Category: Housing Disrepair Claims

Central Heating and Housing Disrepair Claims

As winter approaches, the UK is going to keep getting colder. The colder it gets, the more likely it is that housing disrepairs appear. In turn, this is when we will mostly see housing disrepair claims. We have just passed through Halloween, so it’s very likely that it’s getting extremely dark and also very wet. The colder the weather gets, the more likely it is that you are going to be using your central heating system more.

Of course, with the current climate talks, you may have decided that you are going to try and use your heating less. However, if you are going to put your central heating on, you may find that you use it on a higher setting to heat your house. It can be extremely frustrating to find that your heating does not work when you need it the most. It may get so bad that you find that you and your family stay in one room in order to conserve heat. This is when you need to start thinking about Housing Disrepair Claims.

You shouldn’t have to suffer in silence. If your central heating system is not working, your landlord is responsible for its repair. Should they fail to help you, you should think about making a Housing Disrepair Claim. That way you can get the compensation and repairs that you need to live comfortably in your home. Gowing Law Solicitors can help start your housing disrepair claim. All you need to do is call our team of specialists today on 0800 041 8350 or visit our website below:

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The Basics of Housing Disrepair Claims

Before we talk about central heating disrepairs, let’s take a moment to consider Housing Disrepair Claims in general. Housing Disrepair Claims are there to protect you if your home is suffering from severe damages that your landlord is refusing to have fixed. In some cases, these may seem like small damages, but due to the fact they have been left, they have grown larger and are now causing problems. No matter what type of disrepairs you have, if they are not being sorted out in a timely manner, as in within a month, you have the right to start a case against your landlord.

If you live in a council house or a property from the housing association, it is likely that you will experience some form of disrepair during your stay. This is due to the fact that many of these buildings will have been created during the 1960s or 1980s. That means that the time passed will mean that natural disrepairs take place in the external and internal structure of the property. There may also be asbestos issues.

Your landlord will be responsible for the following damages in your home:

Different Types of Housing Disrepairs

As you can see, there is a range of different equipment and structures inside and outside of your home that could break down due to time or the negligence of your landlord. They are responsible for any furniture inside your home that was already there, as well as any gardens, balconies and attics. If they end up breaking then it is your landlord’s responsibility to get them fixed. As soon as you notice a disrepair, makes sure to follow this process:

How to contact Gowing Law

You should give your landlord a month to get the repairs sorted. This is known as giving “notice.” However, if they fail to act within the month then you should be thinking about making a housing disrepair claim. After all, your landlord may be acting negligently and may inadvertently be making the damages much worse. If this happens, you should get in touch with your solicitor as quickly as possible. The faster you start your claim, the less likely it is that the damages will grow worse.

How could my landlord be guilty of negligence?

Do you feel as if your landlord has ignored your requests for help? If you do, it’s likely that you are experiencing the extent of your landlord’s negligence. Now, your landlord needs to ensure that your property is kept habitable. They follow a health and safety code of conduct that is there to protect you and any additional family members that are in the property. Although you do need to give them time to actually look into the disrepair and decide on the best course of action, if they fail to do anything, you may find that the negligence becomes worse, you suffer from a personal injury due to it, or you or your family members become ill.

There are many different types of landlord negligence that you can experience. This includes:

Landlord Negligence for Housing Disrepair Claims

Your landlord’s negligence could end up damaging your property further. After all, the longer you leave your damages for, the more likely it is that the damages will end up getting worse. Even if your landlord is ignoring every message that you send to them, your solicitor can help you regain control over the situation. By making a housing disrepair claim, your lawyer can speak to your landlord on your behalf. We understand that you may feel nervous about speaking to your landlord about the damages, especially if your landlord acts aggressively or makes you fear for your safety. That’s why your solicitor can speak to your landlord on your behalf. They can discuss the issues at hand with your landlord and let you know what you can expect with your claim.

Housing Disrepair Claims and contracts

How could my central heating be an issue?

Your central heating is going to be the heart of your home. Whether it’s a boiler in a closet or it is a number of radiators around your home, or even heated flooring, when it breaks it’s going to cause issues within your home. During the winter months, you may find that your house is extremely cold. You may also be unable to heat up your water. This can make your daily life extremely uncomfortable, especially if you need to get cleaned up in your home. You may find that you cannot bathe due to the cold. Instead, you may be forced to get cleaned up in a different house or even your local gym.

It’s understandable that you may be upset that your central heating does not work. Your heating makes your home habitable. Therefore, to have it break means that it is very likely that your life will be thrown out of whack.

Your heating could break from:

  • Faulty wiring
  • Electrical surges
  • Broken pipes
  • Overheating
  • Blockages
  • Leaking radiators
    Old age

If you do notice that your heating is not working, make sure to stock up on blankets and hot water bottles. That way you can keep warm. You should also wear lots of warm clothes, including gloves, jumpers, coats and hats. Your house is going to get cold very, very quickly. Therefore, if you need to keep warm then you should wear as many layers as possible. If you plan on having a bath or shower, make sure to fill up your kettle with hot water. That way if the hot water doesn’t work in your taps, you can try and get a quick wash with the heated water in your kettle. Just make sure to keep the water warm with top ups frequently. It may take a long time to get to the point where you are able to fill your tub.

Paying rent during housing disrepair Claims

What are my rights to central heating in my council property?

In regards to the rights of your council house, you could be owed compensation due to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. According to this act, your landlord needs to make sure your supply of gas, electricity and water is well-maintained. There also needs to be installations in your home for heating up water and for heating up the house space itself. If the heating systems do end up breaking down, your landlord is legally obliged to not leave you without heating for any longer than 24 hours. Should your home does not have heat after this time, your landlord may have to find you temporary accommodation or heating equipment until the problem has been sorted out. Ultimately, if they fail to do this, they could put your health and quality of life at risk. This is when you need to start thinking about housing disrepair claims.

The Responsibilities of the Tenant

It’s important that you understand that you do have to keep the house in a good shape. This includes keeping it clean, tidy and free from trash/rubbish. In order to make a housing disrepair claim for central heating, you need to be not responsible for the damages in the first place. In other words, if you break your central heating, you will be responsible for having it fixed or replaced.

You need to be the person that reports the damages to your landlord. Make sure to keep an eye out for any problems or noises that occur with your radiator or boiler. This includes:

  • Unheated water
  • Strange hissing noises from the boiler or radiator
  • Leaks and drips
  • Hot spurts of water followed by cold water

Report any disrepairs to your landlord as quickly as possible. That way they won’t potentially get any worse and cause further damage to your property. Your landlord will then have a responsibility to get the disrepairs fixed if you were not at fault for them.

Will I have to pay to make a Housing Disrepair Claim

How could I get hurt from a lack of central heating in my house?

As central heating is one of the main components of your home, you may find that you struggle to actually stay in your house comfortably without getting cold. As we are near winter, you may find that your house is extremely chilly or draughty if you are experiencing additional damages. If it remains cold, this could lead to illness, such as colds and flu, or even mould and damp inside your home. Damp and mould can cause serious health issues and may also destroy your property and belongings.

The cold can have a terrible effect on the elderly or young children. If you are living in a council house with your family, you may find that they get ill more often. This can lead to a ton of worries about their health and may make them more susceptible to nastier illnesses. You may even feel scared that the cold conditions may make illnesses, like Covid-19, much worse if you are forced to isolate within your home.

Your landlord needs to be held responsible for any damages that happen with your central heating. Don’t let them carry on. Instead, speak to a solicitor to find out how they can help you get the compensation that you deserve. After all, you could be owed around £20,000 for your claim!

Damages for Housing Disrepair

How much could I be owed for central heating housing disrepair claims?

If you are wondering how much you could be owed for your case, keep in mind that the amount you get depends on the complexity of your claim. Some people may be owed more than others due to the amount of damages they have been through. It all depends on the extent of your landlord’s negligence. This will also include how long the damages have been left for. It will also be determined by whether or not you have experienced personal injuries due to the disrepairs. The worse your disrepairs and personal damages are, the more likely it is that you’re going to receive a higher amount of compensation than someone who only have experienced smaller damages.

Although the best way to find out how much you could be owed for central heating disrepairs is through your solicitor, here are some estimates that may help you before you do that:

Broken Heating Systems Compensation

Please keep in mind that these are just estimates. The circumstances behind your case will determine how much compensation you are owed. You should speak to your solicitor about your settlement agreement. They can give you a rough estimate and how long it may take to get your claim sorted out.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with Housing Disrepair Claims

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Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are determined to help our clients with their housing disrepair claims. Central heating problems can cause serious damages and may even lead to illness, depending on how cold your home is. Don’t leave your disrepairs unattended to. Your solicitor can help your landlord take your claim seriously. Your solicitor can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, our specialists can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top and will never have to pay any hidden fees. You will only need to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to find out more about how we can help with Housing Disrepair Claims. Call us on 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claims checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to answer any additional questions that you may have.

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Don’t forget that if you want to learn more about housing disrepair claims or damaged central heating, Gowing Law’s blog page is the perfect place to be. We update it every week with brand new content about our law firm and the latest UK law updates. We also write about seasonal events and our latest competitions/giveaways. Our law firm always has a new campaign or blog that is ready to inform and entertain. You can even suggest blog topics to us by writing into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. Make sure to also sign up to our newsletter to see our latest information about different types of claims and how our law firm can help:



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Neighbouring Properties: Can I make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

When we normally think about making a Housing Disrepair Claim, we are naturally thinking about what has happened to our own properties. However, in some cases, we may be thinking about any neighbouring properties that could be having an impact on our homes. This can be a complicated issue. After all, you don’t want to cause any conflict between you, your landlord and your neighbours. But in some cases, it may be necessary to get in contact to make sure your council home or property from the housing association remains standing or in one piece.

