Make a Claim for Housing Disrepair

When you move into a rented property, your landlord is responsible for keeping it in good condition. If you believe your landlord has failed to do this then you should make a claim for housing disrepair.

Disrepair covers a range of issues such as infestation, damp, mould, plumbing and gutter problems. It can also include damage to your belongings.

Damage to your belongings

If you have suffered damage to your belongings as a result of the housing disrepair in your home then you may be able to claim compensation. This could include items such as furniture, carpets and clothing damaged by mould.

However, before you can make a claim for the damages to your belongings, it is important to understand who is responsible for repairing the damage – you or your landlord.

Regardless of whether you live in council or housing association accommodation, all private landlords have a legal duty to keep their property in a good state of repair.

So if you notice any issues that are likely to cause safety risks or threaten your health and wellbeing, it is your responsibility to report them to your landlord. They should then act on your complaint and arrange to have the issue repaired.

Ill health

There are many benefits to living in a well-maintained home. However, disrepair can cause major health issues such as mould and damage to your belongings. The more serious problems can also affect your health.

For example, a crack in a window can allow rainwater into your home, which can result in water damage, damp and mould. This can lead to respiratory problems such as asthma, and allergies if not dealt with promptly.

Ill health is usually a result of a physical disease or condition, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease, although it can occur for reasons beyond one’s control. The best way to determine whether you have a real health problem is to speak to your doctor, who will be able to recommend the next steps. This will often include an examination of your medical records and your family history. This will help to pinpoint the source of your ill health and ensure you get the treatment you deserve.

Loss of amenity

If you’re suffering from a loss of amenity as a result of housing disrepair, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. This can include things like the extra money you’ve had to spend on heating your home, having to find alternative accommodation or paying for medication.

There are different heads of claim that you can claim for, so it’s important to know what you’re entitled to. One head of claim is pain, suffering and loss of amenity (also known as PSLA).

Another head of claim is inconvenience caused by your property’s disrepair. This could include having to find somewhere else to live, taking time off work or being forced to pay for replacement items. It’s also worth ensuring that you keep records of all of your correspondence with your landlord. This can help us to build a strong case for your claim.

Court proceedings

You can make a claim for housing disrepair compensation against your landlord if they haven’t repaired your home to the standard you expect. This can be a difficult situation to navigate, so it’s important to seek legal advice before making a claim.

Housing disrepair can involve a wide range of issues, from leaks in the property to structural damage. These problems can be expensive and time-consuming to fix, and you’re entitled to compensation for their cost.

Landlords have a responsibility to ensure that your rented property is in good condition, and to repair problems as quickly as possible. This includes faulty electricals, heating faults and water leaks.

Your landlord should be able to fix these problems for you, but they often fail to do so. If you feel that your landlord hasn’t been fair or responsible enough in repairing the property, you can make a claim for housing disrepair. It’s important to let your solicitor know that you intend to make a claim so that they can organise a triage assessor to look over the property and check for any damages.