Can I claim increased electricity bills caused by disrepair?

Potentially, where a landlord's proven breach caused reasonable additional energy use and the amount can be evidenced.

Can I claim for running a dehumidifier?

Potentially, particularly where it was reasonably used because of disrepair or on professional advice. Record the device wattage, operating time and energy tariff rather than guessing.

Are estimated extra costs enough?

Estimates may be considered where exact proof is unavailable, but bills, meter data, tariff records and transparent calculations are more persuasive.

Claiming Extra Heating and Electricity Costs from Disrepair

Which energy costs might be relevant?

Examples include portable heaters during boiler failure, dehumidifiers or fans used for landlord-responsible damp, repeated laundry after leaks, and heat lost through unrepaired windows. Liability and reasonableness must still be proved.

How do I calculate the extra amount?

Compare like-for-like periods where possible, adjusting for tariff, weather, occupancy and appliance changes. For equipment, use power rating × hours used × unit price. Keep the calculation transparent and avoid claiming the whole bill without a basis.

What evidence should I keep?

Energy bills and meter readings before and during disrepair.
Tariff and unit-price records.
Receipts and power ratings for heaters or dehumidifiers.
Landlord instructions or contractor recommendations.
Repair dates and weather or occupancy explanations.

Must I minimise the loss?

Take reasonable safe steps, but you are not expected to live in unsafe cold or fund the landlord's repairs. Use equipment safely and follow manufacturer and fire-safety guidance. Tell the landlord costs are accumulating.

What if the landlord supplied the heater?

You may still have increased running costs. Record the device details and ask in writing whether the landlord will reimburse energy use. A supplied appliance does not automatically resolve the whole heating breach.

Can extra bills be claimed with other compensation?

Potentially. Energy cost is a specific financial loss, separate from loss of amenity or injury. The Protocol requests details of special damages. See the evidence guide.

What if I cannot afford the energy?

Tell the landlord and council about vulnerability and inability to maintain safe temperatures. Seek benefits or energy-support advice. A later damages claim does not solve an immediate heating emergency.

This article provides general legal information only. It does not constitute legal advice on any specific case. Awaab's Law Claims Specialists is a trading name of Driscoll Kingston & Co Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 839699).