Rise in Landlords Being Hit with Enforcement Action for Same Repairs on Same Homes

Enforcement against landlords for uncompleted repairs

Lawyers have reported an increase in the number of social landlords facing enforcement action for the same repairs on rented apartments due to labor shortages and supply chain challenges.

‍

The lawyers explain that these challenges have caused landlords to be unable to complete outstanding repairs within agreed-upon timelines, resulting in solicitors for their tenants pursuing additional enforcement actions for the repairs. This is because the associations have breached the terms of settlements reached when tenants make disrepair claims against their social landlords due to poor home conditions. In settling such claims, the association agrees to pay for damages and costs incurred, and to carry out the necessary repairs within a specific timeframe. While tenant solicitors typically issue enforcement actions on settled claims, lawyers have observed an upward trend in the number of such cases.

A lot of social landlords are struggling to get those repairs done within that period of time because there’s been a knock-on effect because of the pandemic. There are still problems with staffing. There are problems with contractors going under and there have been supply problems with building materials.

Baljit Basra, who is a partner and leads disrepair claims at Anthony Collins Solicitors, has also confirmed that she has observed the same trend. Consequently, the firm that represents social landlords has begun implementing longer timeframes for landlords to meet repair compliance requirements when resolving housing disrepair claims. As a result, the same firm representing social landlords is now including extended timeframes for repair compliance in their settlement agreements.

Social landlords are facing growing challenges, which is reflected in the recent increase in enforcement action. The Regulator of Social Housing has released new figures showing that inflationary pressures, along with labor and material shortages, have resulted in a 33% decrease in investment in major repairs across the sector. The National Housing Federation has also issued a warning, stating that costs for new homes, repairs, and maintenance are all rising above inflation. To help mitigate the impact of the cost of living crisis on tenants, the government is proposing a rent increase cap from April 2023. This preferred cap, which has not been specified, would cost the sector an estimated £1.3bn next year. However, the Chief Executive of the NHF, Kate Henderson, has warned that without additional funding, housing associations may have to compromise on the services they provide. This is particularly concerning as the number of disrepair claims being brought against social landlords has been on the rise in recent years.

How We Assist Our Clients With Housing Disrepair Claims

Housing disrepair is a serious issue that can cause significant inconvenience, property damage, financial losses, and even personal injury to tenants. As a tenant, you have a legal right to live in a rented home that is in good repair, free from disrepair issues such as mould and damp, pest and vermin infestation, faulty water and space heating installations, sewage issues, drainage and flooding problems, fire hazards, and structural cracks, among others.

If your landlord fails to ensure that your rented home is in good repair as required by law, it is important to take action. The first step is to inform your landlord of the disrepairs through a formal written notice and give them a reasonable time to carry out the repairs. If they fail to do so, you should inform them of your intention to take legal action.

At this point, it is advisable to seek the help of competent housing disrepair solicitors to undertake your claims. Our team of housing disrepair experts has some of the best disrepair solicitors in the UK with several years of experience handling different housing conditions claims from different clients and securing appropriate compensation payouts for them, as well as ensuring that the necessary repairs are carried out as they should.

We operate on a no win no fee basis, and our consultation sessions are also free of charge. Our solicitors will carefully explain the entire claims process to you and inform you of the documents you need to make your claims, which will also include pictures of your house in disrepair. We understand the importance of keeping all records of correspondence between you and your landlord safely, and we will guide you every step of the way.

Contact our emergency housing disrepair experts today to get started on your claims process. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve and ensure that your rented home is safe and habitable.