Dealing with a landlord who ignores necessary repairs can feel like a never-ending battle. You’re paying your rent, but instead of enjoying a safe and comfortable home, you’re stuck with damp walls, faulty heating or leaks that won’t stop. It’s frustrating, and you shouldn’t have to put up with it. The good news is, if your landlord isn’t keeping up with their responsibilities, you could be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience, distress, and any health problems caused by the disrepair. So, how much compensation can you really expect?
What is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair occurs when a rented property falls into a state of poor condition due to a landlord’s failure to carry out necessary repairs. As a tenant, you have the legal right to live in a home that is safe, habitable, and free from hazards. If your landlord fails to maintain the property and it becomes unsafe or unsuitable to live in, you may be entitled to take legal action and seek compensation. Housing disrepair can take many forms, including:
- Damp or mould
- Environmental Protection Act (EPA) Prosecution
- Structural damage
- Leaking roof or guttering
- Unhygienic conditions
- Pest and Vermin
- Waste problems
- Noise or light pollution
- Damaged windows or door
- Faulty heating or plumbing
- Faulty electrics
If you are living in a property with these issues and your landlord is not taking action to resolve them, you may have grounds for a housing disrepair claim.
What Can I Get Compensation For?
If your landlord has failed to carry out necessary repairs, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of issues that have affected your health, well-being and finances. Compensation is typically awarded based on the severity of the disrepair and the impact it has had on your daily life. Below are the key areas where you may be eligible for compensation:
Loss of Enjoyment
If your landlord has failed to keep the property in a sound state of repair, and this has caused you stress, discomfort and inconvenience, you may be entitled to compensation for the loss of full enjoyment of the property.
The way in which the claim for loss of enjoyment is calculated varies from case to case and each case will be taken on its own merits. Usually, it is calculated as a percentage of the rent paid during the period in which the property is left in disrepair.
Damage to Personal Belongings
If your possessions have been damaged or destroyed due to the disrepair, you may be entitled to claim the cost of repairs or replacements. This includes:
- Mould damage to clothes, furniture, or bedding
- Water damage from leaks affecting electronics, carpets, or personal items
- Pest infestations ruining food supplies, furniture, or clothing
Increased Financial Costs
Disrepair can lead to additional living expenses, for which you can claim compensation. These may include:
- Higher energy bills due to a faulty heating system
- Extra costs for using dehumidifiers or space heaters
- Costs of temporary accommodation if your home became uninhabitable
Damage to Your Health (personal injury claim)
Living in poor conditions can take a serious toll on your physical and mental well-being. Depending on the severity of the impact, you may be able to make a personal injury claim. Some examples of health issues caused by disrepair are:
- Respiratory problems due to damp, mould, or poor ventilation
- Skin conditions from excessive dampness or mould exposure
- Injuries caused by unsafe conditions (e.g., broken stairs, faulty electrics)
- Mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, or depression due to prolonged poor living conditions
You can at times, include any claim for personal injury within your housing disrepair claim, however you may be advised to make a separate claim for personal injury depending on the circumstances. Again, each case is assessed on its own facts.
Legal Costs
If you’ve had to take legal action to resolve the issue and your case is successful, all legal fees are payable by the landlord. You will not need to pay the cost of instructing a solicitor.
How Are Compensation Amounts Calculated?
Compensation for housing disrepair claims is typically calculated on a case-by-case basis. Factors such as the severity of the disrepair, the length of time the issue persisted, and the impact on your health or quality of life all contribute to determining the amount.
In some cases, housing disrepair claims are settled outside of court, with compensation being agreed upon by the parties involved. However, if your claim goes to court, the amount of compensation will be determined by the judge based on the evidence presented.
As a rough guide, compensation for housing disrepair can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the factors mentioned above. If the disrepair led to significant health issues or caused lasting discomfort, the compensation could be much higher.
Contact Us
If your landlord is refusing to make the necessary repairs or ignoring your complaints, contact our specialist housing disrepair team on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.