Find agencies or organizations that assist tenants with housing disputes

Damp homes

Tenants in the UK have access to a wide network of official and nonprofit organisations that provide advice, advocacy, and legal representation in housing disputes — including repair delays, eviction threats, rent arrears, and unsafe housing conditions under Awaab’s Law.

National Housing and Legal Advice Services

Organisation	Role and Assistance	Contact or Access
Housing Ombudsman Service	Independent service for social tenants and leaseholders. Investigates complaints relating to repairs, service failures, damp, or landlord conduct. Decisions are legally binding for social landlords.	www.housing‑ombudsman.org.uk
Citizens Advice	Provides free advice on tenancy rights, repairs, landlord obligations, rent arrears, and Awaab’s Law timescales. Offers online guides and local drop‑in centres.	www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing
Shelter England	National housing charity offering 24‑hour housing advice, advocacy for homeless people and tenants facing dangerous living conditions or eviction.	www.shelter.org.uk
Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS)	Helps tenants experiencing discrimination or vulnerability‑related housing issues, including accessibility or health accommodations.	0808 800 0082 or equalityadvisoryservice.com
Civil Legal Advice (Legal Aid Agency)	Provides free legal advice and representation for eligible tenants on disrepair, eviction, and homelessness cases.	0345 345 4345 or gov.uk/civil‑legal‑advice
Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service	Offers on‑the‑spot legal support when tenants receive possession or eviction notices; covers illegal eviction, arrears, and unsafe housing.	gov.uk/guidance/legal‑aid‑for‑possession‑proceedings
LawWorks & Law Centres Network	Connects people who are not eligible for legal aid with pro bono lawyers. Law Centres provide free legal advice on tenancy repairs and habitability.	lawworks.org.uk / lawcentres.org.uk

Regional and Local Support

Organisation	Coverage and Focus	Key Details
Greater Manchester Law Centre (GMLC)	Free legal advice and representation for tenants facing eviction or housing disrepair. Legal aid certified.	www.gmlaw.org.uk/housing
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA)	Provides access links to Shelter, Citizens Advice, and all local enforcement teams for tenants within Manchester boroughs.	www.greatermanchester‑ca.gov.uk
Mary Ward Legal Centre	London‑based charity offering specialist housing and disrepair advice for low‑income tenants.	020 7831 7079

Mediation and Redress Pathways

Service	Description
First‑Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber)	Independent tribunal that hears cases on rent, repairs, improvement notices, and housing hazards under the Housing Act 2004. Can enforce repairs or compensation orders.	www.gov.uk/housing‑tribunals
Property Redress Scheme / The Property Ombudsman	For private tenants dealing with letting agents or property managers. Ensures fair complaint resolution and mandatory redress for agents.	www.propertyredress.co.uk

Vulnerable or Disabled Tenants’ Support

Organisation	Support Area	Contact
Age UK	Advice for older tenants on repairs, safety, and accessible housing rights.	www.ageuk.org.uk
Mencap / Mind / POhWER	Advocacy for tenants with learning disabilities or mental health problems. Help in communication with landlords and councils.	mencap.org.uk / mind.org.uk / pohwer.net
Independent Age	Practical and legal guidance for senior tenants and homeowners on complaints and unsafe housing.	independentage.org

When to Seek Legal Help

Tenants should contact one of these agencies as soon as repairs are delayed beyond Awaab’s Law deadlines (24 hours for emergencies, 10 days to inspect, 5 days to make safe). Legal aid or Ombudsman services can:

Issue urgent notices to landlords.
Represent tenants in court or tribunal proceedings.
Negotiate compensation or rehousing under statutory duty.

In summary, UK tenants facing housing disputes can secure authoritative help through Citizens Advice, Shelter, Law Centres, the Housing Ombudsman, or tribunal and redress schemes. These organisations collectively provide free or low‑cost legal guidance, representation, and mediation to uphold housing safety rights under Awaab’s Law and broader tenancy legislation.

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https://www.justicefortenants.org