Whether you’re renting a property in the UK or have bought one, you might have the right to make a claim for housing disrepair. Despite the fact that it can be difficult to determine whether your landlord is at fault, there are several steps that you can take to investigate the problem and pursue a claim. First, keep records of all correspondence with your landlord. This can include the names of the people you contact, dates and copies of any correspondence or social media messages. Then, find out if there’s a complaints procedure in place. You can also find out how quickly they respond to complaints. If your landlord does not respond quickly enough, it may be a good idea to consider using a specialist housing solicitor firm. The experts at these firms can escalate the complaint to the landlord or local council, or even to the Housing Ombudsman.
Common types of housing disrepair
If you have found that your rental property is in a state of disrepair, you may be eligible to file a disrepair claim against your landlord. A landlord is legally required to keep their property in good condition. If you feel like your landlord hasn’t done this, you can file a disrepair claim to force them to repair any defects.
The first step in filing a housing disrepair claim is to assess the amount of damage you have suffered. You can estimate the amount you may be able to claim by using an online housing disrepair compensation calculator. You can also speak to a solicitor to get a more precise estimate of what you can expect to be compensated for.
While landlords are legally required to maintain their rental property, they are not obliged to fix damages unless they are notified of the problems. Nevertheless, it is important to contact your landlord as soon as you notice any disrepair problems.
Common issues caused by irresponsible landlords
One of the biggest worries for landlords is late or non-payment of rent. In fact, more than half of landlords in the UK experience at least one instance of late rent each month. But it’s not always the tenant’s fault. In recent years, the cost of living in the UK has increased while wages have remained relatively stagnant.
The engorged property market is now one of the cornerstones of the British economy. However, many landlords still view themselves as price gouging parasites. Despite this, they are perpetually surprised that almost everyone hates them. This is a serious problem that should be addressed.
The best way to address anti-social behaviour is to communicate with your tenant. You should make them aware of your expectations and the consequences of breaking your tenancy agreement. And be sure to document this in writing, so you can refer to it if the problem persists.
Common ways to establish a claim for compensation
If you or a member of your family has suffered from ill health or discomfort due to disrepair in your housing, you may be entitled to claim for compensation. The amount of compensation you receive depends on the severity of your illness, how long it’s been going on, and any financial losses you’ve suffered.
The first step is to notify your landlord of any problems and give them a reasonable amount of time to resolve the situation. The next step is to collect evidence to back up your claim. This can include correspondence with your landlord indicating that you’re unhappy with the conditions, photographs of damage to your property, and receipts for replacement items. In some cases, you may also be able to obtain medical reports stating the damage has affected your health. You may also wish to obtain a report from your local council’s environmental health department.
Besides physical damages, housing disrepair claims can include emotional and psychological damages. Infestations, for instance, can make your life difficult. They can cause you to be stressed and may even trigger phobias.
