If you think you have disrepair in your home but do not know what to do, you are not alone. Many UK residents also have no idea what their tenant rights are.
As a tenant, one of the first things you need to learn and understand is your right to seek for solutions if your rented home is in need of repair. It is your right and obligation to inform your landlord and request for action on your disrepair issues. If your landlord fails to respond in the time allotted to them, you can file a housing disrepair claim.
What does a housing disrepair claim entail?
After notifying your landlord about the disrepair issues in your home, they are given reasonable time (typically 21 days) to respond or carry out the needed repairs. If they fail to do so, filing a disrepair claim is the next best step for you. This is a lawsuit that allows you, as a tenant, to take legal action against your landlord for ignoring your repair requestsfor the issues in your rented home.
Whether you are renting privately or through the local council or housing association, your landlord is legally obligated to repair any damage in the property that is under their responsibility. They are obliged to ensure that the home is in a good state of repair – i.e. well-maintained structure and exteriors, among other things.
However, a landlord is not obligated to fix damages if you did not inform them of the disrepair and if no request was submitted. This is why you should inform your landlord of any disrepair problems as soon as they appear in your home.
What are common housing disrepair issues?
Common disrepair issues in the UK include the following:
Most housing disrepair cases typically start as damp and mould issues that landlords neglect. Over time, the problems intensify and result in tenants suffering from health issues like allergies and respiratory illnesses.
What repairs are landlords responsible for?
Landlords are obligated to repair common areas in the property, such as the stairs and hallway of an apartment building. Their other responsibilities are:
Your tenancy agreement should indicate both your landlord’s and your repair obligations. Any damage that occurs as a result of your actions is your responsibility.
How can a disrepair claim be established?
There are two factors that you need to establish when you file housing disrepair compensation:
1. The disrepair is known about.
The landlord already knows that their property is in disrepair because you have informed them several times, or they know beforehand that it is in need of repair.
2. The damage could have been avoided.
The landlord is aware that they have failed to respond and take the needed action. Damage could have been avoided if the landlord exercised their responsibilities.
How can I file a disrepair claim? What steps should I take?
If your landlord has not responded to your repair requests, there are several steps that you should follow.
First, ensure that you have documented every issue or problem that you reported to your landlord. This can be in the form of photos, videos, email correspondence, or audio recordings. These documents may prove to be useful evidence once the legal process starts.
You should also prepare a copy of your tenancy agreement, as well as records of medical visits and medical reports. Expert evidence is also crucial, such as reports provided by an Environmental Health Officer.
Your next step is to find a solicitor or team of housing disrepair experts that can help you with all the requirements. They can help you understand your legal choices and responsibilities. Your disrepair team will also help ensure that you properly go through the protocol for housing disrepair cases. A pre-action protocol is outlined in the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (LTA85).
What will happen to my disrepair claim if I have rent arrears? Can I be evicted because of the claim?
Even if you have rent arrears, you are eligible for filing a housing disrepair claim. Additionally, if you have been renting for at least 12 months when you filed the claim, your landlord does not have the legal right to evict you. Social tenants have more protections afforded to them than private tenants, which is something to bear in mind if you have a private landlord.
Where can I find help for my disrepair claim?
As mentioned earlier, you can work with a solicitor or a team of housing disrepair experts when filing a claim. The team at Disrepair Claim knows what to do to ensure a successful claim, so you should get in touch with them once you’ve decided to push through with legal action.
As soon as you enter a space, walls define its boundary, volume, style, and experience. Interior wall designs are crucial in determining the mood and aesthetic appeal of an interior space. To create a one-of-a-kind space for occupants and guests, the interplay of interior wall designs and their volume is key. To evoke a feeling […]
Marble house designs in the Indian context constantly change and upgrade with time but never go out of style. Marble a timeless and versatile material, finds its application in various settings ranging from flooring to ornamentation. If you are looking for marble house ideas to add a touch of quality and luxury to your home, […]
In small bathroom layouts, every square inch counts. Without a thoughtful plan, a small space can quickly become cluttered, making it feel even more cramped. The right bathroom layout not only enhances functionality in interiors but also creates a sense of openness. Think about it—how frustrating is it to move around a bathroom where the […]
Do you enjoy keeping games, books, and ornaments in your hallway? This carefully chosen collection of living room storage ideas will complement your interior decor and be suitable for Indian homes. These are chosen from a shortlist of different product designers’ living room storage designs on Archioo. The following living room storage concepts have been […]
Creating a TV unit design in bedroom requires the right balance of functionality, optimization, and aesthetics to enhance the space. Apart from cots and wardrobes, TV units in a bedroom play a pivotal role in captivating an individual’s attention. Keeping in mind, the design theme and concept of your home, the TV unit design in […]
Are you worried about the small space left in your kitchen? In parallel kitchen design, the layout divides the kitchen into two parallel counters. Including the parallel kitchen design, the work sequence includes store, wash, prepare, cook, serve, eat, and be followed by clear and wash up. From the sequences, we learn that three appliances […]
The living room is the heart of the home, a space where conversations flow, memories are made, and comfort takes center stage. But what anchors this space, creating balance and style? The tables you choose—whether a sleek console table by the wall, a statement-making centerpiece, or a charming side table—have the power to elevate your […]
When it comes to improving the look and feel of a home, the choices we make about interior décor can have a profound impact. While furniture, lighting, and fabrics all play a significant role, one often overlooked yet incredibly powerful tool for sprucing up your home’s interior is art—specifically paintings or prints. Not only do […]
Grout is a fundamental element in any surface that has a tile; over time, grout tends to build up dirt and stains. If not cleaned well, dirty grouting tends to develop unappealing, unpleasant areas. This is most true in high-traffic areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. This guide covers steps on how one can clean […]
With ongoing design trends, modern master bedroom design ideas are gaining attraction among Indian homeowners. What are modern master bedroom design ideas? Focusing on the largest bedroom of the house, this trend exudes luxury, comfort, and relaxation in distinctive materials, smooth finishes, attractive decors, and more. Additionally, modern master bedroom design ideas have also been […]