We want to alert our residents to the risks involved with ‘no win, no fee’ legal services for housing disrepair. A ‘no win, no fee’ agreement means you do not pay your solicitor’s legal fees if you lose your case. However, if you win, they will take a percentage of the money you receive. You may also still have to pay extra charges or cancellation fees if you end the agreement early.
Key things to remember
- Protect your personal information: Do not share personal information with anyone you do not recognise. If you are unsure, contact us to find out if they are acting on our behalf. Common red flags include cold calls, door knocking and pressure to sign an agreement.
- Ask to see ID: All of our employees and contractors carry identification. Ask to see ID before allowing anyone into your home. You do not need to let anyone unconnected with IDS enter your home if you do not feel comfortable.
- Be careful with fees: Always read the contract carefully before signing.
- Legal claims cost money: While repairs can be handled through our normal process, legal claims take funds away from maintaining and improving homes for residents.
Further information
If you receive a suspicious email or letter, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk or visit the Take Five website for advice.
You can look up a solicitor or lawyer on the regulator’s website here: Solicitors Regulation Authority
You can also refer to this guide to learn more about ‘No win, no fee’ agreements.
We are here to help
Using our official repairs and complaints service is the fastest way to get things fixed.
If you are unhappy with our response, you can raise this through our feedback or complaints process by contacting us at housing@ids.org.uk or completing an online form. We will review your concerns, explain what action we can take, and work with you to resolve the issue wherever possible.
If we receive a legal claim, we will review it and respond in line with our legal obligations and the Housing Disrepair Protocol. This sets out the steps tenants and landlords should follow to resolve housing disrepair issues before court proceedings begin.