Winter is coming, so if your neighbouring property is causing disrepairs in your own home, you need to alert your landlord and your neighbours as quickly as possible. Your house needs to comply with UK health and safety standards. Therefore, if it does pose a problem due to your neighbours and their residence, your landlord will need to get it sorted.

Here at Gowing Law, we understand that it can be frustrating to suffer from a housing disrepair due to your neighbouring properties. You may feel out of control or like no one is listening to your concerns. But our legal team will. Our Housing Disrepair Claim specialists are here to help. You can contact them now by calling 0800 041 8350 or visit our website below to get started:

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The Basics of Housing Disrepair Claims: What do I need to know?

Before we jump into how neighbouring properties could be damaging in your home, let’s talk about the basics of housing disrepair claims. If you are thinking of making one yourself, it’s crucial that you understand what you are getting yourself into. Your solicitor will handle the paperwork and difficult details of your case. But it’s important that you understand whether or not you’re eligible for compensation.

Now, the first thing you need to know about housing disrepair claims is that they are there to protect you when your house has started to experience problems, disrepairs or general damages. In order to make a successful claim, you need to prove that the disrepairs were not your fault. Instead, your landlord, or even neighbours, were liable for any damages that you have experienced. You did not cause the damages, but you were still forced to experience the after-effects of the issues at hand. That means you could be owed compensation, as well as the repairs sorted in your accommodation.

With that said, your landlord is responsible for the majority of your council house or property from the housing association. This includes the following inside and outside of your house:

Housing Disrepair Claims responsibilities

Landlord Negligence

As you can see, your landlord is responsible for a wide range of problems that could occur inside your house. Now, a lot of properties that are council homes or properties from the housing district are quite old and may naturally be in need of repair. In most cases, your landlord will focus on getting the disrepairs sorted out. You will contact them about your damages, in both writing and through electronic correspondence, and they will need notice to go to your house and check over your damages. They will then decide whether or not they need to hire a repair-worker to get the damages sorted out. If they fail to act, or leave you with a disrepair, then this could be seen as an act of negligence. This is when you need to get started on your Housing Disrepair Claim.

Take a look at the infographic below to understand how landlord negligence occurs:

Landlord negligence and neighbouring properties

Neighbouring Properties: Can I make a housing disrepair claim against my neighbour?

Ultimately, it is your landlord’s responsibility to ensure that your property is in a habitable state for you and your family to live safely in. Most of the time, your disrepairs are going to be caused by time and dangerous structures. However, there may be times that the disrepairs occur due to any neighbouring properties or the neighbours themselves. If this happens, your landlord will still be responsible for any damages that occur. However, your neighbour may be guilty of criminal damages, depending on what role they played in relation to the disrepairs. For instance, if they vandalized your property, you can go to CIRCA to press charges and claim compensation.

But, if their property’s structure has damaged yours, then you will have to tell them that you are asking your landlord to help with the damages. You should also recommend that they should speak to their own landlord if they live in a council home or property from the housing association.

Speak to your solicitor if you are feeling unsure about whether or not your neighbour is liable for the damages that your home has experienced. Some cases will be more complicated than others. Therefore, it is good to have a legal expert look over your case before you get started. That way, you will be able to figure out who actually owes you compensation for your damages.

Paying rent for housing dirsepair claims

How could neighbouring properties damage my house?

Your neighbours could be responsible for the damages in your home either through dangerous structures or through anti-social behaviour. Let’s start off by talking about dangerous structures. If your house was damaged by neighbouring properties, it is most likely that the structure of the other home was falling apart. Some example of unreliable structure damage can include:

  • Cracked bricks or walls being dislodged from the property
  • Broken roof tiles falling off
  • Under flooring structures breaking
  • Chimney collapse
  • Falling balconies
  • Faulty wiring or electrics

Of course, these are only a few ways that you could experience a disrepair due to the maintenance of neighbouring properties. Before a disrepair occurs, make sure to keep an eye on the exterior of your neighbour’s home. If you notice something looks amiss then you should mention it to your neighbour. After all, you could help them avoid any extreme damage. For instance, if there are faulty electrics on the exterior of your neighbour’s home, this could end up leading to a fire that could damage both of your properties. It could also lead to you experiencing a personal injury because of the fire.

Be polite about the damage and offer assistance if need be. It may be that they are unsure about how to move forward with a claim of their own. If you are both in council estates, you may want to politely suggest that they start their own housing disrepair claim.

Here is what you should do if your home is damaged due to the disrepairs on a neighbour’s home:

Insurers for Neighbouring properties

Neighbouring Properties & Anti-Social Behaviour

Another thing you may be wondering about is in relation to anti-social behaviour. Not all criminal acts happen to people. Instead, you may experience your home being vandalized or partially destroyed due to your neighbour’s behaviour. They may act violently, throw things at your home or try to break in and destroy your property. If you experience this for yourself, you may feel too frightened to act. You may even be forced to call the police. Unfortunately, you cannot make a housing disrepair claim if your neighbour is just being loud or a little disorderly. Housing disrepair claims are there to protect your property from physical damages. If no harm has come to your house, you should not make a claim. Instead, speak to the police and see if you can get a restraining order or have a warning given to them.

However, if your house is damaged due to vandalism, graffiti or violence, that is when you need to start considering two types of claims. The first is your housing disrepair claim, as you will need the damages sorted as quickly as possible. In some cases, the neighbour’s insurance will be used to pay for the damages, however you should always alert your landlord about what has happened. They can assist with finding the right repair-workers. It may even be that they ask for the neighbour’s compensation to have the work completed. You can also start looking to CIRCA to take the criminal claim to court. That way you can receive a pay-out that can be used to finance any needed repairs.

problems with neighbours

Will my neighbour have to pay for the damages to my home?

This depends on the type of case you are planning on making against your neighbour. If you believe that the negligence was caused by them, or they did it purposefully to damage your home, it is very likely that they will be either paying you compensation from their insurer or potentially out of their own pocket. If they don’t tell their insurer, or refuse to pay you for the damages, you can raise the issues with their insurers themselves. That way the damages will be settled either through the insurer or through them. Your solicitor can help you if you are worried that this will cause friction or problems between you and your neighbour.

damaging neighbours home

How could I be eligible for compensation?

If you are thinking about making a housing disrepair claim in relation to neighbouring properties, you may be wondering about how you could be eligible for compensation. It’s one thing getting the repairs sorted in your house, but you may also be owed a pay-out for any damages that you have experienced. To be eligible for a housing disrepair claim, you need to prove that any personal injuries or damages in your home are not due to your own negligence. They were due to the age of your home or the negligence of your landlord. These types of damages tend to fall into three categories. Take a look below to see what these categories are:

Housing Disrepair Claims Eligible

Of course, you may end up falling into more than one of these categories. Let’s say that your house suffers from a serious hole in the roof. The hole let water in and caused water damage to your belongings. Due to the damp, it caused mould to grow in the room and you found you did not want to use it at all. This caused inconvenience. Eventually, due to the puddles on the floor, you ended up slipping over and injuring your spine. This is an example of a personal injury.

It’s important that you let your solicitor know as quickly as possible about all of the damages that you have experienced due to the negligence of your landlord. The more damages you have experienced, the more likely it is that you will receive a higher amount of compensation. Some claimants could even be owed up to £20,000! Speak to your solicitor so you can get an estimate of how much money you could be owed today. You may also get more if you have experienced the following damages:

Housing Special Damages

Neighbouring Properties: How do I make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Now that you have decided to make a housing disrepair claim, it’s time that you understand how the claim’s process works. It’s understandable that you may feel nervous, especially if you need to speak to neighbouring properties about the issues at hand, but our solicitors will be there to assist you. The first thing you need to do is speak to your solicitor about your disrepair. Provide them as much detail as possible about the problems, as well as information about how much notice you provided your landlord and how long the disrepair has been going on for. The extent of the disrepair and the damages it has caused will affect how much you could be owed for compensation.

Once you have spoken to your solicitor about your claim, they will focus on the compensation side of it. They will send over a triage assessor to look into the repair side of the claim. Take a look at the process below to see what you can expect during your case:

Assessor Steps for Housing Disrepair Claims

The amount of time needed to complete your housing disrepair claim will depend on the complexity of your claim. Just keep in mind that due to the pandemic and backlog of UK court cases, it is likely that there may be delays with your case. Be patient with your solicitor. They will always do their best to keep you updated about what is happening with your case. If there are any problems or updates, you will be the first person that they tell.

You will have until you leave your council house or property from the housing association to make your claim. So make sure to get in contact with Gowing Law as quickly as possible. We are ready to help you get started on your case.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with Housing Disrepair Claims about Neighbouring Properties

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Are you ready to get started on your housing disrepair claim? Neighbouring properties, or your neighbours in general, could potentially cause damages beyond your control. That’s why it’s crucial that you get assistance from our law firm as quickly as possible. The longer you leave your claim, the more likely it is that your damages will simply end up getting worse. That’s why our legal team is here to help you get started. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top. You will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay our solicitors if they win your case for you!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claims checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to answer any additional questions you may have.

