Housing Disrepair Claims - The Guide

What is a Housing Disrepair?

Read our straight forward guide to Housing Disrepair

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History and Legislation

Housing disrepair has been a major problem in the UK for many years. In the past, landlords were not held accountable for the condition of their properties, and tenants had few options for redress. However, over the years, several laws and regulations have been put in place to protect tenants and ensure that landlords maintain their properties.

Some of the key legislation that relates to housing disrepair in the UK includes:

• The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
• The Housing Act 2004
• The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018

These laws place a legal obligation on landlords to ensure that their properties are safe, habitable and in good repair. If a tenant identifies an issue with their property, they have a legal right to report it to their landlord and have it fixed.

Areas of Disrepair

Here are some of the most common areas of disrepair that tenants in the UK may encounter:

• Damp and mould: This is a common problem in many UK properties, especially in older buildings. Damp and mould can cause health problems, such as asthma and allergies, and can also damage furniture and other belongings.
• Structural issues: This can include problems with walls, floors, and ceilings, such as cracks, leaks, and subsidence.
• Electrical and gas safety: Landlords are legally required to ensure that their properties are safe in terms of electrical and gas safety. This means that they must carry out regular inspections and make any necessary repairs.
• Water supply and drainage: Tenants should have access to clean, safe water, and there should be no problems with drainage or sewage.
• Heating and hot water: Landlords must ensure that their properties have adequate heating and hot water, especially during the winter months.
• Pest infestations: If a property has a pest infestation, such as rats or cockroaches, the landlord is responsible for dealing with it.
• Broken or faulty appliances: If a tenant rents a property with appliances, such as a fridge or washing machine, these must be in good working order. If they break or become faulty, the landlord is responsible for repairing or replacing them.

Reporting Disrepair

If a tenant identifies a problem with their property, they should report it to their landlord in writing as soon as possible. The landlord should then investigate the issue and take steps to fix it. If the landlord fails to do so, the tenant may have a legal right to take action, such as withholding rent or taking their landlord to court.

It's important for tenants to document any issues with their property, including taking photos and keeping records of any correspondence with their landlord. This can help to support their case if they need to take legal action.

Contacting the Local Authority

When your landlord fails to perform essential repairs on the property, the local authority or council possesses the authority to step in and require them to rectify the problem. Intervention is possible when a hazard, as assessed under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System, presents a risk to your health or safety. You can read more about this here.

Conclusion

Housing disrepair can have serious consequences for tenants, from health problems to damage to their belongings. However, there are laws and regulations in place to protect tenants and ensure that landlords maintain their properties. If you're a tenant in the UK and you encounter a problem with your property, it's important to report it to your landlord as soon as possible and to take action if necessary to protect your rights.

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