Housing Disrepair Claims in the United Kingdom

1. If you are living in a property in a poor state of repair and the landlord does nothing to rectify this problem then you may be able to bring a disrepair claim. Such actions will force landlords to carry out the repairs as well as compensate you for any loss you may have suffered. Local authorities can often take action if there are any risks to the health and safety of occupiers or a visitor to the property. They assess these risks using the Housing Health and Safety Rating System. Does it matter who my landlord is? No. Whether you are renting from the council, a housing association or a private landlord, the law imposes strict requirements on all landlords to make sure that the property is kept in repair. What responsibility does my landlord have? Landlords have a variety of statutory obligations to keep their properties in a good state of repair.

2. Such obligations include to: Ensure any heating system provided is in a good working order Keep the structure of the building, including drains, gutters, roofs, foundations and external pipes in good repair Keep in proper working order the water, gas, electricity and sanitation including basins, sinks, baths and toilets Make sure that serious disrepair or dampness does make the building unfit for human habitation Vermin infestation which prejudicial to health • • • • • There may also be contractual obligations which the landlord needs to comply with. •