Learn more about Neighbouring Properties and Housing Disrepair Claims

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Don’t forget that you can learn more about housing disrepair claims in on Gowing Law’s blog page. We update it every week with brand new facts and content for you to enjoy. This includes blogs about UK law, seasonal events, competitions and giveaways. You can even find updates about our latest campaigns and events. We’ve even created content about historical events and our brand ambassador, Michael Owen! If you would like to see a certain topic on our blog, send it into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also sign up to our newsletter below:


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Housing Disrepair Claims: Infestation, Pests and Vermin

When you move into a new home, it is exciting to know that you are going to be in a brand new environment. However, sometimes you have more guests in your home than you could expect. Unfortunately, in old properties, like those that are council houses or from the housing association, it is likely that they are going to be from the 1960’s or 1980’s. Therefore, they may have gaps, cracks or holes that could allow for pests or insects to infest the area. The last thing you need during the pandemic and the upcoming winter is the knowledge that there could be rats, insects or mice nesting in your home. These types of infestations can spread diseases, damage your furniture and can leave your house in a state of disrepair. This is when you need to look into Housing Disrepair Claims.

You should not undertake any Housing Disrepair Claims on your own. Instead you should have an experienced law firm on your side that is ready to get you the compensation and repairs that you deserve. Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help. Find out more by calling us on 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

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What do I need to know about Housing Disrepair Claims?

Before we get into the topics of house infestations, let’s take a second to discuss housing disrepair claims in general. The main purpose of a Housing Disrepair Claims are to protect you against destruction inside of your accommodation. You can make a Housing Disrepair Claim if your landlord is acting negligently and is refusing to help you by having the damages fixed. As you live in a council house or property from the housing association, you are responsible to keep your house neat, tidy and liveable. However, your landlord is responsible for much more.

Take a look below to see what your landlord is responsible for:

Housing Disrepair Claims Examples

When you notice any type of housing disrepair, it’s important that you let your landlord know as quickly as possible about the damages. This should be through electronic and written correspondence. Your landlord will then have a month’s notice to get the disrepairs sorted as quickly as possible. They may come to your house to see the damages for yourself before organizing the repair work. If this happens then you will not need to make a Housing Disrepair Claim. You should only make a claim if your landlord refuses to help with the damages in your home.

Responsible for damages from Housing Disrepair Claims

How could my landlord be guilty of negligence?

When you move into a property, you enter into a contract with your landlord. Under this contract, your landlord is legally responsible for the upkeep of your home. If you end up getting hurt due to the state of your home, they will have to pay for your damages. This is because they have failed to keep up their “duty of care.” Therefore, you should be compensated for your damages. There are many ways your landlord could act negligently if your property does fall into a state of disrepair.

Some of the most common acts of landlord negligence include:

  • Ignoring your requests for help
  • Becoming aggressive when you ask for help
  • Trying to fix your repairs but they end up becoming worse
  • Asking you to fund the disrepairs yourself

If your landlord refuses to help you get the disrepairs fixed within around a month, or your repairs end up getting worse and start to affect your health, belongings and daily life, that means that it is time to look into housing disrepair claims. Your solicitor will then advise you on how to proceed with your claim and how much compensation you could be owed.

Environment Health Officers

Is my landlord responsible for pests in my home?

There are a range of creatures that can infest your home, including bugs, rats and mice. If you have noticed that there are pests in your home, you may be wondering if your landlord will be responsible for ensuring that they are “evicted” from your residence.

Your landlord will be responsible for sorting out an infestation if:

  • A tenancy agreement says that your landlord is responsible for any infestations- For instance, it says they have to keep your home in a “habitable” state.
  • The landlord caused the infestation through their lack of repair work to the house

Although things may be a little different if you own the property yourself, if you live in a council house, your landlord has a responsibility to ensure that you are living in a safe environment. Therefore, if pest infestation could entail you getting ill or sick, that means they have to take care of the issue. If they do not do this, they are breaking their “duty of care.” Therefore, they are responsible for paying your damages through compensation.

How to make a Housing Disrepair Claim FAQ

What sort of pests can cause Housing Disrepairs?

Having pests in your home could cause the spread of disease and infection. Not only could they infect the food you have in the house, but they may end up destroying furniture and belongings. You could potentially be blamed for any destroyed furniture in the household that was already there when you moved in. Your landlord has a responsibility to keep you safe when you move into the property. If they already knew that it was infested with pets, they are liable for any damages that you have experienced, especially if you end up getting sick.

Some of the most common pests you may experience in a council home are:

Different types of pests

Any vermin or infestations within your home could result in property damage, illness and infection. Some infestations may be more dangerous than others. For instance, if you have mites or bedbugs, you could be bitten or stung if there is a wasp nest that has not been taken away. If you are allergic to any type of rodents or bugs, you may find that their droppings or fur causes you to have a reaction. For instance, if you have asthma or breathing issues, you may have to go to the doctor to be prescribed stronger medication.

There is a high possibility that a pest infestation can cause damage to your belongings. Not only can they lay eggs in fabric, but rats and mice can bite through clothing and wooden items and hide in padded belongings, such as sofas and chairs. They can even chew through wires and cables and potentially cause fires within your home.

If you notice any droppings in your house, or ultimately see the pests for yourself, you will need to inform your landlord as quickly as possible. They should assist with hiring pest control to make sure your house is free of vermin. Keep in mind that your home may have to be fumigated to make sure the pests do not come back to your house. That means you may have to find alternative accommodation until your house is safe to live in again.

How could pests get into my household?

When you live in an old house that was created in the 1960’s or 1980’s, it’s likely that there are going to be holes or cracks in the structure that could allow for rats and bugs to enter into the property. If you feel a breeze coming from an area in your home, or you have food exposed near these cracks in your home, it is more likely that you are going experience some sort of infestation in your property.

If you do experience damages due to burrowing vermin, it is likely that they could affect the following materials:

  • Brick
  • Wood
  • Electric Wiring
  • Gas Pipes

Keep in mind that If the structure or materials have been affected by water damages, have holes or structural problems, this will make it more likely that vermin or pests will be able to enter your residence. If you notice these damages, contact your landlord immediately. There may be time for you to have the disrepairs sorted before an infestation occurs in your home. You may also want to set up traps and make a temporary blocking that can stop insects and rodents from getting in. That way you can keep your house safe until a pest controller comes to sort out your damages.

Eviction for Housing Disrepair Claims

Was I responsible for my infestation?

Housing disrepair claims are there to protect you if your house has extreme damages that have had a negative impact on your life. However, if you are the one that is responsible for the infestation in your home, you may find that you are not eligible for compensation. You are responsible for keeping your house clean and tidy. Therefore, if you let it become dirty, allowed mould to grow or had piles of trash around the house, it is likely that you were responsible for the infestation in your home. In this case, your landlord will not be responsible for paying you compensation for the damages. Instead, you may be asked to pay to have the problems fixed. This includes the fees of any pest control that needs to enter your residence.

What sort of damages could an infestation cause?

Naturally, when you think about housing disrepair claims, infestations and vermin-control, you naturally think about the damages that can happen to the house. Now, when you make a housing disrepair claim, you do need to consider the damages in your home. They are going to make up the foundation of your claim. However, you may also suffer from additional damages that could entitle you to compensation. This includes emotional and financial damages. You may have suffered from stress or psychological issues because of the state of your home. You could claim back the costs of these damages, especially if you have suffered from mental trauma. An infestation could cause anxiety and phobias. It can also make your daily routine inconvenienced because the infestation has forced you to avoid certain areas of your home.

You could also experience personal injuries due to infestation that require trips to the hospital to have them sorted. It may take a few weeks to recover from these injuries or even longer!

Overall, the most common ways that you could be eligible to make housing disrepair claims include:

Housing Disrepair Claim Infographic

These categories can apply to an infestation disrepair. You can potentially claim for more than one of these categories. So, for instance, let’s say you had an infestation of rats in your home. They had nested in the kitchen and so it became impossible to use your kitchen without encountering them. This would be an inconvenience to your daily schedule. In the kitchen, you had a number of dish towels and rugs. The rodents bit through these pieces of fabric and created damages. This is classified as damages to belongings. The rats created droppings that spread bacteria around your food. You ended up with food poisoning due to the food being contaminated.

It’s important that you let your solicitor know the extent to which you have suffered. The more damages you have experienced alongside your initial housing disrepair, the higher your compensation is going to be.

How much compensation am I owed?

How long will it take to make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

The amount of time needed to sort out your Housing Disrepair Claim will depend on the complexity of your case. For instance, it will take longer due to the pandemic and if your landlord is refusing to co-operate with you. Be patient with your solicitor. They will always do their best to ensure that you are kept updated about the status of your claim. This includes letting you know about any potential delays or problems your solicitor may encounter along the way. Feel free to contact them at any time if you have any questions for them about your housing disrepair claim. Your solicitor is there to help!

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with Housing Disrepair Claims

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Are you ready to get started with your Housing Disrepair Claim? Gowing Law Solicitors can help! We are determined to help you get your pest problem under control. All you need to do is get in contact with our law firm. We can offer you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. You will only have to pay our solicitors if we win your case for you. Therefore, you will always come out on top!

Find out how we can help you with your claim by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in touch to answer all of your questions.

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Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. However, why not research a little more into Housing Disrepair Claims before you start your case? Our blog has new content created for it every week for you to read and enjoy. We write about UK legal claims, seasonal events, contests and giveaways and updates about our law firm. If you want to suggest a blog topic for our website, why not send it into info@gowinglaw.co.uk? You can also sign up to our newsletter using the button below:


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Can I only make a Housing Disrepair Claim against my landlord?

When you move into a council property or a home from the housing association, it is important that the property is safe for you and your family to live in. You may feel excited at the prospect that you are going to move into a new residence, however it is still important that you inspect the property before you move in. That way you can make note of any damages that occur and request that the landlord has them fixed as quickly as possible. As winter approaches, it is a crucial time to get any damages fixed. However, you may be asking yourself about whether or not your landlord is solely to blame for the disrepairs. They need to follow a strict code of conduct that ensures your safety whilst you are under contract. If they fail to do this, it’s time to get started on your Housing Disrepair Claim.

