Structural Damage Housing Disrepair Claims in the UK

Structural Damage Housing Disrepair Claims in the UK
15
Jan

Structural damage is one of the most serious forms of housing disrepair. Issues such as cracked walls, unstable ceilings, damaged floors, or roof defects can make a property unsafe and unfit to live in. 

When landlords fail to address these problems, tenants may be entitled to take action through housing disrepair claims.

What Is Considered Structural Damage?

Structural damage refers to faults that affect the stability, safety, or integrity of a building. Common examples in rented properties include:

  • Large or spreading cracks in walls or ceilings
  • Collapsing or loose plaster
  • Sagging or leaking roofs
  • Uneven or damaged flooring
  • Rotting window frames or doors
  • Structural damp caused by external defects

These issues often worsen over time if left untreated, increasing risk to tenants.

Is Structural Damage the Landlord’s Responsibility?

Yes. Under UK law, landlords are legally responsible for maintaining the structure and exterior of rented properties. This responsibility exists regardless of the age of the property or tenancy type.

Structural elements landlords must maintain include:

  • Foundations
  • Load-bearing walls
  • Roofs and chimneys
  • External walls and drains

If structural damage is reported and not repaired, the landlord may be in breach of their legal duties.

When Can Tenants Make a Structural Damage Claim?

Tenants may be able to make a housing disrepair claim if:

  • Structural issues have been reported to the landlord
  • Repairs were not carried out within a reasonable timeframe
  • Temporary or ineffective repairs were made
  • The damage affects safety, health, or daily living

Tenants do not need to wait for structural failure to take action. Early intervention is encouraged.

Risks Associated with Structural Disrepair

Structural damage can pose serious risks, including:

  • Falling debris from ceilings or walls
  • Water ingress leading to damp and mould
  • Reduced insulation and heating efficiency
  • Increased risk of injury

Properties with severe structural defects may be considered unfit for human habitation, strengthening a tenant’s claim.

Evidence Needed for Structural Damage Housing Disrepair Claims

Strong evidence is essential for structural disrepair claims. This may include:

  • Clear photographs or videos of cracks or damage
  • Reports from surveyors or structural engineers
  • Records of repair requests made to the landlord
  • Witness statements from other occupants
  • Medical records if injuries or health issues occurred

An independent inspection can significantly support a claim.

Structural Damage and Compensation

Compensation for structural damage housing disrepair claims is based on factors such as:

  • Severity of the damage
  • Duration of disrepair
  • Areas of the property affected
  • Impact on health and safety

Compensation is often calculated as a percentage of rent for the period the property was affected. More severe cases may result in higher compensation amounts.

For an overview of compensation, see our main guide on housing disrepair claims.

What If the Damage Was Caused by Wear and Tear?

Normal wear and tear is expected in rental properties, but landlords are still responsible for maintaining the structure. Age or deterioration of the building does not remove a landlord’s duty to repair.

Landlords cannot avoid responsibility by claiming the property is old.

Can Tenants Stay in the Property During a Structural Claim?

In most cases, tenants can remain in the property while a housing disrepair claim is ongoing. However, if the damage poses an immediate safety risk, temporary alternative accommodation may be required.

Legal advice can help determine the safest course of action.

What Should Tenants Do if Structural Damage Is Discovered?

Tenants should:

  1. Report the issue to the landlord immediately in writing
  2. Take photographs and videos
  3. Avoid attempting repairs themselves
  4. Seek professional or legal advice if repairs are delayed

Prompt reporting protects tenant rights and prevents further damage.

When to Seek Legal Advice

If a landlord:

  • Ignores reports of structural damage
  • Carries out poor-quality repairs
  • Allows damage to worsen over time
  • Puts tenant safety at risk

It may be appropriate to pursue a housing disrepair claim.

If you are experiencing structural damage in your rented property and your landlord has failed to act, Tenant Housing Disrepair can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.

Contact Tenant Housing Disrepair today for a free assessment of your case and find out if you can make a structural damage housing disrepair claim.

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Damp and mould can cause serious health and structural problems in a property. If your landlord is responsible for fixing the issue and they have failed to do so, you may be entitled to compensation.

Document the issue, make a claim to your landlord or the courts, and get our experts advice. Your landlord is responsible for providing a safe and habitable living environment, and compensation may be due if they have failed in this obligation.

If you are a tenant and experiencing leaks in the ceiling, roof or tiles, it is likely that your landlord is responsible for fixing the issue. A leaking roof or ceiling can cause significant damage to a property, including water damage, mould growth, and even structural damage. If your landlord has failed to address the issue and you have suffered loss or damage as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.

To claim compensation, you should document the issue, including any damage or loss you have suffered, and take photos or videos to demonstrate the extent of the problem. You can then make a claim to your landlord or the courts.

Living in a property with structural defects can be a serious safety risk. If you are a tenant in social housing and your landlord has neglected to repair such defects, resulting in an unsafe or unhealthy living environment, we are here to assist you.

Our team of housing disrepair specialists can help you claim for the necessary repairs and compensation if your landlord has failed to address the structural defects even after being notified of the issue.

We operate on a no win, no fee basis for all social housing disrepair claims, ensuring that you have access to legal assistance without incurring any upfront costs.

If you are experiencing disrepair issues in your home, don't hesitate to reach out to us to see if we can help.

Under the law, your landlord is responsible for ensuring that your rental property is properly maintained. This includes addressing any pest or vermin infestations that may arise, as these can pose serious health and safety risks.

In some cases, the landlord may be held liable for the infestation if it was caused by a pre-existing disrepair issue, such as a hole in the building that the landlord failed to repair. However, if the vermin were present when you moved into the property, the responsibility may fall on you as the tenant.

It's crucial to report any pest or vermin issues to your landlord as soon as possible and to keep detailed records of all communication regarding the matter. This includes any letters, texts, or emails exchanged between you and your landlord, as well as notes from any phone or in-person conversations. Gathering photographic evidence of the infestation can also strengthen your case.

Remember that as a tenant, you have the right to a safe and habitable living space, and your landlord is obligated to take action to address any issues that may arise.

As a tenant, you have the right to expect that your landlord will keep the heating and hot water system in good condition. This includes ensuring that the boiler is checked regularly and a gas safety certificate is produced at least once a year.

If you report a fault with the heating or hot water and you are left without either, your landlord is expected to rectify the problem within a reasonable timeframe, typically within a few days. Failure to do so could result in you being entitled to compensation for any inconvenience caused by your landlord's failure to comply with their legal obligations.

In addition to claiming compensation for any inconvenience, you may also be able to claim for any additional costs incurred as a result of the disrepair. For example, if you have to spend extra money on heating due to the faulty system, you may be able to claim this back from your landlord.

It is important to remember that as a tenant, you have certain rights and responsibilities, and your landlord has a legal obligation to ensure that the property is kept in a safe and habitable condition. If you have any concerns about the condition of your heating or hot water system, you should contact your landlord immediately.

Poorly maintained home can cause physical or mental health issue to you and your family. The Disrepair can cause a direct injury, a direct health issue or exacerbate an ongoing condition. A gas leak, water leak, mould, damp, a broken step or a vermin/ mice infestation are all examples of disrepair that can cause health issues to you and your family . If you or members of your family have suffered from any health issues as a direct result of the poor conditions in your home, we want to help you.

You deserve to be happy and healthy in the place that you live, your health is paramount and at times you may not be sure if your health is affected, Our experts can help.