You may be wondering why you need to make a claim for housing disrepair. This is because you can be liable for damages when your landlord fails to maintain your rented property in a reasonable state of repair. Contact Housing Disrepair Leeds Solicitors if you want to make a claim for housing disrepair.
This can include anything that prevents you from living in a decent home like leaking roofs, broken boilers, mould and gutter problems. It can also involve personal injury if you have been harmed by the conditions on your property.
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Damage to your personal belongings
Sometimes, tenants who live in rented homes need to make a claim for housing disrepair because their landlord has not met their duties of care. This can lead to damage to their personal belongings, health issues or major inconvenience and stress.
Whether you are a private landlord, a local council or a housing association, it is your duty to keep your property in a safe and healthy condition for you and your family. However, some landlords are not up to this task.
In this case, you should highlight the problem to your landlord and provide them with a reasonable amount of time to fix it. If your landlord fails to repair the problem within that timeframe, you may be entitled to housing disrepair compensation.
This can cover damaged clothing, bedding, carpets or furniture. To prove the damage, you should take photographs and show receipts for replacement items. You can also make a claim for personal injury if you have suffered harm as a result of the disrepair.
Damage to your health
A good landlord should keep your rental property in a safe state of repair. This can include a variety of things, from electrical work to damp proofing.
Sadly, in this day and age of austerity, many tenants are left with sub-standard housing which can have a negative impact on their health. Poor housing conditions have been linked to a range of ailments from breathing problems and scalds to mental health issues and even cancer.
However, you need to be aware of the fact that your landlord has a legal duty to make sure your rented property is in a safe state of repair. When they fail to do so, it’s a good idea to make a claim for housing disrepair. The best way to make your claim is to speak to a solicitor about what you have experienced, so they can help you decide if you have a case. Then, they can tell you what the most likely compensation amount will be.
Damage to your property’s value
You can claim compensation for damage to your property’s value if you have suffered financial losses or damaged possessions due to your landlord’s failure to keep your home in a safe state of repair. This can include clothes, books, furniture, rugs and other items which have been destroyed by mould or damp.
The amount of damage that you can claim will depend on how significant the disrepair is, as well as how long it has been causing you problems. You may also be able to claim for personal injuries and other damages you have suffered, such as stress and inconvenience.
It is important to report the damages to your landlord as soon as you notice them, so that they can make sure that the repairs are made as soon as possible. If your landlord fails to respond to these complaints, it is a sign that they are in breach of their duty of care and you have a good case for making a housing disrepair claim against them.
Damage to your relationship with your landlord
Whether you live in council-owned property or have a private landlord, your tenancy agreement is likely to outline whose responsibility it is to maintain the home. Housing disrepair can cover a whole range of issues, from an infestation of rodents to structural problems and even the smell of dampness.
When you have a problem, it’s important to report it to your landlord as soon as possible. This way, you can get repairs carried out as quickly as possible and prevent the issue from worsening.
It’s also important to keep records of any correspondence with your landlord. This can be very helpful if you decide to take legal action later.
A claim for housing disrepair can include compensation for damage to your personal belongings and health. This could include breathing problems caused by the dampness, injuries from falling or carbon monoxide poisoning. It can also cover loss of income due to the deterioration in your home.
