Housing Claims Disrepair

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When Should You Start A Housing Disrepair Claim?

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When Should You Start A Housing Disrepair Claim?

Introduction

When issues arise that compromise your living conditions, it’s perfectly normal to worry about the consequences.

When faced with problems such as dampness, mould, structural damage, or any other disrepair, you may wonder when to take action. 

Here we explore the key signs that indicate it may be time to start a housing disrepair claim, guiding you through the process and empowering your rights as a tenant.

What Is A Housing Disrepair Claim?

Firstly, let’s start with what a housing disrepair claim is.

A housing disrepair claim is a legal process in which tenants seek repairs and compensation for issues with their property that have not been adequately addressed by their landlord. 

It allows tenants to assert their rights and ensure that their living conditions meet the required health and safety standards.

Examples of Disrepair

Next, we move on to what types of disrepair you should look out for in your property.

Housing disrepair can come in many forms, and some are more serious than others.

Common housing disrepair issues include:

  • Mould & damp
  • Broken heating systems
  • Faulty electrics
  • Leaks
  • Structural damage
  • Broken doors or windows
  • Drainage issues
  • Rat/Insect infestation

When Should You Start A Housing Disrepair Claim?

When it comes to taking action against your landlord, there is a basic timeline which needs to be followed:

  1. Identify disrepair in your property
  2. Make your landlord aware of the disrepair
 
After making the disrepair known to your landlord, they should either complete the repairs, create a timeline to get them done, or visit your property to view the disrepair.
 
If, after six weeks, at a minimum, your landlord hasn’t done any of the above, it’s at this stage that we recommend starting a housing disrepair claim.

The Next Steps

You might ask how do I make a housing disrepair claim?

To start your claim, simply fill in our form here, and we’ll be in touch to get some more information. 

And of course, you don’t have to use us as your legal representation. Many law firms in the UK assist with housing disrepair claims. 

You can visit The Law Society website and use the ‘find a solicitor’ option to search for a solicitor.

It’s important to continue to pay rent whilst this is ongoing and also throughout the legal process.

This is because your landlord will then have the ability to make a counterclaim against you, as you would be in breach of your tenancy agreement.

Your Legal Rights As A Tenant

Remember, you have a legal right to live in your property without suffering due to disrepair.

Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act (1985), as amended by the Fitness for Human Habitation Act, both social housing (council or housing association) and private landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property in a good state. 

It is also your landlord’s responsibility to pay for these repairs, tenants should not be asked to pay for or contribute to the cost of the repairs. 

No Win, No Fee, No Worry!

All our housing disrepair claims run on a no win, no fee agreement, eliminating any financial risk for you.

If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

If you think you’re ready to make a housing disrepair claim, please complete our form by clicking the button below, and we’ll be in contact very soon.

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