How does a housing disrepair claim work?
Introduction
How does a housing disrepair claim work? If you are a tenant living in a rented property in the UK, you have the right to live in a home that is in a good state of repair. Your landlord is responsible for carrying out repairs to the property, and if they fail to do so, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claim.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair is any damage or defect to a property that makes it unfit to live in. This can include things like:
- Damp and mould
- Leaky roofs
- Faulty wiring
- Broken windows and doors
- Poor insulation
- Lack of heating
How does a housing disrepair claim work?
If you are considering making a housing disrepair claim, the first step is to contact your landlord and report the problem. You should do this in writing, so that you have a record of your complaint.
Your landlord should then arrange for the repairs to be carried out within a reasonable amount of time. If they fail to do so, you can start the process of making a claim.
To make a claim, you will need to provide evidence of the disrepair and the impact it is having on your life. This may include:
- Photographs of the damage
- Repair quotes from contractors
- Medical records if you have suffered any health problems as a result of the disrepair
- A diary of how the disrepair is affecting your day-to-day life
What compensation can I claim?
If you are successful with your housing disrepair claim, you may be able to claim compensation for the following:
- The cost of repairs
- Any damage to your belongings caused by the disrepair
- Any additional expenses you have incurred, such as the cost of heating your home or cleaning up mould
- Pain and suffering
How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
The length of time it takes to resolve a housing disrepair claim will vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether or not your landlord agrees to settle the claim out of court.
If you take your claim to court, it could take several months or even years to be resolved. However, most housing disrepair claims are settled out of court, which can be a much quicker process.
How to get help with making a housing disrepair claim
If you are considering making a housing disrepair claim, it is advisable to seek legal advice. A solicitor can help you to gather the evidence you need to support your claim and negotiate with your landlord on your behalf.
There are also a number of charities that can provide free advice and support to tenants who are making housing disrepair claims.
Conclusion
If you are living in a rented property that is in disrepair, you have the right to make a housing disrepair claim. This can be a complex process, but it is important to know that you have options and that there is help available.
Important links
Housing Disrepair Advice: https://housingdisrepairadvice.org/contact
Housing Ombudsman: https://www.housing-ombudsman.org.uk/
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