What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair is when a rented property needs repair work to be undertaken in order for it to be safe and inhabitable for the tenant(s) to live in.

Why should I make a claim against my Landlord for disrepair?

The premise behind housing disrepair claims is that the landlord has failed in their duty and repair obligation by not undertaking the required repair work within a reasonable time frame.

The main benefit undoubtedly of instructing Howarth Legal Services to carry out your housing disrepair claim is that we will ensure the landlord undertakes both the works you have previously reported and also works identified by our expert surveyor, who will attend your property for a visit to assess the defects and inform the landlord of their existence.

Aside from the landlord having to undertake the repair work, our team will fight to ensure you are fairly compensated for the anxiety, distress, and general unpleasantness caused by living in such disrepair in your home.

What Are Some Common Examples of Disrepair?

Your landlord is legally responsible for maintaining the property and making all necessary repairs, particularly if they present a serious safety or health risk. That means ensuring that the boiler is working, the roof is maintained, leaks and water damage are repaired to prevent mould from growing, subsidence is handled, electrical wiring is up to code, and gas leaks are fixed immediately. Failure to address any of these issues can cause a range of problems for tenants, from daily inconveniences to serious health hazards. The following are examples of disrepair that your landlord is obligated to address:

Damp, mould, or fungus on walls/ceiling

Broken or rotten windows and window frames

Broken or rotten doors and doorframes

Subsidence, where the property slowly starts to sink into the ground

Damage from leaksIssues with defective roofing/guttering

Lack of hot water

Lack of central heating

Damage from leaks

Damaged or blocked drains

Issues with paving/pathways

Damaged electrics

Damaged gas and water pipework

Mice or rat infestations

Pests, rodents, or vermin

Any other major or minor damages

When the above disrepair problems are not addressed and fixed, they tend to worsen over time, which can put tenants at risk of serious injuries and health complications, including the following:

Aggravated asthma

Anxiety and depression

Carbon monoxide poisoning

Electrocution

Gastrointestinal problems

Pneumonia

Trip and falls on poorly maintained stairs, carpets, and floors

Upper respiratory tract infections

What Are My Rights as a Tenant When it Comes to Housing Disrepair?

If you are a council or housing association tenant, live in social housing, or live in a privately rented property in the UK, you have a legal right to safe and comfortable housing. Unfortunately, while all landlords have a legal obligation to maintain the upkeep of their property, some landlords let their property fall into disrepair.

A “state of disrepair” means the landlord has not properly maintained your property and requires urgent care. Whether there are broken windows in one room, mould growing on all of the walls, or severe water damage that has caused damage to your personal property, it is your right to take legal action.

If your landlord fails to make the necessary repairs to your home, it is recommended that you contact an experienced housing disrepair solicitor, who can help you bring a claim against your landlord. The following are examples of scenarios that warrant a housing disrepair claim:

The disrepair has caused significant inconveniences and prevented you from enjoying the full use of the home for an extended period of time.

The disrepair caused your personal possessions to become damaged.

The unsafe living conditions have had a negative impact on your health.

How Can a Housing Disrepair Solicitor Help Me With My Claim?
Depending on the nature of your home’s disrepair, your living conditions can have a negative impact on your quality of life, your mental health, and even your physical health. An experienced housing disrepair solicitor can assess the details of your case, assist you in taking legal action against your landlord if necessary, take the steps necessary to ensure that your landlord makes the required repairs, and seek financial compensation. Our housing disrepair solicitors handle various cases where tenants live in unsafe, unhealthy, or unsuitable conditions.