Winter Spike in Housing Disrepair Claims

Housing damage claims in the United Kingdom are expected to increase this winter as temperatures continue to drop and energy bills continue to rise. It is anticipated that problems such as mould and damp will become more severe, putting tenants in danger and increasing the pressure on landlords to remedy these issues.

When landlords refuse to pay for necessary repairs, tenants can turn to housing repair claims for assistance. With winter on the horizon, we completely understand how irritating it may be to wait for repairs to be completed. In preparation for the upcoming months of cooler weather, make sure your home is warm and weatherproof.

The lack of desirable amenities in certain government houses and housing association properties is a real disappointment. Some homeowners may find that there are problems with the house that they are unable to resolve on their own. Unfortunately, you may have to cope with physical harm or damage to some of your possessions.

Why Are Disrepair Claims Increasing?

Rising energy prices and the crisis in cost-of-living mean many renters cannot sufficiently heat their homes. This makes perfect conditions for wet and mildew to flourish, therefore producing dangerous and unhealthy living surroundings. Awaab Ishak’s sad death from mould in a Rochdale Boroughwide Housing flat has drawn national attention to the health hazards connected to inadequate living conditions, which has encouraged additional tenants to file legal claims.

Key Challenges for Landlords

Maintaining their housing stock presents increasingly difficult problems for landlords—including authorities and housing groups. Many homes are old and call for major renovations. These homes may have outdated systems (heating, plumbing, electrical) or poor insulation, contributing to higher running costs. Simultaneously, the financial pressure on social housing providers has restricted their capacity to quickly solve these problems.

Legal professionals are counselling landlords to provide energy efficiency enhancements—such as solar panel installation and insulation upgrade—top priority in order to avoid later damage problems. To reduce the load of growing energy bills, social landlords are urged in the short term to assist tenants in obtaining financial support like council tax rebates and Discretionary Housing Payments.

Tenants’ Rights in Housing Disrepair Cases

Landlords legally have under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 to make sure their buildings are safe, liveable, free from major health hazards. Tenant rights include the ability to file a disrepair claim should their landlord neglect problems including:

• Damp and mould
• Structural damage
• Faulty heating systems
• Water leaks

Taking this course of action can force a landlord to fix the problem. Should these issues not be resolved within a reasonable period, renters could be entitled to reimbursement for health effects, property damage, and inconvenience.

Preventative Measures for Landlords

In order to lower their risk of disrepair claims, landlords should:

• Conduct thorough inventory inspections to identify and address potential issues.
• Provide tenants with advice on how to use heating systems efficiently.
• Establish hardship funds or other financial support initiatives for tenants struggling with energy costs.
• Ensure you are covered by purchasing insurance.
• Improve housing stock with energy-efficient upgrades, such as solar panels and better insulation.

The Health Risks of Winter Disrepair

Winter damage, especially for sensitive groups including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing ailments raises major health issues. While prolonged cold resulting from malfunctioning heating systems could lead to hypothermia or aggravation of cardiovascular ailments, moisture and mould can aggravate allergies, bronchitis, and asthma.

Inaccurate insulation and structural deterioration could potentially produce drafts, therefore compromising the ability to keep a comfortable indoor temperature and hence raise the risk of disease. Living in a dangerous and unpleasant surroundings often results in tension and anxiety, so these disorders not only influence physical health but also contribute to mental health problems.

How SilverOak Solicitors Can Help

SilverOak Solicitors are available to assist a landlord looking for legal advice or a tenant dealing with inadequate living circumstances. Our qualified staff can offer professional recommendations on:

• Filing or defending housing disrepair claims.
• Navigating legal responsibilities under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act.
• Securing fair outcomes for tenants and landlords alike.

Contact us today on 020 8578 7778 for a free consultation.