Rise in Enforcement Actions Against Landlords for Repeated Repairs

At SilverOak Solicitors, we are witnessing more cases where landlords risk enforcement action for not finishing agreed-upon repairs within the designated time frames. Rising expenses, supply chain interruptions, and labour shortages have compounded problems including tenant frustration and dwellings in unsatisfactory conditions.

Why Landlords Face Repeated Enforcement Actions?

Using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), local authorities assess the security of private homes. One of the purposes of this method is to spot risks endangering tenants’ health or safety. If landlords are required by law to keep their properties in a safe condition, HHSRS spell out how this can be done.

What Are Housing Hazards?

When landlords neglect required repairs agreed upon in housing disrepair settlements, enforcement action occurs. Usually, these agreements demand for landlords to:

• Pay renters for damages resulting from inadequate living circumstances.
• Finish particular repairs within a specified period.

Social landlords are finding it more difficult, though, to satisfy these responsibilities. The epidemic and inflationary pressures have compounded labour shortages, contractor availability problems, and difficulties in acquiring building materials. This has had a domino effect, leaving landlords unable to meet repair obligations and driving tenants’ solicitors to pursue more legal action.

Sector-Wide Challenges

Recent data from the Regulator of Social Housing underscore the major challenges the larger housing sector faces:

• Rising costs and shortages have caused a 33% decline in investment in significant repairs across the sector.
• Materials, repairs, and maintenance’s cost has been driven past sustainable levels by inflation.
• Aimed at reducing the cost-of-living crisis, proposals for a rent rise cap are estimated to cost housing associations £1.3 billion yearly, hence further taxing resources.

Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation Kate Henderson issues a warning: without more money, housing associations might have to slash vital services, therefore aggravating the situation with housing degradation.

The Impact on Tenants

Unresolved home degradation can create major discomfort, financial losses, and even health risks for residents. Typical problems abound in:

• Mould and moisture can aggravate respiratory conditions.
• structural damage producing dangerous living circumstances.
• Tenants get cold in the winter when their heating systems break.
• Pest crises endangering health and hygienic norms.

Also read the article: Cold seasons make housing disrepair problems worse.

Tenants have the right to take legal action should landlords ignore these issues to guarantee repairs are done and damages are reimbursed.

How SilverOak Solicitors Can Help

Our knowledgeable team at SilverOak Solicitors is ready to help you if house repairs cause you to live in dangerous or unhealthy conditions. We work on a No Win No Fee premise, thus your only payment is made should your claim be successful. Our solicitors have years of expertise managing housing disrepair claims.

We walk you through the whole process, from start to finish:

• First Assessment: We will review your circumstances and counsel on the strength of your case.
• We will help you to create a written notification to your landlord that details the damage.
• Our team will assist you in compiling needed documentation, including pictures, letters to your landlord, and any medical documents should the damage compromise your health.
• Legal Action: If your landlord fails to take action, we will pursue your claim and ensure that necessary repairs are completed.

Get the Compensation You Deserve

Maintain your quality of life regardless of the state of your residence. Get in touch SilverOak Solicitors quickly if your landlord has neglected your home. We will battle to see that your rights are maintained, your property is rebuilt, and you get the recompense you are due.

Call us today on 020 8578 7778 or use our online enquiry form to begin going. Let us help you to begin the journey towards a liveable, safe residence.