Can You Be Evicted for Making a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Living in a rental property, particularly one run by a local council or housing association, entitles you to anticipate that your house will remain in a safe and liveable state. But many renters in England and Wales discover they live in run-down properties with problems ranging from damp and mould to malfunctioning heating systems and bug infestations. You might be afraid of what might happen if you file a claim to get your owner to repair the things that require fixing. This means that you might fear being evicted.

Can You Get Kicked for Claiming Housing Repairs?

Legally, your landlord cannot evict you based alone on a claim for house repairs. The legislation guarantees that renters may exercise their rights without worrying about losing their house and guards against retaliatory evictions. To know more read about your Rights in a Housing Disrepair Claim. There are few exceptions to this protection, though. Regardless of your disrepair claim, if you are behind on your rent payments and do not have a payment schedule in place you could be exposed to arrears and eviction.

Living in Unsafe Conditions?

Many of the thousands of tenants in inadequate homes feel helpless to improve their circumstances. You have legal rights and choices that could force your landlord to do required repairs. Acting can help you to guarantee that your house meets a liveable and safe criteria.

When Can a Landlord Evict You?

When you don’t pay your rent as agreed upon, or if you get behind on payments, your landlord has the right to evict you. The landlord might also have reasons to evict should the tenancy run out or if you violate another clause of the rental agreement. They cannot legally evict you, though, just because you are claiming housing repairs.

Steps to Take Before Making a Housing Disrepair Claim

You should contact your landlord in writing to report any problems you see with your rental property and ask for repairs if you feel your home is in a bad condition. Depending on the severity of the repair, your landlord is legally obliged to resolve these problems within a reasonable period of time. You are entitled to launch a home deterioration claim via a solicitor should your landlord neglect to act.

Common Examples of Housing Disrepair Claims

Tenants can file a claim for several reasons when a landlord fails their obligation to maintain the property, including:

• Damp and Mould: Damage to personal items and health problems can result from ongoing damp and mould.
• Gas and Water Leaks: Leaks can pose serious risks, including health hazards and property damage.
• Defective Central Heating: Particularly in the winter, a faulty heating system might render your house uninhabitable.
• Broken Doors, Windows, Fences, or Gates: These issues can compromise the security of your home.
• Vermin or Pest Infestation: Infestations can lead to unsanitary living conditions and damage to your property.

What Can You Claim For?

Your right to claim compensation is protected by law in the event that your landlord does not promptly complete the required repairs. There are several ways this compensation could show itself:

• A Lump Sum Payment: Compensation for the inconvenience and discomfort caused by living in poor conditions.
• Payments for Damage to Personal Property: It is possible to seek financial recompense for personal property harmed as a result of the maintenance issue.

Take Action to Protect Your Rights

Though you don’t have to live with these circumstances, living in a house that is run-down can be taxing and irritating. Understanding your rights and acting accordingly will help you to guarantee that your landlord performs their legal responsibilities and that your house is secure and pleasant. See legal counsel if you are thinking about filing a home disrepair claim to help you get the best possible result and advise you through the process.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you believe you have a case and are dealing with house damage. To discuss your circumstances with our experienced staff or provide your details for a call back at your leisure, call SilverOak Solicitors at 020 8578 7778. We are here to assist you in recovering your entitlement to reasonably decent living conditions.