Housing Disrepair in 2023 – What Should Tenants Know?

Are you a council, housing association or private tenant? No matter why you’re renting a property, you should have reasonable expectations that your landlord will promptly and efficiently handle any necessary repairs you need.

Your landlord should be fair and proactive in maintaining the property and guaranteeing your comfort and safety; you should feel safe and secure in your own house.

Typically, the tenancy agreement you sign before moving in should specify who is responsible for what. However, sometimes it can be challenging to determine who should take care of repairs or emerging issues in your rental property.

There are several areas where the landlord is undoubtedly responsible, including:

• Non-functioning or unsafe heating systems or boilers Unsafe flooring or staircases
• Leaking pipes or cracked toilets
• Faulty electrical systems
• Rising damp, which causes mould when moisture from the ground travels up through the walls
• Penetrating damp, when water enters the property through external walls, also leading to mould
• Vermin or insect infestations
• Loose tiles or brickwork

Housing disrepair cases in 2022 still fall under the Housing Act of 1985’s legislation. The Act’s Section 11 holds landlords accountable for maintaining the structural and outward appearance of the property, including drains, gutters, and outside pipes, in appropriate repair and operating order.

Furthermore included to handle many facets of the social leased sector, homes in multiple occupation, landlord-tenant issues, housing benefit administration, tenant behaviour, allocation of housing units, homelessness, and associated uses was the Housing Act of 1996.

Alongside these legislative measures, the Housing Ombudsman Service, responsible for handling housing complaints and improving residents’ lives and landlords’ services, has issued new guidance for landlords regarding disrepair claims and the complaints process.

You can be qualified to file a housing disrepair claim if you have been asking repairs in your rental house without getting a favourable answer from your landlord. You should always initially contact your landlord, though, and give them a sufficient time to arrange for the required repairs. Naturally, if the repairs are essential, it is imperative to convey their urgency. One would want to send a written notice.

Remember to compile proof of the condition of your rental house should it be in need of repairs. Supporting your argument and bolstering your case depend on gathering evidence, which offers concrete evidence of the living circumstances that have resulted in annoyance, discomfort, or perhaps health hazards.

If you’re unsure about the next steps, SilverOak Solicitors offers a free initial assessment for council and housing association tenants where we can discuss your concerns. We will give you legal advise before determining whether or not to file a house repair claim. Representing you on a Risk Free, No Win No Fee basis will help to save you money unless we prove your case.

You can approach us at 020 8578 778 or email contact@silveroaksolicitors.com to book your first appointment with one of our housing disrepair specialists and learn more.