If you’re a tenant living in council housing, you have the right to a safe and well-maintained home. However, what can you do if your council house has fallen into disrepair? In this article, we’ll explore where to start with council disrepair claims and what defines a disrepair claim. We’ll also answer the question of whether the council can do anything about mould.
What is a disrepair claim?
A disrepair claim is a legal action taken by a tenant against their landlord for failing to maintain their property to a safe and livable standard. Disrepair can include issues such as damp, mould, leaking pipes, faulty wiring, broken appliances, and structural issues. If your landlord is a local council, you can make a claim for disrepair against them.
To make a disrepair claim against your council, you’ll need to gather evidence of the issues you’re experiencing in your property. This may include photographs, video footage, or reports from independent experts such as surveyors or engineers. You’ll also need to keep a record of any correspondence you have with your landlord, including letters and emails.
Once you have evidence to support your claim, you’ll need to contact National Claims, who specialises in housing disrepair claims. They’ll be able to provide further guidance on the strength of your claim and guide you through the process of making a claim.
Can the council do anything about mould?
Mould is a common issue in council properties and can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor ventilation, dampness, and condensation. If you’re experiencing mould in your council property, it’s important to notify your landlord as soon as possible, as it can be a health hazard and can exacerbate respiratory conditions.
The council has a responsibility to maintain their properties to a safe and livable standard, which includes addressing issues such as mould. They should carry out an inspection of your property and take steps to address any underlying issues that may be causing the mould. This may include repairing leaking pipes, improving ventilation, or installing extractor fans.
If the council fails to take action to address the mould in your property, you may be able to make a disrepair claim against them. However, it’s important to note that not all cases of mould will qualify as a disrepair claim. To be successful in your claim, you’ll need to demonstrate that the mould is causing harm to your health and that the council has failed to take reasonable steps to address the issue.
What is a legal disrepair process UK?
In the UK, the legal process for making a disrepair claim against a council landlord is set out in the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Disrepair Cases. This protocol sets out the steps that tenants should take before making a claim to ensure that they have exhausted all other avenues for resolving the issues they’re experiencing.
The first step is to notify your landlord of the issues you’re experiencing in writing, as we’ve already discussed. The landlord should respond to your complaint within a reasonable time frame and take steps to resolve the issues you’re experiencing.
If the landlord fails to take action, you should escalate your complaint to the relevant housing department within the council. They should carry out an inspection of your property and take steps to address the issues you’re experiencing.
If the council fails to take satisfactory action, you may be able to make a disrepair claim against them. This involves engaging the services of a specialist housing solicitor who will guide you through the process of making a claim.
Is damp classed as disrepair?
Damp is one of the most common issues experienced by tenants in council properties. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor ventilation, condensation, and leaking pipes. Damp can cause damage to your property and can be a health hazard, as it can exacerbate respiratory conditions.
Damp is classed as disrepair if it is causing harm to your health or damaging your property, and your landlord has failed to take reasonable steps to address the issue. To be successful in a disrepair claim for damp, you’ll need to provide evidence of the harm caused to your health or property and demonstrate that your landlord has failed to take action to address the issue.
How much compensation for housing disrepair?
If you’re curious about the amount of compensation available for your housing disrepair, we advise you to fill out one of our claims forms, which can be easily located on our website.
Conclusion
Making a disrepair claim against your council landlord can be a daunting process, but it’s important to take action if you’re experiencing issues in your property. By following the legal process and gathering evidence to support your claim, you can ensure that your rights as a tenant are protected and that your home is safe and livable. If you’re experiencing issues with damp or any other form of disrepair in your council property, notify your landlord in writing and seek guidance from National Claims.
Contact Us at National Claims today for us to help you start your claim against your council.
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