Our Surveying Services

Service 01

Housing Disrepair Surveys

Our housing disrepair surveys are designed specifically for rented properties where tenants believe their landlord has failed to maintain the property in a good state of repair. These surveys are at the heart of what we do at Disrepair Claim Surveyors.

During the survey, one of our accredited surveyors attends the property and carries out a thorough inspection of every part of the building — from the roof to the foundations. We look for all common areas of disrepair, including:

• Damp and mould — penetrating damp, rising damp, condensation
• Structural issues — cracking, subsidence, roof defects
• Defective heating systems — boilers, radiators, pipework
• Sanitation problems — blocked or broken drainage, faulty plumbing
• Electricity and sanitation — unsafe wiring, inadequate ventilation
• Defective windows and doors — draughts, rot, broken mechanisms

The resulting comprehensive report includes photographic evidence, a schedule of defects, expert commentary on the cause and extent of each area of disrepair, and an estimated cost of repair. The report is fully compliant with the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.

Instruct a Survey

Service 02

Expert Witness Reports & Single Joint Expert Appointments

Our surveyors specialise in providing impartial expert witness reports for housing disrepair cases in England and Wales. Every report is fully compliant with Part 35 of the Civil Procedure Rules and the accompanying Practice Direction 35.

We provide expert witness reports for:

• Claimants — tenants bringing housing disrepair claims
• Defendants — landlords, housing associations and local authorities defending claims
• Single joint experts (SJE) — appointed by both claimants and defendants jointly

As a single joint expert, our surveyor is entirely neutral and reports only to the court. This approach reduces costs for both parties and is increasingly favoured by courts in housing disrepair cases.

Our expert witness reports include a declaration of compliance with Part 35 CPR, a statement of the surveyor's qualifications, their findings in clear, plain English, expert opinions on the cause and remedy of disrepair, and a signed statement of truth. Where required, our surveyors can also give oral evidence at hearings.

Instruct an Expert Witness

Service 03

RICS Level 3 Building Survey (Full Structural Survey)

The RICS Level 3 survey — sometimes called a full structural survey — is the most comprehensive survey available for residential properties. It is ideal for:

• Older properties (typically pre-1900)
• Properties in poor condition or with visible defects
• Unusual or non-standard construction types
• Properties that have been significantly altered or extended
• Any buyer who wants maximum peace of mind

Our RICS Level 3 surveys are conducted by our most experienced surveyors. The comprehensive report covers all accessible parts of the building, explains every defect found, assesses its severity, and recommends appropriate remedial works. It also gives you a clear picture of the overall condition of a property before you commit to a purchase.

Book a Level 3 Survey

Service 04

RICS Level 2 Survey (HomeBuyer Report)

The RICS Level 2 survey — formerly the HomeBuyer Report — is suitable for conventional properties in reasonable condition. It provides a clear overview of the condition of a property using a traffic-light rating system.

Our RICS Level 2 surveys highlight significant defects, safety hazards and any urgent repairs needed, giving buyers a solid understanding of what they are buying before they exchange contracts. The report also includes guidance on legal issues your solicitor should investigate, and advice on any further specialist surveys or investigations needed.

Book a Level 2 Survey

Service 05

Damp & Mould Inspections

Damp and mould are the most common housing disrepair issues in the UK rented sector. Left untreated, they can cause serious damage to a property and — more importantly — serious harm to tenants' health, particularly children, the elderly and those with respiratory conditions.

Under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, a landlord cannot allow a property to be in a condition that makes it unfit for human habitation. Severe damp and mould can constitute a breach of this duty.

Our specialist damp and mould inspections use professional moisture meters, thermal imaging equipment and hygrometers to identify the source, cause and extent of any damp or mould problem. Our comprehensive report documents the findings and recommends appropriate remedial works, providing the evidence needed for a housing disrepair claim.

Book a Damp Inspection

Service 06

Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims Reports

Before a housing disrepair case goes to court, both parties are expected to follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims. This protocol requires tenants to give landlords a reasonable opportunity to carry out repairs before litigation begins, and it requires a proper inspection and expert report.

Our pre-action protocol reports are specifically designed to meet the requirements of the protocol. They provide the expert evidence needed at this early stage of the process, supporting your solicitor in corresponding with the landlord and, if necessary, preparing for legal proceedings. These reports comply with both the protocol itself and the relevant Civil Procedure Rules.

Request a Protocol Report

Service 07

Housing Disrepair Surveys for Landlords & Housing Associations

Housing disrepair surveys for landlords are an important tool for private landlords and housing associations who want to proactively understand the state of repair of their properties. By identifying disrepair issues early, you can address them before a tenant raises a formal complaint or brings a claim.

For housing associations and social housing providers, our surveys help you meet the Decent Homes Standard and comply with your legal obligations under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

We offer portfolio-level surveys for landlords with multiple properties, as well as individual property inspections. Where a tenant has already raised a disrepair complaint, we can provide a defendant-instructed expert report to assess the state of repair from a neutral, professional standpoint.

Get a Landlord Survey