How Autumn Weather Can Impact Housing Disrepair

Autumn is a beautiful time of year with lots of bright colours and cool air, but the changing weather can also make things harder for renters and homeowners. Housing damage difficulties can get worse when temperatures decrease and the weather is more erratic, so exposing households to more major concerns. Whether you’re a homeowner wanting to keep your house or a renter coping with a negligent landlord, it’s important to know how autumn weather could affect house damage and what actions you could take to correct it.

Damp and Mould

As autumn approaches, it rains and is humid, which can make homes damp, especially if they don’t have enough ventilation or leaks. Damp places give the ideal habitat for mould, which not only results in ugly wall and ceiling stains but also poses major health concerns especially for people with respiratory problems.

You must tell your landlord right once if inadequate upkeep or damage causes your house to be damp and mould-producing. The problem can get more expensive and harmful the more long it lasts. Check out What is Mould induced Asthma and Who is at Risk? Common sources of dampness that usually aggravate in the wet autumn months are leaking roofs, broken gutters, and blocked drains.

Leaks and Water Damage

Autumn rainfalls might highlight plumbing, windows, or roof flaws on your house. Immediate water damage to the house’s interior may occur if these ignored areas became big leaks. If neglected, water can seep into floors and walls causing structural damage and decay.

Tenants especially risk water damage if their landlords overlook necessary maintenance including drain unblocking or roof repairs. Legally, landlords are required to keep the property’s exterior and structure intact; so, if you see leaks or water damage, you should immediately let them know and record the problem.

Blocked Gutters and Drains

In autumn, falling leaves and trash can jam drains and gutters, therefore hindering the effective drainage away from your house. Blocked gutters allow water to overflow and harm the roof, walls, and sometimes the property’s foundation. Blocked drains can also cause floods in the house or the garden, therefore aggravating other problems including humidity and mould development.

In order to prevent water damage, it is the responsibility of the landlord, if you are a tenant, to maintain the drains and gutters. If your landlord doesn’t fix these issues, you need to let them know right away so that they don’t get worse over time.

Cold Drafts and Poor Insulation

Any cracks in the insulation or draughty windows and doors in your house become more apparent when the autumnal temperatures fall. Insufficient insulation can make it challenging to keep your house warm, which increases energy costs as you try to offset with more heating. Furthermore aggravating already present moisture and condensation issues are chilly drafts.

Renters should be aware that it is the responsibility of the landlord to ensure that their rental property is well-insulated and free from drafts. If you’re dealing with persistent cold spots or high energy bills caused by insufficient insulation, you could have a case for getting your property fixed or renovated.

Cracks and Structural Damage

The colder autumnal temperatures and damp circumstances might aggravate already structural issues in your house. As the temperature swings, cracks in the walls or foundations allow moisture to leak into the structure. This can result over time more major problems such sinking, which can be costly and challenging to fix.

Keep a careful eye on any cracks you find in your home and notify your landlord or a professional if you see any widening or movement. One should never overlook structural degradation since it compromises building safety.

What Can Tenants Do?

If autumn weather is causing damage to your rented property, you should follow the correct procedures to guarantee your landlord fixes the issue:

• Report the Issue: Notify your letting agent or landlord of any repairs as soon as you find them. Describe thoroughly, and if at all possible add pictures.

• Keep Records: Record all of your correspondence with your landlord about the damage. Save copies of letters, emails, and pictures to demonstrate the degree of the problem and the length of its existence.

• Request Repairs: Request repairs from your landlord within a reasonable period of time. If they don’t answer or do anything, you can bring the issue to their attention.

• Seek Legal Advice: If your landlord still won’t fix your rental unit, you should see an attorney about your legal options. If the damage to your house affects your health or results in extra expenses like increased energy bills or damage to your possessions, housing disrepair solicitors like SilverOak Solicitors can assist you in claiming compensation.

Start Your Housing Disrepair Claim Today

Our area of expertise at SilverOak Solicitors is assisting tenants dealing with housing repairs. We can help you seek a housing disrepair claim if autumn weather has made your house uninhabitable or caused major damage resulting from neglect by a landlord. Your discomfort, medical problems, or financial losses resulting from the damage could qualify you for pay-back.

Don’t let the autumn months pass while your house suffers. See SilverOak Solicitors now to discuss your options and defend your rights as a tenant if your landlord has neglected basic repairs.