We know you may be feeling a bit concerned about Covid-19 due to the upcoming “uncertain winter”, that’s why the last thing on your mind should be housing disrepairs in your property. Gowing Law Solicitors are ready to help you if you are interested in making a Housing Disrepair Claim. We can provide solid advice about how to move forward. All you have to do is call 0800 041 8350 or visit our website below:

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Who is responsible for my Housing Disrepairs

The first thing you need to understand about making a Housing Disrepair Claim is that they are there to hold your landlord responsible for any damages that occur in your property that they fail to fix. Naturally, your first source of contact for any disrepairs will be your landlord. They are the person who signed the contract with you and own the property. However, they may not be the only person who you can make a Housing Disrepair Claim against to get your damages and compensation sorted.

Most of the time, your landlord will be liable for the damages in your property, however, there are times when the responsibility will fall on a different party that maintains the upkeep of your house. For instance, there may be a leasing agency or property management firm that act in placement of a landlord. Your council home or housing association property may even be rented out by your local council or government. Therefore, they will need to handle any complaints that you have to make. You can make a claim against any third-party that is responsible for the upkeep of your home. They will be responsible for the following:

Housing Disrepair Claim Types of damages

As you can see, your landlord, or any third-parties involved with your property, do have a lot of responsibility when it comes the upkeep of your home. This includes exterior and interior structures, balconies or gardens. If there is a problem then you need to alert your landlord, or the person in charge of your home, as quickly as possible. That way the problem can be sorted before it gets any worse. If they fail to help, you should start looking into a Housing Disrepair Claim.

Landlord eviction for housing disrepair claims

What should I do if my house is suffering from a disrepair?

Housing Disrepairs in council homes and properties from the housing association are extremely common. After all, most of this type of accommodation were created in the 1960’s or 1980’s, therefore they can suffer due to wear and tear over time. It makes sense that after a while it will need some repair work sorted out. That way it can be kept up to scratch.

The first thing you should do in any situation is to report the disrepair to your landlord or responsible party. This should be through electronic communication, such as a phone call or email, but it should also be through written correspondence, like a letter. That way you will have physical evidence to prove that you alerted your landlord when there was a problem. You will then need to give your landlord enough time to get the disrepair sorted, in other words you will need to give them “notice”. This includes allowing them to come to your house to see the disrepair for themselves.

In the meantime, it’s important that you collect evidence to prove that your disrepair has happened. You can use this evidence if your landlord fails to help you with your damages.

Evidence may include:

Housing Disrepair Claims Evidence Infographic

Of course, if you suffered from additional damages due to the disrepairs, make sure to keep evidence about them as well. For instance, if the disrepairs have caused your mental health to worsen then you may have needed to speak to the doctor about medication. This could mean that you could also make a claim for emotional damages. You could also keep receipts if the disrepairs have forced you to spend money to try and better the situation, or at least prevent it from getting any worse. Your landlord may have to pay for these additional damages through compensation. So, make sure to keep as much evidence as possible!

Should the responsible party, or your landlord not sort out the damages in a reasonable time, that’s when you need to start thinking about making a Housing Disrepair Claim with an experienced solicitor. With that said, if you did not want to read all that to learn how to alert your landlord to the disrepairs in your home, just follow these three simple steps:

Housing Disrepair Claim Evidence

What should I do if my landlord or property manager refuses to help?

Unfortunately, not all landlords are going to take your claim seriously. In most cases, your landlord will try to help get your disrepairs sorted out. However, there is a chance that your landlord could act negligently. Legally, your landlord or the party responsible for your house needs to keep your home in a state of repair. That way it is habitable for you and your family to live in. They are under a contract. This contains a strict set of landlord guidelines that will instruct them on how to keep the house liveable. This includes sorting out any potential disrepairs. However, there are times when they may completely refuse to help with your home’s repair work. If this happens to you then your landlord is acting negligently. It is their responsibility to get the disrepairs sorted.

Here are some examples of landlord negligence that you should keep an eye out for:

  • You are asked to pay for the disrepairs yourself
  • Your landlord ignored your requests for help
  • The disrepairs were made worse by your landlord
  • Your landlord was aggressive to you when you asked for help

Be aware that your landlord may want to get the disrepair sorted as cheaply as possible. This could include them fixing the damages themselves. This could lead to dangerous wiring being exposed that could result in you suffering from a personal injury. If you notice any of the aforementioned acts of negligence, it’s crucial that you speak to a housing disrepair claims lawyer as quickly as possible. They can help get your case started and guide you in the right direction to ensure your disrepairs are fixed and that you receive compensation for your damages.

Notice for landlords

Can I make a claim if I was responsible for the damages?

Unfortunately, if you are thinking about making a Housing Disrepair Claim, you are only eligible for compensation if you were not responsible for the disrepairs in my home. This is due to the fact that you are suffering from damages that could worsen your quality of life or result in a personal injury. You were not to blame for the disrepairs. Instead, they happened due to your landlord’s negligence. That means they have failed in their “duty of care” and are putting you at risk. Therefore, they need to be the ones to pay for the disrepairs.

It’s likely that you will be asked to contribute or pay entirely for the disrepairs if you were the one who caused them. If you feel unsure about whether or not you were responsible for your housing disrepairs, you can speak to your solicitor to discuss a claim. They can help you understand your eligibility and let you know whether or not it is worth moving forward with your case.

Previously rented home for Housing Disrepair Claim

How could I be eligible to make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

To be eligible for either compensation or repair work completed on your home, your claim has to fall into at least one of these three categories. It also has to have caused damages to your home. These disrepairs should require work to have it fixed. You also need to be able to prove that you were not responsible for the damages in your property.

The three categories of eligibility are:

Housing Disrepair Claim Eligibility

As you can see, once you have established what disrepairs your home has suffered from, these categories will help you determine what type of damages you could claim for. Of course, there is a chance you could claim for more than one of these categories. Let’s say your home is suffering from the most common type of housing disrepair, mould and damp. If it has spread throughout your bedroom, you may find that it is impossible for you to sleep in that room anymore. This is inconvenience. Eventually, the mould spreads to your clothes and causes it to become unwearable. This is known as damage to belongings. If you suffer from asthma, there is a chance that the mould and damp could make your asthma worse. This may lead you to go to hospital to receive medical treatment for your worsening condition. This is an example of a personal injury.

It is important that you let your solicitor know exactly what type of damages you have suffered from. That way they can help you calculate how much compensation you could be owed. You can make your claim against your landlord, property manager, local government or leasing agency. The amount you receive will be determined by the extent of all of your damages.

Property owners responsibilities

How much compensation will I receive for my housing disrepair?

Of course, your main focus is going to be on getting the disrepairs in your home sorted. However you could also claim compensation for any personal injuries that you have suffered from. The first thing that you need to know is that every compensation claim is different. There is no fixed amount when it comes to the pay-out that you could receive. However, you could be owed more compensation if your damages are more severe. For instance, if your home has suffered from weak structures and the structure fell on you, this could cause a personal injury. Therefore, you could receive a higher pay-out than someone who has a broken window in their home.

For an estimate of how much you could be owed in compensation, you should speak to your solicitor for more information. They can let you know how much you could potentially be owed. That way you can decide on whether or not you want to move forward with your claim. Ultimately, the choice is up to you about what you want to do!

Are you ready to start your Housing Disrepair Claim?

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Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are determined to get you the repairs and compensation that you deserve for your Housing Disrepair Claim. We understand that these types of claims can be extremely stressful. That’s why our team of experienced lawyers will always be there to support you through this difficult time. They can offer free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim, they can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always come out on top as you will never have to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only have to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you.

Find out more about how we can help with your housing disrepair claim by contacting Gowing Law Solicitors today! Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or use our claim’s checker to get started. One of our specialists will then be in touch to discuss your claim further. They can also answer any additional questions you may have.

Learn more about making a Housing Disrepair Claim

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Housing Disrepair Claims & Winter Weather

Housing Disrepair Claims are there to protect you if your landlord refuses to help fix the damages within your home. It’s understandable that you may feel frustrated that you cannot get the repair work done in a timely manner, especially with winter right around the corner. As the weather gets colder over the next few months, it’s important that your house is well-insulated and can protect you from the wind, snow, ice and rain. Unfortunately, not all council houses or properties from the housing association are going to be as padded as you would like. In fact, some residents may find that the house suffers from damages that they cannot fix on their own. Worse still, you may end up suffering from a personal injury or have belongings that are completely damaged.

If the winter weather is causing damages to your home, or has caused essential equipment or structures to break down, it’s time for your landlord to step up and help. Even if there is another lockdown this winter, your landlord owes you a “duty of care”. Therefore, they need to step up and help. Should they fail to do so, you need to start making enquiries into housing disrepair claims.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help you with your housing disrepair claims. Find out how by calling 0800 041 8350 or by using our website below:

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How could my house be damaged in the winter?

When you move into a council house or property from the housing association, it’s important to remember that it may be old. After all, the majority of current council houses were created in the 1950’s or the 1960’s. According to the most recent English Housing Survey, there are around 76,814 buildings that are in a substandard condition. The majority of these are old council houses. Unfortunately, not all of these council houses are going to have the right padding or insulation needed to keep you and your family warm at night. In fact, you may find that you have to use your heating more in order to keep warm.

During the winter, your home may experience the following damages, or cause the following problems:

Cold Weather Problems for Housing Disrepair Claims

As you can see, there are a fair few problems that mean that the cold could enter your house. However, the more severe problem comes from any type of hole or exposure to the outside world during the cold and rainy period. For instance, if the wall has exposed brick or wood, water, damp or ice could enter the building. If it remains wet then this could cause damp, mould or cause the external/internal structures to buckle, snap or crack under the weakening material. Worse still, if your house is warm then this could encourage pestilence to enter in order to shelter from the outside world.

