Housing Disrepair Claims Increase
Housing disrepair claims against social housing landlords have substantially increased since the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 came into force in England in March 2020.
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Housing disrepair claims against social housing landlords have substantially increased since the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 came into force in England in March 2020.
When pursuing a housing disrepair claim, it’s important to approach the process strategically to maximise your chances of success.
When a property deteriorates and falls into disrepair, it can have adverse effects on your health. If you’re renting, this is completely unacceptable, and your housing association or local council should take action to rectify the issue.
On 28th June 2023, the Regulator of Social Housing published a report on damp and mould in social housing stock. The paper was created in response to the Coroner’s report on the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in Rochdale, in which damp and mould present in the toddler’s home was found to have contributed to his death.
When renting a property, tenants have certain rights that are protected by law. One of these rights is the right to live in a safe and well-maintained home. However, sometimes landlords fail to maintain their properties, leading to disrepair and potentially hazardous living conditions for tenants. In such cases, tenants have two options: they can make a housing disrepair claim and/or file a complaint with the Housing Ombudsman, after the landlord’s internal complaints process has been exhausted.
Mrs Tuner, who lives in the Borough of Hastings in East Sussex, brought a claim against their social housing landlord Southern Housing at the start of July 2022.
James Pearce’s’ Tip for clients who don’t report disrepair before claim for housing disrepair.
RSH confirmed that the council breached health and safety requirements. It had failed to complete a significant number of remedial fire safety actions, including 4,000 that were high risk. In addition, it did not have up-to-date electrical safety reports for thousands of homes.
Mould and damp growing, exterior doors that don’t lock, electric wiring exposed, rat droppings everywhere and toilet bowl encrusted with faeces are some of the issues which this mother of three has to deal every day.
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