Housing Disrepair Claims

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At TC Legal, we help connect tenants with expert legal professionals who can assist with housing disrepair issues. If you are living in unsafe or unsuitable conditions due to your landlord’s failure to carry out necessary repairs, you have the right to take action!

Housing disrepair refers to situations where a rented property has deteriorated due to neglect, making it unsafe or unfit to live in. Landlords — whether private, housing association, or local council — are legally responsible for ensuring their properties meet basic living standards. If they fail to carry out essential repairs after being informed, you may be entitled to legal assistance to seek necessary repairs and potential compensation.

Tenants frequently experience a range of disrepair issues, including but not limited to:

Damp and Mould

• Persistent damp and mould growth can lead to respiratory problems and other health issues.
• Landlords must ensure proper ventilation, heating, and structural integrity to prevent damp problems.

Structural Damage

• Cracks in walls, unstable flooring, or faulty roofing can make your home unsafe.
• A structurally sound home is a landlord’s legal responsibility.

Leaks and Plumbing Issues

• Leaky pipes, blocked drains, and faulty water systems can cause damage and hygiene concerns.
• Water leaks can lead to mould growth, electrical hazards, and further structural damage.

Heating and Boiler Issues

• Lack of heating or hot water, particularly in winter, can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable tenants.
• Landlords must ensure heating systems and boilers are maintained and operational.

Electrical Hazards

• Exposed wiring, faulty sockets, or persistent power failures pose serious safety risks.
• Electrical safety checks are a legal requirement for rented properties.

Pest Infestations

• Infestations of rats, mice, cockroaches, or other pests can make living conditions unbearable.
• Landlords may be responsible for pest control measures, particularly if infestations arise due to disrepair.

As a tenant, you have legal protections under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. These laws ensure:

• Your landlord is responsible for keeping the property in a safe and habitable condition.
• Essential repairs to the structure, plumbing, heating, and electrics must be carried out within a reasonable time after being reported.
• If disrepair is causing harm to your health or well-being, legal action may be an option.

  To improve the likelihood of a successful claim, tenants must:

• Report the Disrepair
  • Notify your landlord in writing about the issues and provide clear descriptions.
  • Allow your landlord a reasonable amount of time to address the problem.
• Keep Records
  • Maintain evidence such as dated photographs of the disrepair, emails, text messages, or letters sent to your landlord.
  • Retain receipts or invoices for any costs incurred due to the disrepair (e.g., increased heating bills or replacement of damaged belongings).
• Seek Medical Reports (If Applicable)
  • If the disrepair has caused health issues, consult a medical professional and obtain a written report.
• Document Ongoing Problems
  • Keep a log of any repeated or unresolved issues. 

For your claim to proceed to the next stage, the following evidence will be needed:

• Photographic evidence of the disrepair.
• Written correspondence with the landlord regarding the issues.
• Medical reports linking health problems to the disrepair (if applicable).
• Proof of financial loss caused by the disrepair (e.g., increased utility bills or damaged personal property).
• Witness statements from household members or neighbours, if applicable.

• Failure to Follow Procedures
  • Not reporting the disrepair to the landlord in writing or allowing sufficient time for them to address the issue.
• Insufficient Evidence
  • Lack of photographic evidence, correspondence, or medical reports to substantiate the claim.
• Tenant Negligence
  • Claims may fail if the tenant has contributed to the disrepair through misuse or neglect.
• Unrealistic Expectations
  • Claims for compensation or repairs may fail if the issues reported do not legally qualify as disrepair.

At TC Legal, we connect tenants facing housing disrepair with expert legal professionals who specialise in this area. The legal teams we work with can assess your case and determine whether action can be taken to ensure repairs are made and whether compensation is available.

If your landlord has neglected necessary repairs, you may be able to claim compensation for:

• Damage to personal belongings.
• Increased heating costs.
• Health issues caused by damp, mould, or unsafe conditions.
• Disruption and inconvenience. 

If you’re struggling with housing disrepair and need expert legal support, get in touch with TC Legal today. We work with trusted legal professionals who can assess your case and help ensure your home is safe and liveable.

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TC Legal is not a law firm or claims management company. We do not provide legal advice or handle claims directly. Instead, we connect tenants with regulated legal professionals who can assist with their housing disrepair issues. Any legal services provided will be subject to the terms and conditions of the appointed legal service provider.