Of course, these are just a few examples. It could be a lot simpler, such as a broken down boiler that leaves the house feeling unbearably cold. No matter what type of disrepair your house suffers from, you need to report it to your landlord in order to get it fixed.

Common Types of Housing Disrepair Claims

Why is my Landlord responsible for fixing the disrepairs?

It’s important to understand that your landlord is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your house. You live in it and have a responsibility to keep it clean and tidy – however, your landlord needs to make sure that it is in a habitable state to be lived in. That means there can’t be anything in your home that could cause a personal injury or an inconvenience. Some examples of what they are responsible for include:

Housing Disrepair Claims Infographic

It’s important that you understand that your landlord does need enough notice to get the damages fixed. They are responsible for getting it sorted because they owe you a “duty of care.” You live in a residence that is owned by them. Therefore, when you sign the contract saying you will pay rent to stay in their accommodation, they have a legal duty to keep you safe. If they fail to adhere to this duty of care then they could be held guilty of negligence. Negligence could occur if your landlord:

  • Ignores your requests for help
  • Becomes aggressive when asked for help
  • Causes more damage by trying to fix it themselves
  • Demands that you pay for the damages
  • Demands that you fix the damages yourself

Whilst you do need to give your landlord time to get the disrepairs sorted out, if they fail to help you within a month, it’s time for you to start looking into Housing Disrepair Claims. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you understand whether or not you could be eligible for compensation.

Aggressive Landlords Help

How to insulate my home whilst waiting for the repairs?

As you are waiting for your repairs to take place, there may be ways that you could help keep your house insulated and to reduce the effects of the disrepair. Keep in mind that you won’t be able to do all the repairs suggested. It will entirely depend on the extent of control you have over your property without making the damages worse.

  • Cover over any holes or cracks with a curtain to stop the release of heat
  • If there are gaps in the windows, use tape to cover the exposure
  • Fit carpets around the floor to reduce the loss of heat
  • Keep an eye on holes if they are wet and try to keep the exposure clean and dry
  • Use mould and damp spray around any growing patches of exposure
  • Cover any chimney openings to avoid drafts
  • Keep curtains closed to ensure that heat is trapped in your home

Of course, there is a chance that your landlord may be willing to do more extensive work on your home, including loft insulation, adding double glazing to your windows or adding a better insulation to your walls. However, we understand that you may be fully focused on the problems at hand. If your landlord refuses to help, it’s time for you to look into Housing Disrepair Claims.

Housing Disrepair Claim eviction

How do I know if I am eligible to make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

No matter what month it is, you should be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim if your home has suffered from housing damages. These housing damages include anything around the house that could be seriously affecting your life or has caused you to suffer a personal injury from an accident. That way you can prove that you experienced negligence at the hands of your landlord.

There are three categories that your housing disrepair could fall into. If it fits into one of these categories then you could be eligible for compensation. These categories are:

Housing Disrepair Claim Eligibility

There is a chance that you could fulfil all three categories and be owed compensation for each damage. For instance, let’s say that your home has a mould problem. Already, you would fall into inconvenience because the mould may have forced you to avoid certain areas of your home. That entails that you won’t be able to use certain equipment or essential items in your home if the mould is that bad. If you suffer from asthma, there is a chance that the mould and damp could make it worse. Should your breathing condition worsen, this could be classified as a personal injury claim. The mould may spread to your belongings, including clothing and furniture covered in fabric. This could cause damages to your property and you may need to have these items replaced.

If you believe that you fall into all damages, you should alert your solicitor as quickly as possible. They can help you collect evidence to back up your claim and speak to your landlord on your behalf to move your case forward. Your lawyer will always keep you involved and alert you if there are any new updates.

Having to pay for Housing Disrepair Claim

What sort of evidence can I use for my Housing Disrepair Claim?

If you are making a case for any disrepairs caused by winter weather, it’s important that you have evidence back up your damages. Your house may have suffered due to the damp, cold or heat. Therefore, the external structures or walls may have cracks, mould or holes in it. You may also be suffering from heater issues and have to prove that it is leaking or ultimately not working. To do this, you will need evidence to back up your case.

Evidence should be scanned and copied in order to ensure that you, your solicitor and landlord have copies of it. Your evidence can include:

  • Photographs
  • Videos
  • Witness Statements
  • Medical Records
  • Police Records
  • Diary Entries
  • Damaged Belongings
  • Receipts

You should send your copy to solicitor to ensure that your claim can move forward smoothly. They can take your evidence and use it to prove you are experiencing damages to your landlord. That way, when they sit down to sort out the settlement agreement, they can prove that their negligence requires compensation for their actions.

Keeping warm when your house is in disrepair

How much compensation will I receive from a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Like any other legal claim, the amount of compensation that you could claim depends on the severity of your case. The worse your damages, the more likely it is that you will receive a higher amount of compensation. This includes any additional damages, such as emotional and financial damages, as well as losses of opportunity.

From our own experience, you could be owed up to £20,000 in rebates! To get an accurate estimate of how much you could be owed, speak to your solicitor about your settlement agreement. They can calculate how much you could be owed through your damages and then take that figure to your landlord. Your landlord will then decide whether or not they will accept the settlement. If they refuse then your case may have to go to court. However, this is unlikely because most landlords will be happy to work with your solicitor to get the damages sorted out.

How long do I have to make a housing disrepair claim

How long will it take to make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

The amount of time it takes to have your claim sorted by your solicitor will depend on the complexity of your case. For instance, if your landlord refuses to get involved in the settlement agreement or fix your damages, the claim may take longer to get sorted. Your solicitor can help you plot out a potential timeline to help you understand how long it will take to claim your compensation. Speak to your solicitor today to find out how they can help you with your case.

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with Housing Disrepair Claims

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Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are ready to help you understand how much you could be owed as compensation. You deserve to live in comfort and to have the housing disrepairs sorted in your home. This is where Gowing Law Solicitors can step in to help you with your claim. Our lawyers can provide you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward, we can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will always come out on top. So, get started with your claim today!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in contact to answer any additional questions you may have about housing disrepair claims.

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

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If you are looking for more information about Housing Disrepair Claims, the best place to go is Gowing Law’s blog page. We update it every week with brand new content for you to read and watch. This includes information about UK claims, seasonal events, updates about our law firm and competitions/giveaways. You can suggest blog topics for our blog by writing in to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our specialists will then write up your questions and will let you know when it has been uploaded to the blog. You can also sign up to Gowing Law’s newsletter by subscribing your newsletter below:



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Can I make a Housing Disrepair Claim for Damaged Property?

When you make a Housing Disrepair Claim, it is important that you understand you are not just claiming for the damages in the property. You are also claiming for any damages to your own belongings and items that belong to you. This includes personal injuries and inconveniences to your daily routine. Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we understand that you may feel nervous that in the upcoming months, if there is a winter lockdown, your landlord may not be willing to help you sort out the housing disrepairs. Should this happen, our team of experts will be ready to help you claim the compensation and repair work that you deserve.

You should be able to live comfortably in your home as winter weather starts to hit the UK. If you’re worried about the disrepairs in your home, it’s time for you to get in contact with Gowing Law Solicitors. Find out more by calling 0800 041 8350 or by using our website below:

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Who is responsible for Housing Disrepairs in my home?

According to the latest English Housing Survey, there are around 76,814 council properties or properties from the housing association that are currently in a state of disrepair. This is due to the fact that they were created in the 1950’s or 1980’s, therefore are in need of an upgrade. Even though you live in the property, your main responsibility is to keep it clean, tidy and in a liveable state. If anything breaks down, your landlord needs to be the one who pays for the repair work. This includes essential equipment, external structures and any furniture that they own in the flat. These may include:

Housing Disrepair Claim Types

Of course, these are only a few examples of the types of problems that could appear in your home. What truly matters though is that your solicitor should be there to assess the damages and offer repair work if need be. When you notice the damages, you should alert your landlord by phone or email as well as a physical letter. This letter will serve as evidence that you did your best to alert your landlord to the disrepairs. When you have alerted your landlord, they should come over to your house to assess the damages for themselves. This is the moment that they will decide whether or not the damage requires them to intervene. They will then organize a repair worker to come to your home.

Just in case you did not want to read that, here is the process in a more visual format:

Alerting your landlord for Housing Disrepairs

Landlord Negligence & Housing Disrepair Claims

Unfortunately, whilst the repair process may seem rather simple in theory, in some cases your landlord may ultimately refuse to help. This is through no fault of your own. Instead, they may simply decide that they do not think they should help you, or that the responsibility falls onto their tenant. Honestly, that is never the case. When you enter into a contract with your landlord, they are responsible for your safety in the property. This is known as a duty of care. It means they have to ensure that the property is safe enough to be habited by you and your family. If you get hurt due to the disrepairs in your home, they could be held liable for the damages. That’s why if they do act negligently, it is time for you to make a housing disrepair claim.

Some examples of landlord negligence can include:

  • Ignoring your requests for help
  • Becoming aggressive when you bring up the disrepairs
  • Making the disrepairs worse
  • Telling you to fix the repairs yourself
  • Asking you to pay for the repairs in your home

Your solicitor can help you if your landlord has refused to deal with the disrepairs in your home. It is their responsibility to ensure that you live in a safe environment. If they fail to adhere to this, it’s time to get started on your housing disrepair claim.

Do I still need to pay rent whilst making a housing disrepair claim?

What should I do if my property has been damaged by my housing disrepair?

