Croydon Council’s housing service faces multi-million-pound liabilities linked to repairs and legal disrepair. Official papers note a £4.9m overspend on legal disrepair and wider housing cost pressures—evidence that tenants’ complaints matter. If your home has damp, mould, leaks, heating or structural issues, you can seek repairs and compensation.
Understanding the Financial Overspend
The HRA is a ring-fenced account used by local authorities in England to manage income and expenditure related to their housing stock. For the financial year 2021/2022, Croydon Council reported an income of £77 million from rents and £6.4 million from service charges, totalling £87.4 million. Of this, approximately £13.4 million was allocated to repairs, and £45 million to management.
Despite these allocations, the council has struggled with escalating disrepair costs. In January 2023, it was noted that the HRA faced a £4.586 million overspend, attributed to inflation, disrepair costs, and void rents.
Impact on Tenants
The financial strain on the HRA can directly affect tenants in several ways:
- Delayed Repairs and Maintenance: Budget constraints may lead to postponed or inadequate repairs, exacerbating existing property issues.
- Health and Safety Risks: Persistent disrepair can pose significant health hazards, including mould growth, structural weaknesses, and electrical faults.
- Increased Financial Burden: To mitigate overspending, the council might consider raising rents or service charges, further straining tenants’ finances.
What counts as housing disrepair?
Common issues in Croydon cases include:
- Damp and mould (often from leaks, failed ventilation or cold bridges).
- Leaks/structural problems (roofs, windows, brickwork).
- Unsafe electrics or gas (sockets, consumer units, boilers).
- Heating and hot water failures.
- Infestation linked to disrepair (e.g., gaps/holes).
Government and NHS sources emphasise how damp/mould harms breathing, aggravates asthma and can cause infections—particularly for children and vulnerable adults.
Step-by-Step: What to do Next
- Report issues in writing to the council (keep copies).
- Chase after 14 days (or sooner if health/safety risk).
- Escalate via a formal complaint if no action.
- Record deterioration (new photos, moisture readings if possible).
- Get expert help: National Claims can review your case and connect you with specialist solicitors who pursue repairs and compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Government guidance is explicit: damp and mould risks must be taken seriously and acted on quickly. If that hasn’t happened, you’re entitled to push for remedy and redress.
How Bad Is Disrepair in Croydon’s Council Housing?
Croydon manages roughly 33,000 homes, and its own governance papers show a repairs service under real strain.
According to the council’s Housing Assurance Board papers from December 2025, the picture for 2025–26 to date includes:
| Measure | Croydon’s performance | Target |
|---|---|---|
| Damp and mould jobs raised (YTD) | 17,903 | — |
| Damp and mould jobs overdue | 27.6% | 5% |
| Disrepair jobs raised (YTD) | 1,322 | — |
| Disrepair jobs completed on time | 65.7% | 100% |
| Stage 1 complaints answered on time | 66.4% | 100% |
The Housing Ombudsman’s findings are more damning still. In 2024–25, Croydon recorded an 88% maladministration rate, with eight findings of severe maladministration — the Ombudsman’s most serious category, reserved for cases involving significant failures and real harm to residents.
Furthermore, these are not abstract numbers. Nearly 18,000 damp and mould jobs in a single year means thousands of Croydon households living with spores on the walls, condensation running down windows, and children coughing through the night.
Tenants’ Rights and Legal Recourse
Tenants have the right to reside in properties that are safe and well-maintained. The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 mandates that landlords, including councils, ensure properties are kept in good repair.
If you are experiencing disrepair issues, consider the following steps:
- Report the Issue: Notify the council promptly, providing detailed information and, if possible, photographic evidence.
- Maintain Records: Keep copies of all correspondence and document the disrepair and any related health or safety concerns.
- Seek Legal Advice: If the council fails to address the issues satisfactorily, legal action may be warranted.
How National Claims Can Assist
If you are in the Croydon area and facing housing disrepair problems, Please do not hesitate to contact National Claims. Navigating legal proceedings can be complex and daunting. National Claims can connect you with experienced solicitors specialising in housing disrepair claims. These professionals can guide you through the process, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you secure any compensation you may be entitled to.
Frequently Asked Questions for Croydon Tenants
1. Will claiming affect my tenancy?
You have the right to a safe, fit home. Use the council’s complaints process and seek legal advice if repairs stall. (Shelter explains your options clearly.)
2. Do I need to move out?
Not usually. However, if a room is unusable or works require decanting, you may claim alternative accommodation or related costs as special damages.
3. Can I claim if rent is paid via benefits?
Yes. The rent-rebate method uses the property’s rental value, not who paid it.
4. What about my child’s health?
Document GP visits and symptoms. NHS pages outline risks from damp/mould; this evidence can support a personal injury element where appropriate.
Start Your Claim Today
Don’t wait while your claim window closes. Speak with National Claims today. We’ll connect you with experienced solicitors who understand your case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
If you need legal assistance regarding housing disrepair, National Claims is here to help connect you with experienced solicitors to support your claim.
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