How Much Compensation Can You Claim For Housing Disrepair?

 

If you are living in a property that is not fit for human habitation and your landlord has ignored calls for repairs, then you could be entitled to claim compensation.

The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the level of inconvenience and distress caused by the disrepair. It is usually awarded as a percentage of your rent.

Damage to your belongings

If your belongings are damaged or lost because of housing disrepair, you may be able to claim compensation. The amount you receive will depend on how severe the damage is and whether you can prove that it was caused by the disrepair.

It is vital to notify your landlord as soon as possible about the issue. This will ensure that you can be sent an engineer to carry out the repairs.

You can also make a claim for any personal injuries that you have suffered as a result of the disrepair. This could include any ill health that you have endured, as well as financial losses that you have experienced such as lost income. You may also seek legal advice from the housing disrepair team.

The court will be able to pay you compensation for any pain, suffering or loss of amenity that you have suffered as a result of your landlord’s negligence. This is usually calculated as a percentage of the rent that you paid during the time of disrepair, although this may vary depending on how serious the disrepair was.

Damage to your health

One of the most frustrating aspects of living in a rental property is that it’s often impossible to know when repairs will be made. The best way to tackle this is to get yourself a decent home insurance policy and take out a landlord-tenant agreement to cover any extra work that may be needed. Having said that, if your landlord fails to make good on the repairs you ask for, you could find yourself in a sticky situation down the line. Fortunately, the team at Barings Law are here to help. Our specialist housing disrepair solicitors can discuss your case in more detail and help you claim the compensation you deserve. Whether you are stuck in a tenancy that you can’t move out of or you are the victim of malicious damage, we can help you claim the compensation you are due for all your pain and suffering. To find out more about your rights and how to get started, contact us today.

Damage to your property

When a property is in disrepair, the landlord has a legal responsibility to make repairs as soon as they can. This includes the plumbing, heating and electricity.

If a landlord fails to repair the problems in your home within the timeframes that they have to, you could be eligible to claim compensation for the damage that has been done. This is often calculated in relation to your rent and may even be taken as a rebate on the amount you pay each month.

If you’ve been injured due to housing disrepair, you may be able to claim compensation for the physical or mental pain and suffering that you have endured. You might also be able to claim for medical expenses, damage to your personal belongings and the cost of alternative accommodation.

Damage to your income

The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of the damage done to your home. For example, if you have to move out because of an unsanitary bathroom or kitchen, then you are entitled to a decent chunk of your monthly rent back.

The most impressive and efficient way to get this money back is to negotiate a settlement with your landlord or housing association. You might be able to snag some free legal advice from your local firm of solicitors, especially if you are on a low income and are eligible for legal aid.

You should also check out your housing association or council's disrepair logbook to see if they are still trying to collect your payments from you. If they are, then you have a strong case. Similarly, you might want to look at a disrepair survey to find out if you're due an upgrade. Having a good idea of what's needed will save you the hassle and expense of a costly rebranding or renegotiation.