What is a Housing Disrepair Claim?
If you are living in a rental property that has not been properly maintained by your landlord, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. Landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their properties are safe and habitable. When they fail to carry out necessary repairs, it can cause damage to your home, affect your health, and even lead to financial loss. If your landlord has neglected their duty to maintain the property, you have the right to seek compensation.
Common Types of Housing Disrepair
Housing disrepair can take many forms. Some of the most common issues include:
- Damp and mould – affecting your health and damaging personal belongings.
- Leaking roofs or broken windows – leaving your home exposed to the elements.
- Plumbing issues – such as leaks, blocked drains, or faulty heating systems.
- Electrical problems – including faulty wiring or broken light fittings.
- Structural damage – cracks in walls or unsafe flooring.
- Pest infestations – caused by poor maintenance or structural defects.
These issues can lead to discomfort, inconvenience, and in some cases, serious health risks.
Your Landlord’s Responsibilities
Landlords are legally required to ensure their properties are in good repair and fit for human habitation. This includes:
- Keeping the structure and exterior of the property (e.g., walls, roof, windows) in good condition.
- Maintaining essential installations like gas, water, heating, and electrical systems.
- Ensuring the property is free from damp and mould that could affect your health.
- Carrying out repairs within a reasonable timeframe after being notified of the problem.
If your landlord has been informed of the disrepair and has failed to take action within a reasonable period, they may be liable for the damages.
Can I Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?
To make a successful housing disrepair claim, you will need to show:
- The disrepair exists – There must be clear evidence that the property has issues that affect its condition or habitability.
- Your landlord was notified – You must have informed your landlord about the disrepair, either in writing or verbally.
- The landlord failed to act – Your landlord must have had a reasonable amount of time to fix the problem but neglected to do so.
If you can prove these points, you may be entitled to compensation.
What Can You Claim For?
A housing disrepair claim can cover various forms of compensation, including:
- Compensation for personal injury – If the disrepair has affected your health (e.g., respiratory issues from damp and mould).
- Damage to belongings – Compensation for damaged items such as clothing, furniture, or electrical goods.
- Rent rebate – A refund or reduction in your rent for the period you lived in disrepair.
- Inconvenience and distress – Compensation for the stress, discomfort, and disruption caused by living in poor conditions.
Our Process for Housing Disrepair Claims
We understand how stressful it can be to live in a property that isn’t properly maintained. Our expert team of solicitors will guide you through the process of making a housing disrepair claim, including:
- Reviewing your tenancy agreement and assessing the condition of the property.
- Gathering evidence of the disrepair, such as photos, medical records, and communication with your landlord.
- Negotiating with your landlord or their legal team to resolve the issue.
- Pursuing compensation and repairs on your behalf, either through negotiation or by taking the case to court if necessary.
We offer a no-win, no-fee service, meaning there is no financial risk to you when making a claim.
Why Choose Us?
Our team has extensive experience handling housing disrepair claims and helping tenants hold negligent landlords accountable. We work tirelessly to ensure that your home is safe and habitable, and that you receive the compensation you deserve for the inconvenience caused by the disrepair.
Start Your Claim Today
If your landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs, don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you get the repairs and compensation you’re entitled to.