A Guide to Filing Walsall Housing Disrepair Claims
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.
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 the LTA 1985 specifically states that landlords must:
- Uphold the structural integrity of the property, including its exterior and components such as pipes, drains, and gutters.
- Maintain all installations related to water, gas, electricity, and sanitation in a safe and operational state.
- Guarantee the reliable operation of space heating and hot water systems.
“Disrepair” describes situations where a landlord fails to maintain the property’s structure and exterior in a habitable condition. Problems with the functioning of essential utilities within the property, like water, gas, and electricity, also fall under the category of disrepair.
The main goal of filing a claim against a landlord is to make sure that proper repair works are carried out and completed quickly to ensure the house occupier enjoys living in a functioning and safe environment. Note that if you intend to vacate the premises, or if the landlord has already addressed the disrepair, you won’t be able to pursue a housing disrepair claim.
You might be entitled to financial compensation if the problems you’ve experienced in your home have been ongoing and have caused significant hardship for you or your household.
Should you experience these circumstances, you may qualify for compensation. Act promptly, though, because once the landlord resolves the issue or you vacate the property, you lose the right to claim compensation.
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About Housing Disrepair Claims
It is the duty of the landlord, regardless if they are private, local/council authorities, or housing associations, to maintain their buildings in a secure, safe, and working condition. 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.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2019 reinforced the rights of tenants, enabling them to pursue legal recourse against landlords who fail to maintain their properties to a habitable standard. Under this Act, landlords are legally obligated to provide a safe and healthy living environment for their tenants.
Should you find yourself living in a property with disrepair issues that your landlord has been made aware of, you might be eligible to pursue legal action through a housing disrepair claim. A successful claim can result in financial compensation and force your landlord to carry out the necessary repairs to make your home safe and habitable.