If you are unhappy with the condition of your property, you may be able to make a claim. In some cases, poor housing conditions may lead to respiratory infections or physical injuries. It is essential to file a claim if you notice signs of wear and tear. For example, if you notice that your paint is chipping or that you have a smell of damp, you should file housing disrepair claims to get your property repaired.
Signs of wear in the paint
A common sign of housing disrepair is the peeling or cracking paint on a home’s exterior. While this is usually the result of poor prep work, it can also be caused by water damage. The good news is that repairing this problem doesn’t have to be an expensive or time-consuming process. It may simply require the installation of new downspouts to divert water away from the foundation.
Statute of limitations for housing disrepair claims
If your housing is in disrepair, you have a limited period of time to file a housing disrepair claim. Some states allow you six years from the date you moved out to file a claim, while others give you only 30 days. In either case, you need to be able to show proof of damages and repair costs.
Landlords are required to maintain rented properties to a standard of reasonable habitation. Whether you are a private landlord or a social landlord, it is your responsibility to keep the property up to a high standard. You are entitled to make a Damp Compensation if your property has fallen into disrepair and you are experiencing unhappiness or discomfort.
Impact of Jackson’s decision on housing disrepair claims
Recent statistics have shown that disrepair claims rose by 44% between 2012 and 2017, compared with 2012 levels. In Wales, they jumped by 322%. In Southwark, the London Borough of, disrepair claims cost the authority PS10 million over five years. Sheffield City Council, for example, revealed how much they spent on housing disrepair claims over the past two and a half years. The rise is partly blamed on claims management companies, but also on tenants’ frustration at landlords’ inability to carry out urgent repairs.
As a specialist landlord and tenant lawyer, Iain Wightwick specializes in housing disrepair and residential disputes. He has a reputation for taking a cost-controlling approach to litigation and a particular interest in alternative dispute resolution. His practical approach sets him apart from his colleagues.
Common causes of housing disrepair
Housing disrepair can occur for a variety of reasons, including poor landlord maintenance, water damage, and infestations. When a tenant notices a problem in their rental property, they should contact their landlord to have it repaired immediately. Landlords are legally obligated to make necessary repairs, and if they refuse to do so, they will be held liable for any damages.
Tenants can also make a complaint about housing disrepair with the Housing Ombudsman Service. The Housing Ombudsman Service is a third-party body that investigates complaints about housing disrepair. However, tenants of private landlords should try to resolve the problem with their landlord first. In addition, tenants should be aware that housing disrepair can result in respiratory problems, so it’s vital that tenants avoid living in such conditions. Children are especially at risk of contracting infections caused by mould.
The extent of damage and the duration of illness can determine the amount of compensation you can claim for housing disrepair. If you have a claim for housing disrepair with a good lawyer, you should remember that the landlord may keep a record of any complaints you have made. It’s also important to keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord.
