How no win, no fee works
Your claim is run under a Conditional Fee Agreement, usually called a no win, no fee agreement. It means:
- No upfront costs. You do not pay anything to start the claim, for the surveyor's inspection or for the solicitor's time while the claim is running.
- Nothing to pay if you lose. If the claim is unsuccessful you owe nothing. Insurance arranged as part of the agreement protects you from the other side's costs.
- The landlord pays most of the costs if you win. Legal costs and expert fees are recovered directly from your landlord when the claim succeeds.
- A capped success fee. A success fee, agreed in writing before you start and capped as a percentage of your compensation, is deducted from your award. It is never more than the agreed percentage and never comes out of the repairs.
Benefits of the no win, no fee model
- Financial security. Tenants on low incomes can take on councils, housing associations and well-funded private landlords on equal terms.
- Reduced risk. The firm only gets paid if you do, so weak claims are not pursued and strong ones are fought hard.
- Skilled representation. Specialist housing solicitors, independent surveyors and, where needed, medical experts work on your case.
- Accessibility. Everything can be done by phone, email and a home visit for the survey. You do not need to travel to an office.
Ready to pursue your claim?
Tell us about the problems in your home and we will check, free of charge, whether you have a claim. If you do, we explain the agreement line by line before you sign anything.
Tell us what is wrong
Call us or fill in the short form. We will ask about the problems, how long you have had them and what your landlord has done. It takes about five minutes.
Free claim check
We check whether your landlord has broken their legal repairing duties and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. There is no charge and no obligation.
Inspection and letter of claim
An independent surveyor inspects your home and your solicitor sends a formal letter of claim to your landlord setting out the repairs needed and the compensation owed.
Repairs done, compensation paid
Most landlords settle. The repairs are carried out and your compensation is paid. If the landlord refuses, your solicitor can take the case to court for you.
Think you have a housing disrepair claim?
Tell us what is wrong with your home and we will check, free of charge, whether you can claim repairs and compensation on a no win, no fee basis.
Frequently asked questions
What does no win, no fee actually mean?
You sign a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails you owe nothing. If it succeeds, most of the legal costs are paid by your landlord and a success fee, capped as a percentage of your compensation, is deducted from your award. The percentage is agreed in writing before you start and never changes.
Are there any hidden costs?
No. Expert surveyor fees and other disbursements are funded during the claim and recovered from the landlord if you win. If you lose, insurance arranged as part of the agreement protects you from paying the other side's costs.
Could I end up paying anything if I lose?
No, provided you cooperate with your solicitor, tell the truth and do not withdraw the claim without good reason. These conditions are standard and are explained in the agreement.
Why not just complain to the Housing Ombudsman instead?
You can, and sometimes should. The Ombudsman can order a social landlord to apologise, act and pay modest compensation, but the process is slow and awards are usually much smaller than a legal claim. A legal claim also forces repairs with a court-enforceable timetable.