Housing Ombudsman Compensation Calculator (Free Estimate)
Build an estimate using the figures the Housing Ombudsman publishes in its compensation guidance (in force 1 April 2026). It walks you through five categories, the same ones the Ombudsman uses.
What this calculator does
It produces a structured estimate by walking through the five categories the Housing Ombudsman uses in its April 2026 Compensation Guidance. You can fill in only the categories that apply to your case — the calculator works whether you complete one section or all five.
- Category 1 — Quantifiable financial loss: out-of-pocket costs you can evidence (rent overpayments, ruined belongings, decorating, alternative accommodation).
- Category 2 — Unquantifiable financial loss: loss the Ombudsman will recognise on the balance of probabilities, even where receipts are missing.
- Category 3 — Loss of use of the property: a set share of your weekly rent for each room you could not use: 20% for a living room or bedroom, 30% for a kitchen or bathroom, capped at 100%.
- Category 4 — Specific compensation orders: set rates for loss of heating, hot water or power, and £15 for each missed appointment.
- Category 5 — Impact of service failings: one band for distress and inconvenience across the whole case, from an apology to £1,000 or more.
Things like young children or a disability in the household can justify a higher band in category 5. The Ombudsman does not use multipliers, so neither does this calculator.
Itemise out-of-pocket losses you can evidence. Examples: rent overpayments, decorating costs after inadequate works, agreed works the landlord did not pay for, damaged belongings (clothing, furniture, electronics ruined by mould), increased heating bills caused by the hazard, and alternative accommodation costs.
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Subtotal: £0
Enter values in any category above to see your estimate. You can model just one category if that is all that applies to your case.
What this calculator does NOT do
- It does not predict court damages. The court route is a different framework — general damages are typically 25–50% of rent paid (up to 100% in extreme cases of uninhabitability) and special damages cover out-of-pocket losses. See your legal options if a landlord breaks Awaab's Law for the court route.
- It does not replace legal advice. A solicitor will shape a compensation claim around the specific evidence in your case.
- It does not capture every possible head of compensation. Personal-injury damages have their own pre-action protocol and are not modelled here.
Next steps
- Not reported it in writing yet? Start with how to report damp and mould to your landlord, which includes a free sample letter you can copy.
- Landlord not acting? See your legal options if a landlord breaks Awaab's Law: the Ombudsman, a disrepair claim and the council.
When tenants typically use this
- Preparing a complaint to the landlord— ground the ask in the same framework the landlord's complaints team will use.
- Escalating to the Housing Ombudsmanafter the landlord's own complaints process is exhausted.
- Working with a solicitor on a Pre-Action Protocol Letter of Claim, where the calculator gives a structured starting point that the solicitor can then refine.
For real Ombudsman decisions and the amounts ordered, see how much compensation for damp and mould.
Methodology: Housing Ombudsman, “A New Era for Housing Compensation: Clearer Standards, Fairer Outcomes”, published 3 February 2026, in force 1 April 2026. The figure this calculator produces is an estimate built from the Ombudsman's published figures. It is not a guarantee, a quote or an Ombudsman award. This calculator is informational and is not legal advice.
An estimate is not a claim. Put it in writing.
The Tenant Action Pack gives you eleven ready-to-send letters — every Awaab’s Law deadline, plus the Pre-Action Protocol, the Housing Ombudsman and a Subject Access Request.