Key Factors for Filing a Successful Housing Disrepair Case

It can be upsetting and bad for your health to live in a house that is always breaking down. Mould growing on your walls, a broken heating system, or a leak that won’t stop – these problems aren’t just annoying; they can be very bad for your health. When landlords don’t do what they need to do to keep the rental property safe and liveable, tenants can go to court.

What is a Claim for Housing Disrepair?

When a tenant sues their landlord for failing to fix major maintenance problems that make the homes unliveable, this is called a housing disrepair claim. These kinds of claims have two goals:

• To make sure that fixes are done that need to be done.
•  Aim for cash compensation for any harm, trouble, or health issues caused by the repair.

Landlords are required by law to keep their homes in a safe and habitable condition. People who rent from them can hold them responsible if they don’t do that.

Reasons Why People File Claims for Housing Damage

Property damage claims are often caused by major problems that owners don’t fix. Here are some of the most common complaints:

• Structural Issues: Wall cracks, roof damage, or doors and windows that don’t work right.
• Mould and Damp: Wetness or mould growth that lasts for a long time because of leaks or bad air flow.
• Electrical Faulty: Wiring that is exposed or plugs that don’t work right, which can cause fires or electrocution.
• Plumbing Issues: Plumbing problems include clogged sinks, leaks, or toilets that don’t work right.
• Heating Problems: Boilers that don’t work or are broken, especially in the winter.
• Pest Infestation: Rats, bugs, or other pests that come from problems with the structure.

 How to Make a Successful Claim for Housing Damage

You must show that your landlord breached their legal duty and that this breach had a bad effect on your health or living conditions in order for your claim to be successful. To make your point stronger, do the following:

Document the Damage

Photos and movies are the best proof you can use in your case. You should write down how bad the damage is, like if the plaster is coming off, there is mould growing, or a window is broken. This is especially important if the problem has damaged personal things, like furniture that was damaged by water.

Show Health and Safety Impact

If the damage has made you sick, like by giving you breathing problems from mould, get medical records and doctor’s notes that link your illness to the situation of the property.

Record Your Complaints

In these situations, it’s very important to show proof that you talked to your owner. You can show that you gave the owner a chance to fix the problem by sending emails, texts, or letters that describe the problems and ask for repairs.

Reference Your Tenancy Agreement

Your rental deal will probably have parts that say it’s the landlord’s job to keep the property in good shape. Have a copy on hand and highlight the parts that back your point.

Seek Professional Assessments

If the problem is really bad, having a surveyor or other expert look at it can help your case. Their study will give an unbiased look at the issue and what it means.

What to Do If Your Landlord Doesn’t Do Anything

If your owner doesn’t respond to your requests or doesn’t do a good job of responding:

•  Follow-up: Kindly tell them in writing what they need to do.
•  Talk to your local government: Environmental health offices can look into situations that could be dangerous.
• Seek Legal Help: Solicitors who handle housing disrepair cases can walk you through the process and help you get both repairs and money.

Why File a Claim for Housing Disrepair?

Not having a good place to live shouldn’t be normal. A winning claim for housing damage can:

•  Make sure your place is safe and ready to live in.
•  Make up for the trouble, damage, and health problems that were caused by carelessness.
•  Hold renters responsible to stop them from being careless again.

Legal Action Against Non-Compliant Landlords

At SilverOak Solicitors, we know how hard it is to deal with an owner who won’t listen. Our skilled housing damage team will be there for you throughout the whole claim process to make sure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.

Call us at 020 8579 7778 right now for a free chat, or go to our website to find out more about how we can help you get a fair outcome. Let us help you find a home that is safe and cosy.