Housing disrepair in social housing can significantly impact tenants’ quality of life. If you are a tenant in social housing experiencing disrepair, this guide will help answer common questions and outline the steps to take.
What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to the poor condition of a property that makes it unsuitable or unsafe to live in. Common examples include damp, mould, broken heating systems, faulty plumbing, or structural issues like leaks or collapsing ceilings.
Social landlords, such as councils or housing associations, are legally obligated to maintain properties in a state of reasonable repair. This includes ensuring the safety of gas, electricity, water systems, and structural integrity.
What Are Your Rights as a Social Housing Tenant?
As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and habitable home. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must:
- Carry out repairs to the structure and exterior of the property.
- Ensure the property has adequate heating, hot water, and sanitation.
- Fix any disrepair affecting health or safety, such as damp or infestation
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 strengthens these rights, requiring landlords to address issues that make a home unfit for human habitation.
How Do You Report Disrepair?
You should report any disrepair to your landlord as soon as you notice it. While verbal reports are acceptable, it’s advisable to follow up in writing for evidence. Key steps include:
- Contact the Landlord: Notify them in writing, describing the issue and its impact.
- Keep Records: Take photos, keep copies of correspondence, and log any communication.
- Allow Access for Repairs: Landlords have a legal right to enter your property for repair work, provided they give at least 24 hours’ notice.
If repairs are not completed within a reasonable time, you may escalate the issue.
What If Your Landlord Fails to Act and Delayed?
Seek Legal Guidance : If your repairs have been delayed for more than three months and you’re unsure about the next steps, don’t hesitate to seek professional legal guidance. Contact National Claims, and we’ll connect you with experienced solicitors who specialise in housing disrepair claims. They’ll assist you in understanding your rights and ensuring your case is handled effectively.
Can You Claim Compensation?
Yes, you may be entitled to compensation for housing disrepair. This could cover:
- Inconvenience: Compensation for disruption or loss of use of parts of your home.
- Health Impacts: Damages for illnesses caused by disrepair, such as respiratory issues from damp and mould.
- Property Damage: Replacement costs for belongings damaged due to disrepair.
How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Claim?
The time to resolve disrepair issues varies based on the nature of the problem and landlord responsiveness. Emergency repairs, such as heating failures in winter, should be addressed promptly (often within 24 hours). For non-urgent repairs, landlords must act within a “reasonable time,” which is generally up to 28 days to 3 months.
How Can You Protect Your Rights?
To ensure your rights are upheld:
- Always document disrepair and communication with your landlord.
- Seek advice from legal experts or organisations like Citizens Advice or Shelter.
- Act promptly to report issues before they worsen
By understanding your rights and responsibilities, you can navigate social housing disrepair effectively and advocate for a safe living environment. If you need further assistance, visit our website, National Claims, where our experts will provide detailed guidance on the claims compensation process and offer valuable insights into your housing disrepair concerns. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
Start your claim today
At National Claims, we understand that experiencing housing disrepair can be a traumatic and life-changing event. We believe everyone deserves access to justice, regardless of financial means. Our no win, no fee policy means no upfront legal fees. Our fees are only due if your claim is successful, allowing you to focus on your recovery.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim. Click below to see why we are one of the most trusted claims management companies in the UK.
