Property
Housing disrepair solicitors
Living with disrepair can have a serious effect on everyday life. Damp, mould, leaks, defective heating, unsafe electrics, pest infestation, structural defects and poor repair standards can affect health, belongings, family life and the ability to enjoy your home. Tenants should not be expected to live with serious defects that have been properly reported and left unresolved.
We advise tenants on housing disrepair claims against landlords who have failed to carry out necessary repairs within a reasonable time. We can help you understand what evidence is needed, how to present the history of complaints, and what remedies may be available.
A housing disrepair claim may seek an order requiring repairs to be completed, compensation for inconvenience and distress, damages for damaged belongings, and recovery of certain losses linked to the poor condition of the property.
Types of disrepair we can assist with
We can advise on claims involving:
- Damp, mould, condensation issues and water ingress.
- Leaks from roofs, pipes, bathrooms, kitchens or neighbouring properties.
- Defective heating, hot water systems, boilers or radiators.
- Unsafe electrics, broken windows, doors, flooring, stairs or structural elements.
- Pest infestation, drainage problems and poor sanitation.
- Damage to personal belongings, furniture, clothing, documents or household items caused by disrepair.
Notice, evidence and expert inspection
A landlord usually needs to know about the problem before they can be criticised for failing to repair it. Evidence of reporting is therefore important. Text messages, emails, repair logs, photographs, videos, call records, complaints and witness statements can all help establish when the landlord was told and what happened afterwards.
In appropriate cases, expert evidence may be required to identify the defects, their cause, the repairs required and whether the landlord’s response has been reasonable. We can advise on the evidence needed before a claim is advanced and whether an inspection should be arranged.
Compensation and repair works
A disrepair claim is often about two outcomes: getting the property repaired and obtaining fair compensation for the period during which the tenant has had to live with the problem. Compensation may reflect inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, impact on rooms within the property, damage to belongings and additional costs caused by the disrepair.
Where the landlord disputes responsibility, argues that the tenant caused the issue, or says that access was not provided, we will consider the evidence carefully and advise on the best way to respond.
Disrepair linked to possession or wider disputes
Disrepair issues can overlap with possession proceedings, rent arrears, complaints about harassment, deposit disputes or poor property management. A tenant may have a counterclaim or separate claim depending on the circumstances.
We will assess the full background rather than considering the repair issue in isolation. That allows us to advise on the strongest route forward, whether that is negotiation, a formal letter of claim, settlement discussions or court proceedings.