Step-by-Step Guide: Starting a Housing Disrepair Claim
If you are living in a house that is not up to standard. Also your landlord does not take the right steps to fix these issues. Then, you need to initiate a housing disrepair claim. This process ensures you can live safely and comfortably in a well-cared-for home. In this article, we will take you through the housing disrepair process. It will help in making your claim to receive your compensation.
Understanding the Disrepair Process
A disrepair claim should not be started before understanding the process involved in disrepair. This process involves several stages. This legal process of disrepair can get complicated. However, going through proper procedures will give you maximum chances of success.
The English Housing Survey found a major rise in disrepairs by around 5,500 homes since 2019. Worse still, it is 6,500 more properties since the survey was taken in 2018.
Identifying Issues of Disrepair
- The fundamental step in the process of a repair claim is identifying the issues in your home.
- Common problems include dampness, mould, leaks, broken windows, and faulty heating systems.
- You will need to photograph them, taking notes on when they happened.
Notifying Your Landlord
- Before claiming, you must let your landlord be aware of issues you are having.
- It will provide him with an opportunity to try and resolve these issues.
- If he fails to do anything reasonable, you may commence your claim.
Amassing Evidence
- Evidence plays a significant role in the process of making disrepair claims.
- Gather detailed information.
- Take photographs and record issues. Also, your medical details if necessary.
- Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord.
All this evidence provides clear proof of the disrepair of your home.
Starting the Claim
‘‘Housing disrepair is viewed as a separate area of the law but it is in reality merely another forum for the subject of dilapidations. The law of Landlord and Tenant has always envisaged a liability on one of the parties to repair the premises. The extent of repair and the penalties for failing to repair vary as does the extent of work required.’’
Reddin, Patrick
- Once the housing disrepair process has been addressed, move into the claim instigation.
- A claim is instituted by submitting a disrepair matter to the relevant authorities or a solicitor.
- These people will handle claims for disrepair.
Choosing a Solicitor
- It is significantly important to choose a solicitor or experienced legal company.
- They will be able to guide you through the claim process.
- They will arrange that your case is presented with efficiency.
- A solicitor can help determine the compensation for housing repair.
Filing the Claim
- Your solicitor will start the process of filing the claim for disrepair to the court.
- They will prepare all documents and generally deal with the paperwork on your behalf.
Waiting for the Result
- Once the claim has begun, the disrepair housing claim will then be settled either in court or tribunal.
- Your landlord may also wish to settle out of court, or it might proceed right through to a hearing.
- The result of your disrepair claim depends upon how strong your evidence is and how unique your case is.
What to Expect During the Legal Disrepair Process
The claim process may take several months due to the complexity of your case and court schedule.
You need to stay in contact with your representative team during this period for any information required.
Possible Court Hearing
Where your case proceeds to court, your organisation will present your claim for housing disrepair.
The court will assess all the evidence before it and determine liability for a landlord’s disrepair.
Getting Your Compensation
If your housing disrepair claim succeeds, then compensation for disrepair may be considered.
It includes:
- Cost of repairs
- Inconvenience or distress caused by the disrepair
- Compensation for health problems caused due to disrepair
Apart from compensation, the court can also grant orders for repairs in order to bring your housing up to a livable standard.
Conclusion
Filing a claim may be difficult, but not when correctly approached. Your:
- Preparation of evidence,
- Giving your landlord notice,
- Getting professionals in housing repair
Will assure you that your claim disrepair is solved with efficiency and effectiveness.
If you remain confused as to how to go about your housing disrepair claims. Either council or private landlord, there are various options for consultation that can offer housing repair help. Contact My Disrepair Claims for free advice claim process. They will guide you in terms of your rights and where you stand in your case.
