26/01/2026
On 4 December 2025, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government issued a consultation in the form of an open call for evidence in relation to housing disrepair claims, and the role of claims management companies in this respect. Details can be found here, and the actual consultation here.
The call for evidence seeks evidence and views from tenants, landlords, legal professionals and claims management companies on 4 specific topics - housing disrepair claims, regulation and oversight, legislation, and alternatives to court.
From a landlord’s perspective, the relevant questions requiring a response are Questions 1 to 14 and 40 to 52, although landlords are also welcome to provide responses to the technical questions from question 60 through to the end of the consultation (question 66).
In relation to claims management activity in particular, the intention is that the evidence will enable the MHCLG “..to understand more about the role and impact of claims management activity in redress for housing disrepair issues…” and to “…determine if any claims management activity conducted by claims management companies and solicitors is causing issues in the process of redress for housing disrepair, how big these issues may be and what form they take, and whether government action is necessary…”
The consultation represents an opportunity for social landlords to raise significant and long-standing concerns around the activities of claims management companies in the context of housing disrepair and to influence potential change in this respect, with the MHCLG having indicated that the evidence gathered may be shared with the Solicitors Regulation Authority, Legal Services Board and Financial Conduct Authority prior to consideration being given as to whether any regulatory improvements need to be implemented.
We would encourage all Registered Providers and Local Authorities to engage with the consultation by submitting responses prior to the deadline for doing so on Thursday 12 February 2026.
Reach out to our dedicated Housing & Regeneration team for housing sector legal and regulatory support.
Don’t miss the next big development — follow our Housing page on LinkedIn.