If your house has fallen into a state of disrepair, it’s important that it is sorted by your landlord as quickly as possible. Should they fail to help you, it is very likely that you will suffer from a personal injury or an inconvenience to your life. However, there is also a high chance that your personal property could suffer from damages. This includes clothing, furniture and decorations. You could be eligible for compensation if your claim falls into one of the aforementioned categories. The definition of these categories are as follows:

Housing Disrepair Claim Infographic

As you can see, damage to your belongings is a way to make you eligible for compensation. The most likely reasons for the damage to your belongings include:

  • Wet
  • Mould and damp
  • Staining
  • Falling objects
  • Weather damage
  • Vandalism/Theft

There are other ways that the property in your home could be damaged. The disrepairs could cause financial and emotional damages, especially if it is crucial for the belongings to be replaced. You need to inform your solicitor about the damages to your belongings. That way it can be added to the amount of compensation that you could be owed.

Will my landlord replace my belongings?

If it is proven that your landlord is responsible for negligence, and need to pay for the damages in your home, they could be eligible to also replace any damaged belongings. You will need to prove that they were damaged by the housing disrepairs. Your landlord will then need to have the belongings replaced. These replacements will be second-hand, however you can chose where they can buy them from and the price of the object in question. Your solicitor will be able to help you do this. Even if the money is sent to you to have the object replaced, their advice is invaluable and will make sure you know exactly what you are doing.

Landlords and housing disrepair claims

How long will it take to make a Housing Disrepair Claim for Damaged Property?

The amount of time needed to take on any claim will change depending on how complicated the claim is. You cannot claim for damaged property without there being a problem in the house that actually caused it. So, keep in mind that you may need time to establish the initial claim before you move on to claiming special damages. Damaged property will fall into this. You will need to take time to find out what objects have been destroyed in your home and where you can find replacements. You will then need to send the list of belongings to your solicitor and let them know where the items can be found. It is also important that you count for the time that may be needed for your landlord to order the replacements.

Be patient with your solicitor and landlord. Every housing disrepair claim is different. Your solicitor will do their best to ensure that you are kept updated about where they are in the claim. That way you can be involved and know exactly what is going on. Therefore, your solicitor can let you know if there are any potential delays or problems that could make your case more complicated. Speak to your solicitor ensure that you have a clear timeline about your case.

How much could I receive as compensation from a Housing Disrepair Claim?

When you make a Housing Disrepair Claim, the compensation will come from any damages that you have experienced. This includes any personal injuries that you have suffered from. In our experience, you could be owed up to £20,000 as a rebate. When it comes to your damaged belongings, you will not receive compensation for them. Instead, you will receive replacements that will be bought by your landlord. These will be second-hand replacements and you must provide links to the appropriate shops. Your landlord will then buy the new belongings and you will have them sent to you.

Housing Disrepair if you have moved out the property

What should I expect after I have made a Housing Disrepair Claim?

When you get started on your housing disrepair claim, you should speak to your solicitor about your damages. They will give you advice on whether or not you should move forward with the case. If you are happy to move forward then your solicitor will organize a triage assessor to come to your home to look at the damages. They will also let your landlord know about the damages. That way they can organize their own assessor to come and take a look at the problems in your home.

The following process will then take place:

Assessor steps

If you have any questions about the process, you can speak to your solicitor. They will be handling your compensation as the triage assessor sorts out the repairs. Therefore, your lawyer will be able to assist you and provide you advice on how you can move forward with your claim.

How can Gowing Law Solicitors help with your Housing Disrepair Claim?

Gowing Law Solicitors are ready to help you with your claim! We understand that it can be a bit daunting to take on a case on your own, especially if you have to speak to your landlord about the damages in your property. You may feel intimidated or worried that you may be evicted if you “make a fuss.” But we can assure you that this is certainly not the case. Your landlord cannot evict you for just making a housing disrepair claim. Gowing Law’s team of specialists can help you with your claim by:

  • Handling any paperwork
  • Speaking to your landlord on your behalf
  • Organizing a triage assessor to come to your house
  • Avoiding any simple mistakes that could invalidate your claim
  • Providing you free advice and consultations
  • Organizing your evidence

No matter how complicated your claim is, your solicitor will be there to support you. They can help you understand how the damages have affected your life and what you could be owed as compensation. This includes any additional pay-outs that could come from special damages, such as emotional and financial damages and loss of opportunity. Speak to your solicitor today to ask for advice on how they can move forward with your claim.

Start on your Housing Disrepair Claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

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When you make a Housing Disrepair Claim for the damages in your home, as well as the damage to your belongings, you deserve to be compensated for everything you have experienced. This includes any emotional damages. Gowing Law can help you get started on your claim. We can provide you free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your housing disrepair claim, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you. That means you will always come out on top, no matter what the outcome is.

Find out more by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. Our team of specialists will then be in contact to answer any additional questions you may have.

Learn more about making a Housing Disrepair Claim

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Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are determined to keep our clients updated about the most recent facts about UK law. Therefore, we understand that it can be a daunting process to undertake a claim on your own. That’s why if you want to learn the basics of any claim, we would highly recommend that you keep a close eye on our blog. We update it every week with brand new content about different types of claims, seasonal events, and information about our law firm and the occasional competition/giveaway. Feel free to suggest blog topics by sending them over to info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also sign up to our newsletter by clicking the button below:



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What does “inconvenience” mean in a Housing Disrepair Claim?

When you make a Housing Disrepair Claim, you are looking to get the damages in your home completely fixed. You may also be asking for compensation if your landlord has caused you injuries or damages due to the property’s disrepairs. It’s understandable that you may feel a little nervous about this. It’s not every day that you make a legal case. That’s why Gowing Law’s legal team are here to help you get the pay-out and repairs that you deserve. You didn’t ask to be put in a residence that was full of disrepairs. In fact, your landlord may have hidden the disrepairs from you when you first moved into the residence. However, now they are impossible to ignore. In fact, they are now affecting your daily routine. When the disrepairs start to do this then it is known as “inconvenience.” You could be owed compensation for this!

Throughout the pandemic, your landlord still had a responsibility to keep your home safe and habitable for both you and your family. If they fail to do this then it is time to make a Housing Disrepair Claim. You can do this by contacting Gowing Law Solicitors on 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

Housing Disrepair Claim Button

What counts as Housing Disrepair?

When you move into a new council house or property from the housing association, it’s crucial that you check it over before you move in. That way you can ask for any damages to be fixed by your landlord before you actually move into your new home. Your landlord is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of your household. You are in a contract with them as a tenant. Therefore, they need to make sure that you are safe. This is because they are bound by a “duty of care” and are responsible for your safety. Some additional responsibilities include the maintenance of:

Housing Disrepair Claim and Landlord Responsibilities

As you can see, your landlord is responsible for a lot of housing disrepairs that could cause problems in your property. If you notice any disrepairs that appear then you need to alert your landlord as quickly as possible. It is their responsibility to have them fixed in order to make sure that you are safe. You need to give them notice to ensure that they have time to look into your disrepair. However, if you notice disrepairs in your home, follow this process to make sure that they are sorted in an efficient amount of time:

how to let your landlord before making a housing disrepair claim

If your landlord refuses to help you with your disrepairs, this is when you need to start looking into making a Housing Disrepair Claim. After all, your landlord is supposed to be looking after you as long as you remain in your contract. However, if they fail to do this then they are not adhering to their “duty of care”. It means you could claim compensation for any damages that you experience.

How could my landlord act negligently?

As you can see, your landlord has a lot of responsibility when it comes to your rented property. Essentially, they owe you a duty of care because they own your property. If any disrepairs do occur, your solicitor needs to have them sorted as quickly as possible. Of course, you will need to give your landlord some notice, but they could be acting negligently if:

  • They ignore your requests for help.
  • They try to fix the damages themselves and end up making them worse.
  • Your landlord threatens you or acts aggressively towards you.
  • Your landlord requests that you pay for the damages yourself.

If the disrepair goes on for too long and your landlord refuses to help, it’s time for you to make a Housing Disrepair Claim. A solicitor from Gowing Law can assist you and ensure that you get the repairs sorted in a timely manner.

Housing Disrepair Claim and contracts

What could make me eligible for compensation from a Housing Disrepair Claim?

This is where we get into what inconvenience is all about! Now, when you make a Housing Disrepair, there are going to be three categories that will make you eligible for compensation and the much needed repairs in your household. These are:

Housing Disrepair Claim Infographic

As you can see, each of these categories refer to either your property or your body being damaged due to the disrepairs in your home. For inconvenience, it basically means that your daily routine is interrupted and you find it hard to keep up your morale about living in your house. It’s the feeling you get when you question why you should keep paying rent if your home is full of disrepairs.

Inconvenience could mean that you are unable to access essential areas of your house, meaning that you are unable to undertake essential activities, such as cooking, cleaning, bathing or sleeping. This could make it feel difficult to keep up with work or social commitments due to the stress. Of course, there could also be a chance that all three eligibility factors happen to you. Here’s an example of how this could work:

Housing Disrepair Case Study

No matter what you apply for, whether it is inconvenience or something else, your solicitor can help you understand what you could be owed through a Housing Disrepair Claim. It’s essential that you get started on it as quickly as possible. You will not be evicted if you decide to make a Housing Disrepair Claim. Instead, you will only be evicted if you have not been paying rent. Your landlord could potentially make a counter claim against you. If you are worried that your landlord is too aggressive to be reasoned with, your solicitor can speak to them on your behalf.

Can I solely make a claim based on inconvenience?

