Are you living in a rented property with structural damage? Is your landlord, local authority or housing association ignoring you?

Structural damage to a property is a serious issue that can significantly impact the safety, comfort, and overall well-being of its occupants. If you have reported the structural damage to your landlord and they are slow in acting or ignoring you, you could be entitled to make a claim against them to get your house fixed and even receive compensation.

Free Initial Discussion

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist Housing Law Solicitors on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What are Structural Damages?

Structural damage refers to any issues that compromise the integrity of a building. This includes problems with the foundation, walls, roof, and other critical parts of the property’s structure. Common signs of structural damage include:

• Cracks in Walls or Ceilings: Large, persistent cracks can indicate a shift in the building’s foundation or other serious issues.
• Uneven or Sinking Floors: Floors that slope or sink may signal problems with the foundation or subfloor.
• Roof Damage: Leaking roofs, missing tiles, or sagging can lead to further damage and pose a risk to occupants.
• Damp and Mould: Structural issues can often lead to dampness, which in turn causes mould growth, affecting the health of those living in the property.
• Bowing or Bulging Walls: These can be signs that the building is not structurally sound and requires immediate attention.

If you have reported a structural damage to your landlord and they have ignored your or been slow in acting, contact our team on 01642 247656, email us at housing@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What are the Causes of Structural Damages?

Structural damage to buildings can result from various causes, including:

1. Foundation Issues: Soil movement, poor construction, or inadequate materials can cause foundation shifts and cracks.
2. Water Damage: Leaks, flooding, or poor drainage can weaken structural components like foundations and walls.
3. Tree Roots: Roots growing under foundations can lead to cracks and shifts.
4. Natural Disasters: Heavy winds and floods can cause significant structural damage.
5. Thermal Expansion: Temperature changes cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracks over time.
6. Poor Construction: Substandard materials or improper design can result in early structural failures.
7. Overloading: Adding excessive weight beyond the building’s design capacity can cause structural stress.
8. Pest Infestation: Infestations of any kind can weaken wood and other structural materials.
9. Age and Wear: Natural deterioration over time compromises structural integrity.
10. Vibration and Nearby Construction: Nearby road traffic or construction activities can lead to cracks and other forms of structural damage.

What are my Landlord’s Responsibilities?

Landlords are legally obligated to ensure that the property they rent out is safe and habitable. This includes addressing any structural damage promptly to prevent further deterioration and ensure the safety of tenants. Landlords are required to maintain the structure and exterior of the property in good repair which includes repairing any damage to the:

• Foundation
• Walls
• Roof
• Doors and windows
• Drains, gutters, and external pipes

If your landlord has been informed of the structural damage and has not taken appropriate action, you may be entitled to make a housing disrepair claim. Contact our team on 01642 247656, email us at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What Can a Successful Housing Disrepair Claim Result in?

If your landlord has neglected their duty to repair structural damage, you have the right to take legal action. A successful housing disrepair claim can result in:

• Compensation: You may be eligible for compensation which can vary depending on the case.
• Repairs: Forcing the landlord to carry out necessary repairs to bring the property up to standard.

How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim?

To make a claim, you will need to provide evidence of the disrepair and any communication you have had with your landlord regarding the issue. Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor on 01642 247656 or email our housing disrepair team at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk.

Do I have to pay for legal representation?

If your case is successful, all legal fees are payable by the landlord. Should your case not be successful no claim for fees from you shall be made.

This makes this course of action one of the most accessible, tenant-friendly and risk-free actions available.

A full explanation in relation to the terms of our conditional fee agreements will be provided to you prior to the commencement of any action taken on your behalf.

How Can Watson Woodhouse Help?

We are here to help.

Call us for a FREE and confidential consultation with a specialist solicitor on 01642 247656 or email our housing disrepair team at disrepair@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk.

Alternatively, complete our online contact form, and one of our solicitors will be in touch or send your photos of disrepair, damp and housing conditions to our dedicated WhatsApp group on 078259 15604.

Watson Woodhouse Solicitors provide support to clients throughout England and Wales.