You have a legal right to claim housing disrepair compensation if your landlord fails to keep their rental property in good condition. The landlord is required by law to repair any disrepairs on rental properties that cause the tenants discomfort or harm. If you have lived in a rental property that was in disrepair for over a year, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim for compensation.
Common issues caused by irresponsible landlords
If you’re renting an apartment, you should be aware of common issues caused by irresponsible landlord. You can avoid these problems by screening tenants thoroughly and paying their rent on time. Noise problems are also common, but can be hard to avoid. They can include loud parties, barking dogs, or noise from the street.
Common grounds for making a claim for housing disrepair compensation
If your housing is in disrepair, you can make a claim for compensation. It is important to note that each claim is different and that the amount you can claim is dependent on the severity of the disrepair. Often, the amount you can claim will be a percentage of the amount you pay in rent. In some cases, you can claim 100% of the value of the rent if the disrepair is so severe that it is uninhabitable.
There are a number of common grounds for making a housing disrepair claim. Firstly, you must have suffered an injury that was caused by the disrepair. This can be due to a faulty heating system, broken staircases or banisters, faulty electrics, or a broken tile. The landlord must also have maintained the property to a reasonable standard.
Steps to take before making a claim for housing disrepair compensation
When claiming housing disrepair compensation, tenants must follow a set of steps to ensure they are not wasting their time. These steps are known as the Pre-Action Protocol. Failure to follow these steps can lead to sanctions that will affect your case during the proceedings. These steps include submitting a letter of claim to your landlord and collecting any relevant documents.
Gather any necessary evidence, including photographs and receipts, if possible. If you are unsure about the legal process, you can seek legal advice from a solicitor. It’s important to keep any relevant paperwork such as receipts for items that were replaced or damaged. Taking photographs of the property is also a must.
You must also ensure that you have informed your landlord of the disrepair before making a claim. Providing proof of this is crucial, as it will help the court process. Typically, landlords will acknowledge a claim for housing disrepair compensation after receiving a complaint in writing. However, in some cases, landlords will try to argue that you failed to give the landlord enough notice or made it difficult for them to carry out the required repairs.