Yes, you can make a claim just for inconvenience. This is due to the fact that your main concern is actually going to be having your disrepairs in your home sorted. Therefore, if the disrepairs are causing inconvenience and are preventing you from living out your daily life, you could make a claim for them. It could get to the point where the inconvenience could cause severe emotional damages, including:

  • Stress
  • Loss of Sleep
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

If you need to go on medication, or perhaps already have a pre-existing condition that has been worsened due to the situation you’re currently in with your landlord, you should make a claim as quickly as possible to get your repairs sorted. Just don’t forget that you will need evidence to back up your claim. This can be:

Evidence for Housing Disrepairs

How much will I receive for my Housing Disrepair Claim?

The amount of compensation you receive for your claim will depend on the extent of your landlord’s negligence, how long the disrepairs have been left for and whether or not the disrepair has caused any injuries. The more damages you have suffered from, the more likely it is that you will receive a higher amount of compensation. From our own experience, you could be owed anywhere from £100 up to £20,000. To get an estimate for your claim, speak to your solicitor. They can look into your damages and calculate how much settlement you could potentially be entitled to. That way you can decide for yourself as to whether or not you believe it is worth moving forward with your claim.

Start on your Housing Disrepair Claim with Gowing Law Solicitors

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Now that you are ready to get started on your Housing Disrepair Claim, Gowing Law Solicitors can provide you expert advice and free consultations to help. We understand that making a claim on your own can be a bit daunting. That’s why our solicitors will be here to support you every step of the way to ensure that you can get the compensation that you deserve. We can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never need to pay any hidden fees. You will only have to pay our solicitors if they actually win your case. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to get started on your Housing Disrepair Claim. You can do this by calling 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. One of our team will then answer any additional questions you may have about your case.

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Are you looking for more information about making Housing Disrepair Claim? You should visit Gowing Law’s blog page for more information. Not only do we update it every week with brand new content, occasionally we even host a competition or seasonal event! You can find more information about Gowing Law’s most recent updates and facts about a range of different legal claims. If you would like to see a certain question answered on our blog, write into our content team through the email info@gowinglaw.co.uk. You can also sign up to our weekly newsletter below:


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Housing Disrepair Claims: What are my rights as a tenant?

Here at Gowing Law Solicitors, we are determined to help our clients with their Housing Disrepair Claims all over the country. As a tenant in a council house or property from the housing association, it’s crucial that you understand what type of rights you have in your home. Like all residents, you deserve to live in an environment that is comfortable and safe for both you and your family. Your landlord is responsible for the upkeep of your home and needs to stick to the health & safety guidelines of their contractual agreement. Even during the pandemic, they were still responsible for the safety of their tenants. They need to ensure that your home is fit for purpose and does not contain any major disrepairs that could cause you harm.

If you are thinking about making a housing disrepair claim, it’s important that you understand all of your rights as a tenant. That way you can claim for a high amount of compensation and also get all your disrepairs sorted. You can do this by speaking to Gowing Law Solicitors about your housing disrepair claim. Our specialists are here to help you and offer you free advice and consultations.

Get in touch with our housing disrepair claims solicitors today by calling 0800 041 8350 or by visiting our website below:

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Housing Disrepair Claims: What sort of rights do I have as a tenant?

Before we discuss disrepairs in general, let’s answer the main question of this blog: What are your rights as a tenant in a council house or home from the housing association? When you move into any property, it’s important to understand that your landlord will have a set of rules they will need to follow to keep you safe. These health and safety regulations are focused on:

  • Fire safety
  • Electrical safety
  • Gas safety
  • Security
  • Building safety

If a disrepair happens then your landlord will have to have it fixed as quickly as possible. They are under legal jurisdiction to ensure that your home is completely free of hazards or future dangers. As a tenant, you need to hold your landlord to account. If you notice a disrepair then you will need to report it immediately. That way you can give your landlord notice to have the disrepairs fixed as quickly as possible.

Additional rights as a tenant include:

Tenant Rights

As you can see, you have a range of rights that mean that you can live safely in a home without your landlord taking advantage of your contract. However, there may be times that your home falls into a state of disrepair. It’s up your landlord to have them fixed. They owe you a “duty of care” as you are both under contract. Of course, you will need to give them a few weeks to get the repairs sorted. However, if they fail to help you then they could be guilty of negligence. This is when you need to start thinking about making a Housing Disrepair Claim.

Housing Disrepair Claim facts

How could my landlord be guilty of negligence?

As we stated before, your landlord is responsible for the upkeep of your house. Although you need to keep it clean and tidy, it is their responsibility to ensure that you are safe when you enter the house and carry out your daily life in it. If they know of a problem that needs to be fixed, but keep it from you, you could end up getting hurt. It’s important that when you notice a disrepair in your house that you alert your landlord both through electronic correspondence, i.e. a phone call or email, and written correspondence, such as a letter. Your landlord will need to respond and come over to view the damages for yourself. They will then get the disrepairs sorted by hiring the right help.

Unfortunately, there are times when your landlord may end up acting negligently, therefore you will need to start considering making a housing disrepair claim. Some examples of negligence could include:

  • The landlord ignores your request for help
  • Your landlord asks you to pay for repairs
  • The landlord tries to repair the damages and makes them worse
  • Your landlord acts violently or aggressively towards you

You need to make a Housing Disrepair Claim if your landlord is refusing to work with you on getting the repairs sorted out. Your solicitor from Gowing Law will be there to support you and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Housing Disrepair Claim and eviction

How could I be eligible for a Housing Disrepair Claim?

If your house falls into disrepair, your landlord is responsible for having them fixed. However, there are times when they may end up making the disrepairs worse. In fact, in some cases, you may actually end up getting hurt or experiencing a personal injury. To make a Housing Disrepair Claim, you need to fall into at least one of three categories. These categories are:

Housing Disrepair Claims Infographic

You could be owed compensation if you fall into any of these categories. You can fall into more than one. For instance, let’s say that you suffer from asthma. Right now, your home has a mould and damp that has caused your asthma to get worse. This is an example of a personal injury. The mould has spread so far in your home that you cannot access the bedroom. It has damaged your furniture and clothing. Therefore, you could claim for property damage and inconvenience.

If you are wondering what type of claim you could make, the best person to speak to is your solicitor. They can discuss the type of claim you are going to make and how much you could be owed as compensation. They can also help you get the disrepairs sorted by a qualified engineer and speak to your landlord on your behalf. The following process will then take place if you want to move forward with your claim:

Assessor Steps for Housing Disrepair Claims

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with your Housing Disrepair Claim

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Gowing Law’s expert solicitors are here to help you claim compensation for your Housing Disrepair Claim. We understand that it can be extremely frustrating to live in accommodation that is riddled with disrepairs. That’s why our experts can provide free advice and consultations to get you started. If you are happy to move forward with your claim then our solicitors can work with you on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will not need to pay any hidden fees. Instead, you will only need to pay your solicitor if they win your case for you. Therefore, you will always come out on top!

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to find out more about Housing Disrepair Claims. Call 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk, or use our claim’s checker. One of our specialists will then be in contact to answer all of your questions. Feel free to ask them anything. After all, our team are happy to help!

Learn more about Housing Disrepair Claims

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We understand that you may want to learn more about housing disrepair claims. That’s why we would highly recommend checking out Gowing Law’s blog! We add to it every week with new information about UK law, seasonal events, updates about our law firm and the occasional giveaway/competition! If you would like to suggest a topic for our blog, feel free to send it into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. One of our specialists will then write up the blog and let you know when it has gone online. You can also sign up to our newsletter! Just put your email into the button below:

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Housing Disrepair Claims: My landlord won’t fix the damages in my home!

“What do I do if my landlord won’t fix anything?” That’s a question Gowing Law Solicitor receives quite regularly from its clients who are looking into Housing Disrepair Claims. It makes sense. After all, if your landlord had decided to fix the damages in your home at an earlier date, it is very likely that you would not be interested in claiming compensation. Your landlord is responsible for the upkeep of your home. That’s why if something does go wrong, they need to be the ones who fix it. If they fail to do this then they are not upholding the standards of their own code of conduct. Therefore they are guilty of negligence.

Even during the pandemic, your landlord was responsible for keeping your house in a safe and habitable condition. If they fail to do this, it’s time for you to come to Gowing Law Solicitors for help. We can offer personalized advice and free consultations. That way you can make sure you have all the information you need before you start your claim. To learn more, call our law firm at 0800 041 8350 or click on the button to learn more:

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Housing Disrepair Claims: What sort of housing disrepairs are there?

Before we jump into more information about problematic landlords, let’s take a brief moment to discuss what could actually go wrong in your home. If you are living in rented council housing or accommodation from the housing association, your landlord is responsible for the majority of external and internal structures and equipment. If any of it breaks down then your landlord needs to be the one to have it fixed. Take a look below at some:

Landlord responsibilities for Housing Disrepair Claims

When your landlord rents you a property, it is their responsibility to ensure that it meets the health & safety standards. Failure to do so means that they are ultimately acting negligently and are putting their tenants at risk. You don’t deserve to live in a residence that could mean that could be the cause of your personal injuries. Instead, you need to live in a place that means that you and your family can be comfortable. If you notice any disrepairs in your home, alert your landlord as quickly as possible. This should be through writing and electronic/phone correspondence. From there you need to document the evidence, including taking photos and videos of the disrepairs. Your landlord can then visit to see the damages for themselves or send over a repair worker to assess them for themselves. The repairs can then be sorted and you can relax.

Just in case you did not want to read all of that, here is the quick rundown of what you should do:

Housing Disrepair Claims help

Housing Disrepair Claims: What problems can I run into with my landlord?

