If you’re a tenant who’s suffered disrepair to your property, there are options for making a claim for housing disrepair. These include compensation for damage to your belongings, or a claim for any loss of income if you’ve been unable to work due to disrepair.
The law requires your landlord to keep their property in a safe state of repair, and you have a right to expect them to do this. However, many tenants are unable to get the repairs they need because their landlord has failed to fulfil this duty.
What is disrepair?
Disrepair is a broad term that covers any condition that makes it difficult or unsafe for you to live in your home. It can be a result of accidental damage or years of poor maintenance.
This type of issue can also be a sign of a larger problem that could affect your health and well-being, such as infestation, mould or boiler issues.
The best way to avoid housing disrepair is to be aware of your responsibilities as a tenant and landlord and act quickly when you notice any issues. The more quickly you can get your landlord to carry out repairs, the less likely you are to have to bring a claim for compensation.
If you suspect that your landlord has breached their repairing obligations, then it is a good idea to let them know in writing. This is important for a number of reasons, not least because it will give them time to respond and fix the problem.
Damage to your property
When a landlord fails to carry out necessary repair work on your property, you could be entitled to claim compensation. This could cover any damage to your belongings or any financial loss you have suffered due to the disrepair.
If your landlord has left a mould problem untreated, for example, you may be entitled to claim compensation as it can lead to ill health.
You could also make a claim for damage to your furniture, clothes and other belongings as a result of your landlord’s lack of maintenance.
Your landlord’s negligence should be dealt with quickly and effectively to protect your safety and that of your family. If your landlord has failed to carry out repairs, you should get some advice from a specialist Housing Disrepair Solicitors Sheffield to see whether you can make a claim for housing disrepair damages in the UK.
Damage to your belongings
If you have suffered damage to your belongings due to disrepair in your property, it is possible to claim compensation. This includes items such as furniture, clothes, electrical equipment and more.
You can also claim for personal injury if you or a member of your family suffers from health problems caused by disrepair. This can include issues like damp, mould and broken boilers that make your living conditions unlivable.
Your tenancy agreement states that your landlord is responsible for keeping your home safe and clean. This means that they must carry out repairs and maintain the property to a high standard.
Damage to your health
If you’ve suffered an illness as a result of housing disrepair, you may be able to claim compensation. The amount of money you receive will depend on a variety of factors, including the severity of your illness and how long it has lasted.
Your landlord has a legal duty to make sure your property is kept in an acceptable state of repair. This includes the exterior and interior of your home, as well as bathroom sanitary products and pipework, heating systems and electrical wiring.
If your landlord fails to address repair issues, you should contact them as soon as possible. Failure to do so could be considered a breach of your legal rights and you can take court action against your landlord if this happens.
Personal injury
If you have suffered a personal injury because of housing disrepair, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. This is particularly true if you have suffered from health issues such as asthma or other respiratory problems.
Your claim will be based on the amount of damage you have sustained and how long it has been going on for. It can also include your lost earnings and any medical costs you have had to pay as a result of your illness.
You should start a claim as soon as you can after your injury and if possible keep copies of letters, receipts, emails or any other evidence. You have up to six years from the date the damage or injury occurred for a court case, and three years for a personal injury case.
