Before you claim: Key points in the housing disrepair checklist
Living with housing disrepair isn’t just inconvenient it can be harmful to your health and well-being. If your landlord isn’t addressing serious issues like damp, mould, leaks, or faulty heating, you don’t have to put up with this any longer. If your landlord is refusing to get the repairs done, this could represent a breach of their legal responsibilities. Under UK law, tenants have a right to live in a property that is safe and habitable.
If you live in a rental home where your landlord is neglecting repair requests, we can help you. At Disrepair Support, we specialize in helping tenants in Manchester and across the UK challenge ignorant landlords by preparing strong disrepair claims. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to document problems, communicate effectively with your landlord, collect medical evidence, and involve environmental health if necessary.
Common issues in housing disrepair claims
Understanding what constitutes disrepair can help you identify and document problems effectively. Common issues include:
- Damp and mould: Exposure to damp and mould in a rental property is linked to a range of health issues, such as respiratory problems, allergic reactions and mental health deterioration. Research shows some groups, like the elderly and young children, are especially susceptible to the adverse effects of damp and mould. A 2019 study by the UK Health Security Agency found evidence for damp and mould in English homes being responsible for 3000 new cases of asthma amongst children.
- Leaks and flooding: In the UK, landlords are legally responsible for ensuring that leaks are fixed when they are reported. According to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords must properly maintain the structure and exterior of the building. This can include issues such as leaking roofs, burst pipes, overflowing gutters and downpipes.
- Faulty heating systems: This can result in inadequate heating and hot water. Living in a home without these facilities running efficiently runs the risk of respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular problems and mental health issues. Not only this, but faulty heating systems can significantly increase bills for tenants. According to the English Housing Survey, 8% of households had to stop heating their homes due to rising energy costs.
- Electrical hazards: Electrical hazards can present significant dangers for tenants. Some of the dangers include electric shocks, fires, burns and property damage. According to Electrical Safety First, household appliances caused over 53,000 fires
- Pest infestations: These are rodents or insects whose presence carries health and safety risks. Pests can transmit diseases, cause damage to the property and cause distress for the tenants who reside there. If there are pests in your property, it is your landlords job to get rid of them.
For your housing disrepair checklist, it’s important that you gather the evidence and compile documentation that can be used if you later need to take legal action.
Your housing disrepair checklist
Preparing a solid case requires thorough documentation and proactive steps. Here’s how to build your housing disrepair checklist:
1. Document the disrepair
- Photographs and videos: Take photos that clearly identify the issues. Make sure the photo is dated.
- Written records: Keep a diary noting when the issues started, how they’re affecting your daily life, and any communication with your landlord.
- Receipts and quotes: If you’ve had to fix or replace items due to the disrepair, keep receipts and obtain quotes for necessary repairs.
2. Communicate with your landlord
- Formal notification: Inform your landlord of the disrepair and request for them to fix the problem. Ideally this should be in writing so you can keep a record of communication between yourselves.
- Keep copies: Save all correspondence with your landlord.
- Follow up: If there’s no response within a reasonable time, send a follow-up message reiterating your concerns.
3. Collect medical evidence
- Doctor’s visits: If the disrepair is affecting your health (e.g., respiratory issues from mould), visit your GP and explain the situation.
- Medical records: Request copies of medical reports, prescriptions, and referral letters that relate to your health issues caused by the disrepair.
- Health diary: Maintain a diary of symptoms, noting dates and how the disrepair is impacting your health.
4. Involve environmental health
- Contact your local council’s environmental health team: If your landlord fails to act, reach out to your local council’s environmental health department.
- Inspection reports: Request an inspection of your property. If hazards are found, the council can issue a notice to your landlord to carry out repairs.
- Use reports as evidence: Environmental health reports can strengthen your disrepair claim by providing official documentation of the issues.
5. Contact Disrepair Support
If the problem persists, we can look at your case and see if you would be entitled to a housing disrepair claim. We can put you in touch with a solicitor who specialises in housing law that can provide you guidance and help you collect evidence. They can try and reach a negotiation settlement with your land, and if this fails, take legal action. They may also be able to help you claim compensation, and there is little financial risk because you only pay a fee if your claim is successful.
Need assistance? Disrepair Support is here to help
At Disrepair Support, we specialise in helping tenants prepare for disrepair claims. Our team can guide you through the process, ensuring you have all the necessary tenant evidence for claim. There is no financial risk involved because if your claim is unsuccessful, there is no fee.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How long should I wait after notifying my landlord before taking further action?
A: Allow a reasonable time for your landlord to address the issues. For non-urgent repairs, this is typically 14 to 28 days. If no action is taken, consider contacting environmental health or seeking legal advice.
Q: Can I claim compensation for health issues caused by disrepair?
A: Yes, if you can provide medical evidence linking your health problems to the disrepair, you may be entitled to compensation.
Q: What shall I do if my landlord is ignoring repair requests?
A: If your landlord ignores your requests, you can involve your local council’s environmental health department. They can inspect any disrepairs in your property. They also have enforcement powers whereby they can take action against your landlord.
Q: Is it worth getting in touch with a solicitor?
A: While not mandatory, having legal representation can help navigate the process and increase the chances of a successful claim. Disrepair Support can connect you with experienced solicitors specialising in housing disrepair claims.
Taking the right steps and gathering comprehensive tenant evidence for claims are essential in addressing housing disrepair issues. Use this housing disrepair checklist to prepare for disrepair claim effectively. Remember, you’re not alone, Disrepair Support is here to assist you every step of the way.