How to File a Council House Disrepair Claim in Liverpool

Council House Disrepair Claim in Liverpool
25
Feb

Living in a council house that is in disrepair can be a frustrating and challenging experience. Not only can it affect your quality of life, but it can also pose health risks. 

If you are a tenant in Liverpool facing such issues, you have the right to file a disrepair claim against the council. 

This blog post will guide you through the process of filing a council house disrepair claim in Liverpool, ensuring you understand your rights and the steps involved.

Understanding Housing Disrepair

Housing disrepair refers to a property that has deteriorated due to poor maintenance. Common issues include damp and mould, leaks, plumbing issues, heating and electrical faults, structural problems, and pest infestations. 

These problems can lead to health issues and damage to personal belongings. Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, your landlord, including the council, is legally responsible for maintaining the property in a good state of repair.

Your Legal Rights as a Tenant

As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and well-maintained home. The council is obligated to ensure that the structure and exterior of the property are in good condition, and that heating, water, and sanitation systems function correctly. 

If these repairs are not carried out, you can take legal action to enforce repairs and claim compensation.

Steps to File a Disrepair Claim

Report the Disrepair

The first step is to notify the council about the disrepair issues in writing. Provide a clear description of the problem, the date you first noticed it, and any supporting evidence such as photos or videos.

Allow Time for Repairs

The council must respond within a reasonable timeframe. If they fail to act, escalate the complaint through their formal complaints process.

Gather Evidence

If the council does not address the disrepair, collect evidence to support your claim. This includes photographs or videos showing the extent of the damage, medical records if the disrepair has affected your health, receipts for any expenses incurred due to the issue, and communication records with the council.

Seek Legal Advice

Legal assistance is crucial for a successful housing disrepair claim. Contact a solicitor who specializes in housing disrepair cases. They will assess your case and guide you through the claim process.

Take Legal Action

If the council refuses to take action, your solicitor can help you file a claim. This may involve taking the case to court, where a judge may order repairs and award compensation.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of the disrepair and how long it has been unresolved. You may be entitled to:

General Damages: Compensation for the impact on your quality of life, such as discomfort, inconvenience, and health issues. This can range from 25% to 50% of your annual rent for severe cases.

Special Damages: These cover specific financial losses, including damage to belongings, medical expenses, and increased utility bills.

Personal Injury Compensation: If you suffered from health issues due to the disrepair, you could claim additional compensation.

How Long Does a Housing Disrepair Claim Take?

Most claims take 6 to 12 months, depending on the complexity of the case and whether the council disputes liability. If the case goes to court, it may take longer, but many cases settle before reaching trial.

Can You Claim if You Still Live in the Property?

Yes, you can still claim compensation while living in the affected property. The court may order repairs to be carried out and award damages for any inconvenience suffered.

Conclusion

Filing a council house disrepair claim in Liverpool can be a daunting process, but understanding your rights and the steps involved can make it more manageable. 

By taking action, you can ensure your home is safe and well-maintained, protecting your health and well-being. 

If you believe you have a claim, seek legal advice to navigate the process and secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t let disrepair affect your quality of life-take action today.

If you are facing housing disrepair issues, contact Tenant Housing Disrepair for expert assistance. Our team is dedicated to helping you secure the repairs and compensation you deserve. Reach out to us today to begin your claim process.

FAQs

Q: What should I do if the council ignores my repair request?

A: If the council does not respond, escalate the issue through their formal complaints process and gather evidence to support your claim.

Q: Can I claim compensation if I have already moved out?

A: Yes, you can still file a claim for disrepair that occurred while you were living in the property.

Q: How much will legal assistance cost me?

A: Many solicitors offer a “No Win, No Fee” arrangement, meaning you only pay if your claim is successful.

Q :What evidence do I need to support my claim?

A: Collect photographs, videos, medical records, receipts for expenses, and communication records with the council.

Q: How long does it take to receive compensation?

A: The duration varies, but most claims are resolved within 6 to 12 months.

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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.