Legal Assist UK

Shifting to a rented house could be difficult because it comes with problems. Sometimes, you might get a house in a poor condition, but your landlord is responsible to maintain the property. You are lucky to find a landlord who understands their responsibility of making the place livable. Adjusting with a new landlord could be problematic. However, if your landlord does not listen to the disrepair issues that you are suffering from, then you can make a housing disrepair claim against them.

What is a Housing Disrepair Issue?

There are different types of housing disrepair issues for which the tenant is not responsible. Any house that has an unsafe environment for someone to live in, is a housing disrepair issue. Usually, the property owner has to maintain the house according to the UK housing standard. These issues are related to the interior and exterior of the house.

Is there a Housing Disrepair Law?

The housing disrepair law in the UK ensures that the rights of the landlord and tenant are protected, both. Moreover, the legal framework of housing disrepair law talks about the maintenance of the house. Hence, the housing standard in the UK is ensured by the housing societies. Moreover, if the landlord fails to maintain the property free of infestation or leaky roofs, the tenants can make a housing disrepair claim against them.

Who Can Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

When it comes to housing law, tenants find it daunting to make a housing disrepair claim. They are unsure about making claims against the landlord. These questions are usually from the tenants who are living in the housing association properties. Tenants have the right to claim against housing disrepair issues, especially when the land-owner has neglected their plea.

Eligibility for Making Housing Disrepair Claims

A housing disrepair is associated with poor condition of the house such as pest infestation, leaky roofs, poor heating conditions, cracked tiles, dangerous electricity supply or any type of inconvenience caused to the tenants in the house. They must be immediately reported to the landlord before tenants face any bad consequences. It does not matter if you are living in a private housing property or a public one, you can still make a housing disrepair claim. Further, you must have the proof of communication with your landlord about the disrepair issues. The evidence could be visual such as photographs and videos. The tenants should allow a reasonable amount of time to the landlord so they can fix the repairs. If the repairs are not made timely, the tenants must talk to the landlord. The unresponsive attitude of the property owner can be frustrating and you can make a valid housing disrepair claim.

How Does a Housing Disrepair Problem Impact Tenants?

If you are living in a rented accommodation that has mould and dampness, it could lead to infectious diseases. Besides plumbing and sanitary issues, the cracked tiles or walls can damage your house. It can bring disaster to your house or you can be physically injured. Anything that causes problems to you in a rented house shall be addressed to the landlord, but then you can also make a housing disrepair claim.

How Much Can I Be Compensated?

A compensation cannot be calculated unless it has been calculated. Nonetheless, you will be compensated for the inconvenience that was caused by disrepair issues. It includes the compensation for personal injuries and income loss.

Should I Hire a Solicitor for the Housing Disrepair Claim?

You may not know your rights as tenants, therefore, whenever you have structural damage in the house, you should consult the solicitor.. It is advised by others to have a solicitor who can manage your housing disrepair claim. They will guide you about the claim. However, every case is complicated and different to make a claim. Some lawyers work on a no win, no fee basis. It means that you will not have to worry about finance as they will not charge you if you do not get the compensation.

Qualities to Look in a Solicitor

However, there are few qualities that you should know while hiring a solicitor. The most important thing about hiring a lawyer is that they should be confident to manage your claim. If they know that it is not possible to get good compensation, they should tell you.

If you found out that the house you have rented is in poor condition, you can make a housing disrepair claim in the UK against your landlord.