Who this applies to
This checklist is for private tenants, council tenants, housing association tenants, and social housing tenants who are keeping records about repair problems. It is a normal static article, not an upload tool, evidence portal, interactive checklist, or downloadable document.
Evidence checklist
- Photos and videos: show the problem clearly, include the wider room, and repeat photos over time if the issue changes.
- Dates the problem started: note when you first saw damp, mould, leaks, heating failure, broken fixtures, pests, or other repair issues.
- Dates repairs were reported: keep the date, method, and person or team contacted.
- Emails, messages, and letters: save copies of anything sent or received.
- Repair reference numbers: keep reference numbers beside the date they were given.
- Inspection appointments: note when visits were booked and who attended.
- Records of missed appointments: write down no-shows, late cancellations, and repeat visits without completed work.
- Health or daily-life impact notes: record if rooms cannot be used, sleep is affected, belongings are damaged, or health concerns are raised.
- Receipts for reasonable temporary costs where relevant: keep receipts linked to the repair issue, such as temporary heating or cleaning materials.
- Copies of landlord or housing-association responses: save repair plans, inspection notes, complaint replies, and closure letters.
How to organise evidence in date order
Create a simple timeline. Start with when the problem first appeared, then list each report, reply, appointment, missed appointment, and repair attempt. Give each photo a short filename or note, such as "bedroom mould 7 July 2026". A clear timeline helps when using housing disrepair support or when making a complaint.
If you have not yet reported the issue, read how to report housing disrepair in writing before sending your first message.
What not to do with evidence
Do not edit photos in a way that changes what they show. Do not throw away damaged items if they may need to be inspected, unless keeping them would be unsafe or unreasonable. Do not send sensitive medical records widely. Keep your own copies before sending documents to a landlord, adviser, council, or complaints body.
When to escalate
Escalation may be needed if repeated reports are ignored, the landlord closes the repair without fixing the problem, appointments are repeatedly missed, or serious hazards continue. Council and housing-association tenants can also read our guide for situations where a council or housing association is not repairing the home.
Useful official sources
- Shelter: repairs and housing conditions
- Citizens Advice: repairs and housing conditions
- Housing Ombudsman: damp and mould support guide
Check your housing disrepair situation
Tell ClaimGrid what has been reported, what evidence you have, and what remains unresolved so the next practical step can be considered.
Start a Housing Disrepair Enquiry