In the UK, tenants have unresolved housing disrepair issues unless they are not claimed by the landlord. However, property maintenance is the property owner’s responsibility. If they neglect the repeated requests of house occupants, the landlord will face severe consequences. Housing disrepair claims are legal actions taken against the landlord for not complying with the safety standards of the accommodation. However, rented property by tenants may cause them damages, for which they can seek compensation from the landlord by making a housing disrepair claim.
Responsibilities of the Landlords in the UK
If you provide accommodation in the UK, you must ensure safe living standards for the tenants. As a landlord, you have to abide by the laws as well as have civil responsibilities – especially repairs in the house:
The landlord shall maintain the exterior and interior of the house well. For example, the roof and walls should be well-cemented, eliminating the risk of mould and dampness.
Heating and water systems shall be appropriately fitted within the thermostat. However, the temperature might have to be changed from time to time; therefore, a working thermostat should be installed for better heating and water systems.
Sanitary fittings should be installed with proper drainage systems, whether for baths, sinks or basins.
A proper ventilation system must be fitted to ensure clean air, taking out carbon dioxide. However, damps and moulds might produce dangerous gases, and poor ventilation may risk an individual’s health. Moreover, wiring must be fitted well to ensure the safe use of appliances in the house.
With all these responsibilities, the landlord must not charge you for these repairs. They are responsible for maintaining the house with basic repairs, as mentioned in the rental agreement.
Why is My Landlord Not Responsible?
You have to deal fairly with your landlord. If they have provided you with a house with instructions for the appliances or anything else to be taken care of, but you fail to do that, then they are not responsible for the fixtures.
Eligibility for Housing Disrepair Claims
For some tenants, making housing disrepair claims is a daunting task. They do not want to put the landlord in a bad position; however, they also do not want to live in poor housing conditions. The important thing is to know if you are eligible to claim against your landlord. Before you move into the property, if the house is in bad condition, the landlord must make the renovation timely.
Your claim for housing disrepair is valid if the landlord does not make repairs even after you have told them about it. Secondly, the claim is strengthened with the evidence you have provided them, showing disrepairs in the house. Moreover, if the landlord has not fulfilled their commitment reasonably, you can claim compensation as housing disrepairs have adversely affected you.
Claims I Can Make?
You can make claims if the housing disrepairs have affected you. For example, your property is damaged due to molds or if the pest infestation has damaged your personal belongings. Even if the repairs have damaged your belongings, you can claim for that too. Further, you will be compensated for the financial loss if any results are found while the landlord fails to get repairs on time.
Besides housing disrepair claims, you can also make a personal injury claim. It may include slips and trips in the house due to structural damages or causing health issues.
Legal Way to Make Housing Disrepair Claims
Before making a legal claim against the disrepair, if you want to claim the rented accommodation, you will need to hire a solicitor to ensure successful compensation against housing disrepair claims. They should be well-qualified to negotiate with your landlord. Importantly, evidence of disrepairs and communication with the landlord shall be shared with the solicitor. They will analyse the case and decide on your claim and compensation.
If you have a Army hearing loss claims , the solicitors available at Sonic Settlements can help you because they have expert knowledge in dealing claims related to hearing loss. You will be ensured for fair compensation with as much evidence you provide them.