the required minimum standard (currently level “E”), service of the up to date “How to Rent” Guide, and tenancy deposit protection and certification.

These laws establish the landlord’s responsibilities for maintaining the structure and interior of the property, including essential installations concerning water, gas, electricity, sanitation and heating. Dampness, condensation, and ventilation are the normal battle-grounds tenants may elect to fight over.

Our Residential Property Dispute Solicitors know these authorities inside out and can offer expert, accurate advice to enable you to build the best defence possible.

Our Approach to Housing Disrepair Claims

At Mounteney Solicitors, we understand the stress and concern housing disrepair issues can cause landlords. Our team offers more than legal expertise; we provide empathetic support and tailored advice to navigate you through housing disrepair law efficiently and cost-effectively. With us, you’re not just addressing legal challenges; you’re working with a partner dedicated to finding the best resolution with your well-being in mind.

When landlords face a claim, Mounteney Solicitors works hard to keep legal costs low and fight the claim effectively. We focus on protecting landlords’ interests and helping them avoid becoming easy targets for claims in the future. By offering preventative advice and strong defence tactics, we guide landlords through these challenges, aiming to prevent similar issues from arising again.

What are Some Common Grounds for Disrepair Claims?

Tenants may initiate housing disrepair claims for numerous reasons, including but not limited to:

• Inadequate ventilation or heating
• Infestations
• Dampness and mould
• Internal systems (plumbing, heating, electrical wiring)
• Structural issues and external repairs (walls, roof, foundations)
• Failing to carry out repairs when reported

At Mounteney Solicitors, our Housing Disrepair Solicitors are here to provide you with professional and genuine advice. We aim to streamline the process, giving you clarity and support to manage your responsibilities effectively without undue stress.

Advice for Avoiding Housing Disrepair Claims

Navigating the intricate process of housing disrepair claims requires a robust legal strategy and expert guidance. As your dedicated Housing Disrepair Solicitors, Mounteney Solicitors defends landlords who have received letters before action against exaggerated or unfounded claims. With this in mind, you can employ various defence strategies to safeguard the integrity of your property investments.

Regular Property Inspections

Conducting routine inspections will allow you to proactively identify and address repair issues, preventing disrepair claims and demonstrating your commitment to maintaining the property’s habitability.

Maintaining Open Communication with Tenants

Maintaining open and responsive communications with tenants is crucial, encouraging them to report any repair issues promptly and keeping a record of all communications and actions taken to resolve reported problems. Such documentation can serve as evidence to dispute claims of disrepair and negligence.

Adherence to Legal Obligations

You should always comply with all legal obligations concerning property maintenance and repair. Familiarity with relevant regulations and laws is critical to prevent breaches that could lead to disrepair claims.

Professional Legal Advice

Seeking professional legal advice is pivotal, especially when faced with a disrepair claim. Legal experts specialising in landlord and tenant law can offer valuable insights into how to navigate the claim process, defend against unfounded claims and minimise potential

Mounteney Solicitors, an SRA-regulated law firm, charges VAT on its services, which certain clients may be eligible to reclaim.

Our work responding to a tenant disrepair Letter of Claim will be charged a fixed fee of £350 + VAT = £420 gross.

There is more about fees on our website here.

If you have any questions, require any further information, or would like to engage us (that will be on the T’s & C’s that are linked, “Our Terms”, in the footer, below) please don’t hesitate to Contact Us.

At Mounteney Solicitors, we know that defending a housing disrepair claim can feel overwhelming — especially when faced with tight deadlines, aggressive claims tactics, and the risk of financial loss or reputational harm. That’s why our team of experienced Housing Disrepair Solicitors are here to stand firmly by your side.

We go beyond textbook legal advice. We understand the day-to-day challenges landlords face — from juggling maintenance priorities to dealing with difficult tenants or navigating increasingly complex housing regulations. Our goal is to make the process easier, not harder. You can expect responsive communication, practical strategies, and a genuine commitment to protecting your property and your livelihood.

With offices located in Bramhall, Cheadle, Hazel Grove and Heald Green, we are well-placed to support landlords across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire area. Whether you own a single rental property or manage a wider portfolio, we bring the same level of diligence and personal service to every case we handle.

If you’ve received a letter before action or notice of a housing disrepair claim, time is critical. Early intervention often makes the biggest difference in the outcome of your case. Let our expert solicitors in Stockport guide you through the process with confidence, efficiency, and care.

Contact our Housing Disrepair Solicitors today for a confidential discussion about your situation. The sooner we’re involved, the better positioned you’ll be to protect your interests and resolve the dispute on the right terms.