If you live in a poor-quality building, you may be eligible to receive compensation for housing disrepair. If you’re unable to find a suitable replacement property or the existing one is in a poor condition, you can file a claim to a housing disrepair claims scheme. You should also keep in mind that many legal firms make their money by processing claims and therefore, you should be careful when contacting them.
Compensation for housing disrepair
If you think your property is in need of repair but your landlord is unwilling to make the necessary repairs, you can file a housing disrepair claim. In addition to filing a claim, you should also retain copies of all paperwork, such as receipts for replaced items and photographs of mould patches. You should also visit your local GP to ensure that you’re not suffering any physical injuries due to the conditions of your property.
The amount of compensation you can claim depends on how severe the disrepair is. Generally, a property can only receive 100% of its rent if it is uninhabitable or severely damaged. In most cases, however, you’ll receive anywhere from 25 to 50% of the rent you pay. Generally, this compensation is based on the severity of the damage to the property, so the higher the percentage, the more you’ll get.
Common issues with housing disrepair
Aside from the structural aspects, common issues with housing disrepair can include issues with heating and hot water. Broken boilers and faulty roofs are also common among renters.
Unattended electrical wiring can lead to health issues, including electric shocks, and even death. To make sure your landlord is aware of such problems, you should document them. If you do not, you may find yourself in a position where you need to seek legal advice.
Generally speaking, housing disrepair can be defined as general damage to the property. Visible damage, such as loose floorboards and damp walls, can be a sign of a more serious problem. If left unchecked, a deteriorating property can quickly become a hazardous place to live. When you first notice a problem, contact your landlord or solicitor as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can file a complaint with the local council or local housing authority.
Legal firms that make huge profits from housing disrepair claims
There is a growing trend of disrepair claims against housing associations and councils. These cases are often made by claims management firms who entice tenants with high compensation awards, but often fail to deliver on those promises due to the high legal costs. Many tenants are left with huge legal bills and have been bullied into signing contracts with these firms, meaning they are liable for fees even if they don’t win the case.
The rise in newcastle housing disrepair claims against councils and housing associations is worrying. Legal firms report that some claims management companies have aggressively targeted council estates and have made a huge profit. The firms also warn councils to be wary of the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act which came into force in March. The Act aims to give landlords a broader range of legal responsibilities, which includes ensuring rented properties are as safe and as well maintained as they can be.
Steps to bring a claim against your landlord
In order to bring a housing disrepair compensation claim against your landlord, you must show that your landlord has broken their repairing obligation. Typically, landlords keep records of complaints and completed repairs. It’s also helpful to keep a record of when you complained, including when you contacted your landlord by phone or text. Once you have enough evidence to support your claim, you can start the legal proceedings.
First, if your landlord continues to ignore your complaints, you can consider filing for a TRO or a preliminary injunction. While you’ll need to pay the filing and service fees, the court will often waive them if you show financial hardship. If you’re unable to pay the fees, you can also file a