Not all landlords are going to be as accommodating as others. In an ideal world, your landlord would take a look at the disrepairs as quickly as possible and get them sorted. Unfortunately, not all landlords are going to be that helpful. Whilst you need to give your landlord enough notice to actually get the disrepairs sorted, there are other times when your landlord may simply leave the disrepairs to get worse. You should give them about a month to get them sorted. However, you should ask to be kept updated about how the repairs are going.

It’s okay to feel naturally intimidated by your landlord. After all, they are the owners of your house and you may feel worried that they may not take you seriously. However, as you are paying them rent, and they are in a contract with you, they need to make sure that you are living in a habitable environment. They cannot evict you for making a housing disrepair claim or for asking for a repair to be fixed. However, there are ways that your landlord could act negligently in regards to your housing disrepairs:

Landlord negligence for housing disrepair claims

As you can see, there are a fair few ways that you could experience negligence at the hands of your landlord. If your landlord refuses to help you get your damages sorted, it’s time for you to speak to a specialist at Gowing Law Solicitors. Our team of expert housing disrepair lawyers are here to work with your landlord to get the disrepairs fixed and your compensation in your pocket. If you are intimidated by your landlord, your solicitor will speak to them on your behalf. That way you do not have to interact with them directly. Instead you can sit back and wait for the repairs to be completed.

Housing Disrepair Claims and contracts

Housing Disrepair Claims: What should I do if my landlord won’t fix the repairs in my home?

Don’t panic! We know it can be worrying if your landlord refuses to help you with your disrepairs. But that’s why our solicitors will be there to help you get started on your housing disrepair claim. Keep in mind that you will have to give your landlord some notice about the disrepairs before you speak to a solicitor. If you have already done this and have not heard anything back from your landlord, it is time for you to make a claim with an experienced law firm.

Your solicitor will provide you advice and consultations to get you started on your claim. That way you can figure out for yourself whether or not you want to move forward, as well as understand your eligibility for this type of claim. You will be able to move forward if your housing disrepair claim falls into at least one of these three categories:

Housing Disrepair Claim Eligibility

There is a chance that you could fall into all of these categories, depending on the extent of your damages. Take for instance, your house was suffering from a mould issue. If it is primarily located in one room, it may make that room completely inaccessible. That means that you are suffering from inconvenience. The mould may have also spread to your clothes or any property that is covered in fabric. This is damage to belongings. If you suffer from asthma, the mould may have made it difficult to breath. Therefore, you needed to go to the hospital for treatment. This is a personal injury. Let your solicitor know all of the details of your claim and they will be able to help you.

Once you have decided to hold your landlord responsible for the disrepairs in your home, your solicitor will follow this process to ensure that you can claim compensation and have your damages taken care of:

Gowing Law Assessor Steps

Ultimately, your landlord is responsible for any damages in your home. Housing Disrepair Claims are there to make sure they are held accountable if you do end up getting hurt or living in an unsafe environment. It was not your fault that you ended up living in a home that was damaged. Instead, your landlord needs to ensure that it kept up to standard. That way, you can feel comfortable undertaking your daily routine within your house. Your solicitor can speak to your landlord on your behalf if you are worried that they will get violent or will not co-operate with you. So, try not to worry about getting your disrepairs sorted!

Gowing Law Solicitors can help with Housing Disrepair Claims

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If you are feeling confident about Housing Disrepair Claims, it’s time for you to get in contact with Gowing Law Solicitors. We are ready to take on your case and help you get your house repaired. Not only can we offer personalized advice and free consultations to get you started, if you decide to work with our team, we can offer our services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will never have to pay any hidden fees. Therefore, you will always come out on top.

Contact Gowing Law Solicitors today to get started on your claim. Call on 0800 041 8350, email info@gowinglaw.co.uk or visit our claims checker. One of the members of our team will then be in touch to help you with your housing disrepair claim.

Find out more about Housing Disrepair Claims

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If you are interested in learning more about Housing Disrepair Claims, you should read more of the articles on our blog. Every week we update it with new content for you to enjoy! This includes information about different UK legal claims, seasonal events, updates about our law firm and the occasional competition or giveaway. If you have a suggestion for our blog, feel free to send it into info@gowinglaw.co.uk. We would be more than happy to write about your questions. You can also follow our social media by clicking the buttons below!

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Housing Disrepair Claims: What is my house most likely to suffer from?

Whether you live in a council house or a home provided by the housing association, it is likely that you may someday need to contact your landlord about Housing Disrepairs. If they fail to help you then this may unfortunately change into you looking into Housing Disrepair Claims. It can be frustrating to live in a home that is in need of repair, especially during a time like the pandemic where at one point it was legally required to stay your house. That’s why Gowing Law Solicitors is determined to help you get your repairs sorted by your landlord. Not only that but we can help you claim compensation for any additional damages experienced.

One of the things you may be wondering to yourself is what actually counts as a Housing Disrepair? There are lots of common problems that houses can experience. Your solicitor can help you understand exactly what type of damages you could claim for.

To find out more about Housing Disrepair Claims, Gowing Law Solicitors can offer you expert advice and consultations. You can call us on 0800 041 8350 or you can click the button below to visit our website:

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What are Housing Disrepairs all about?

Right now, Gowing Law Solicitors can help our clients with Housing Disrepair Claims made about council houses and properties from the housing association. Now, the majority of these houses are going to be quite old. After all, the majority of them were created in the 1960’s and 1980’s! That means nowadays, there is a chance that they could fall into disrepair or even be made of hazardous material, such as asbestos. Housing Disrepairs come in many shapes and sizes. Some are more common than others, however the majority of them will fall under the responsibility of your landlord to fix.

When you move into any rented accommodation, your landlord is responsible for keeping it habitable. Of course, you need to play your own part and keep the house neat and tidy. However, if something ends up breaking or falling into disrepair, your landlord needs to be the person to get them fixed. This is due to the fact that they need to adhere to landlord safety standards and their “duty of care” towards you.

Here are some examples of the types of Housing Disrepairs that can happen to your property. Your landlord is responsible for:

Housing Disrepair Claims Examples

If you have noticed that your house does suffer from disrepairs, you need to speak to your landlord as quickly as possible. This can be through electronic correspondence or through a quick phone call. However, don’t forget to also send your complaints to your landlord in writing, aka. A letter detailing the disrepairs will serve as evidence that you notified your landlord as quickly as possible. From there, you should also look for evidence about your disrepairs. That way you can show that you were not exaggerating them. Evidence can include:

Housing Disrepair Claims Evidence

When your landlord is alerted to the disrepairs, make sure to give them some time/notice to get the repairs sorted. This may be a few weeks or a month, depending on the extent of the disrepairs. However, if your landlord decides not to respond to your complaints, this is when you may need to start looking into housing disrepair claims.

Landlord Negligence: How could I be a victim of Housing Disrepairs?

If your landlord fails to help you with your housing disrepairs, they are acting negligently. It is the responsibility of your landlord to ensure that you are living safely in your accommodation. That means that if anything breaks down, and has the potential to cause damages or injuries, they need to review the disrepairs and have them fixed. If they fail to do this, they could be liable for the damages you could experience. Examples of landlord negligence could include:

  • Ignoring your requests for help
  • Asking for you to pay for the repairs
  • Delaying repair work for no reason
  • Your landlord repairing the damages cheaply and causing more damage in the process

You need to take action if your landlord refuses to help you with the disrepairs. You deserve to live in accommodation that is habitable for you and your family. That’s why you should start looking into legal action. By making a Housing Disrepair Claim, you are holding your landlord responsible for the damages. Not only that, but you could also receive compensation for any additional damages you may have suffered.

To be eligible for a Housing Disrepair Claim, you must fall into one of these three damage categories:

Housing Disrepair Claim Evidence

You can fall into more than one category, depending on the extent of your damages. For instance, if you suffer from asthma and your house is damaged due to mould and damp, the disrepairs could not only ruin your clothes and belongings, but it could make your asthma worse. You may also find that you cannot enter certain rooms of the house, creating inconvenience for you and your daily routine. Speak to your solicitor to find out more about what you could claim as damages.

Housing Disrepair Claims: What are some of the most common Housing Disrepairs to claim for?

If you are thinking about Housing Disrepair Claims and your eligibility, let’s have a quick talk about the types of disrepairs you could claim for. Some are more common than others, however they can cause structural issues or make it very difficult for you to live your daily life. Either way, they need to be fixed as quickly as possible. If your landlord refuses to help you then you could claim damages.

Some of the most common damages include:

Common Housing Disrepairs Examples

Of course, these are only some of the most common disrepairs that could lead to injuries or damage to your belongings. If you go to a law firm about making housing disrepair claims, they will provide you with consultations, advice and will organize a triage assessor to visit your home. This assessor will keep an eye on your disrepair and create a report to discuss the type of damages in your home. They will also suggest what type of action needs to be taken. At the same time, Gowing Law’s solicitors will be working with your landlord on a settlement agreement. That way you can relax and wait for your repairs to be sorted, as well as receive compensation for your losses.

Are you ready to work with Gowing Law Solicitors on your Housing Disrepair Claim?

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If your home is suffering from housing disrepairs, and your landlord is refusing to help you have them fixed, Gowing Law Solicitors is here to help. Not only can our team of specialists provide you with personalized advice and consultations, if you choose to work with them they can offer their services on a “no win-no fee” basis. That means you will always end up coming out on top. There will be no hidden fees to pay. Instead, you will only have to pay your solicitor if they win your case. Therefore, you will always get a good result for trying to make a claim.

Get started today by calling Gowing Law Solicitors on 0800 041 8350, emailing info@gowinglaw.co.uk or by using our claim’s checker. A member of our law firm will then be in touch to answer your questions and to begin your claim.

Read more about Housing Disrepair Claims

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