A Guide to Filing Epsom 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.
Can I File a Housing Disrepair Claim?
It is the legal right of any renter of a building to live in a house that is not only safe and secure but also one without any disrepair concerns likely to put you and your family at health and security risk.
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 all installations related to water, gas, electricity, and sanitation in a safe and operational state.
- Provide adequate heating and hot water by maintaining these systems in good working order.
When a landlord fails to properly maintain a property’s structure and exterior, it is considered to be in “disrepair”. The state of disrepair can also affect key services and utilities in the building, including electricity, gas, or water supply.
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. Keep in mind that you can no longer file a claim if you’re planning to move out or if the landlord has already rectified the problem.
[Service Area=”Disrepair” Neighbouring areas, up to=”8″] Epsom
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.
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. 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.
TO GET IN TOUCH
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.
If you are still living in a building in disrepair even after having informed the landlord of the issue, it may be the right time to commence legal action against the landlord by making a disrepair claim. Taking legal action could lead to compensation for the inconvenience caused and force the landlord to rectify the problems with the property.