Housing Disrepair Cherwell

A Guide to Filing Cherwell Housing Disrepair Claims

Has your home been affected by issues such as dampness, leaks, or the presence of mould? If yes, it is best to seek professional support immediately to guide you into filing a housing disrepair claim.

Does the Law Allow Me to 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.

The Landlord and Tenant Act (LTA) 1985 is a key piece of legislation that establishes the responsibilities of landlords towards their tenants. Section 11 of this act spells out the responsibilities of the landlord to include the following:

• Ensure the building structure and its exterior installations, including drains, external pipes, and gutters, are in good condition.
• Guarantee the proper functioning and maintenance of utilities such as water, gas, electricity, and sanitation within the property.
• Provide adequate heating and hot water by maintaining these systems in good working order.

“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.

The main objective of a housing disrepair claim is to get the necessary repairs done quickly so you can live in a safe and comfortable environment. 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.

If, as a renter, you qualify for monetary compensation, it must be because the housing repair issues you are facing have been left unattended to for a long time, thus inflicting suffering or inconveniencing you and your loved ones.

If the above scenario is similar to your case, you may be qualifying to make the disrepair claim. On the other hand, make sure you file the claim before the landlord has addressed the concern or before you move out to be eligible to seek compensation.

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. If the landlord fails to rectify the issues in the building, it could force the tenant to withstand a hazardous living environment, thus justifying the need to file a claim.

Introduced in 2019, the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act reinforces the rights of tenants to live in safe and suitable housing, enabling them to pursue legal action against negligent landlords. 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. The claim will help you get your due compensation or force the landlord to repair the building appropriately by addressing all issues hindering your safe enjoyment of the property.