Housing Disrepair Blaby

Housing Disrepair Claims: What to Do When Your Blaby Home Is in Disrepair

Has your home been affected by issues such as dampness, leaks, or the presence of mould? If you’re experiencing these issues, don’t hesitate to contact a team of legal experts who can help you pursue a housing disrepair claim.

Can I File a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Tenants have a legal right to live in a safe and well-maintained property, free from any hazards that could pose a risk to themselves or their families.

Landlords have specific legal obligations to their tenants, primarily defined by the Landlord and Tenant Act (LTA) 1985. Section 11 of the LTA 1985 specifically states that landlords must:

• Ensure the building structure and its exterior installations, including drains, external pipes, and gutters, are in good condition.
• Maintain building installations for water, electricity, gas, and sanitation are in a good working state and are repaired promptly whenever they are faulty.
• Ensure the systems meant for hot water and space heating are in the right working condition and are repaired promptly whenever they are faulty.

“Disrepair” describes situations where a landlord fails to maintain the property’s structure and exterior in a habitable condition. Furthermore, disrepair encompasses issues affecting the supply of essential utilities, including water, gas, and electricity.

A claim against a landlord is primarily intended to ensure that necessary repairs are carried out without delay, providing you with a safe and habitable living space. Nonetheless, as a renter, you do not qualify to file a disrepair claim for your house if you were already planning to relocate or when the landlord has addressed the issue conclusively.

Eligibility for financial compensation in housing disrepair cases hinges on the landlord’s failure to address significant issues within a reasonable timeframe, leading to prolonged hardship, inconvenience, or even health problems for tenants.

If the above scenario is similar to your case, you may be qualifying to make the disrepair claim. Act promptly, though, because once the landlord resolves the issue or you vacate the property, you lose the right to claim compensation.

What You Need to Know About Housing Disrepair Claims

It is the responsibility of every landlord, regardless of whether they are a private owner, a council, or a housing association, to ensure their properties are safe, secure, and in good repair. Tenants who are subjected to unsafe or unhealthy living conditions due to their landlord’s negligence may be eligible to file a housing disrepair claim.

It is also worth noting that the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act that was implemented in 2019 gave renters more legal power to protect their rights by compelling the landlord to undertake necessary repair works and make sure the building is in a safe and habitable condition. This legislation places a clear responsibility on landlords to ensure their rental properties meet adequate standards for human habitation.

Tenants facing unresolved disrepair issues despite informing their landlord may have grounds to pursue a legal claim. Taking legal action could lead to compensation for the inconvenience caused and force the landlord to rectify the problems with the property.