It’s usually in both the tenant’s and landlord’s best interests to ensure a rental property remains in a safe and habitable condition. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. Some landlords refuse to carry out necessary repairs even after receiving notifications and evidence from their tenants. This can leave the rental unit in a state of disrepair and pose a danger to the tenants.
What’s Housing Disrepair?
Landlords, including social housing and housing associations, have the legal duty to ensure their rental properties are within acceptable safety standards. Therefore, they’re responsible for repairs and maintenance of the rental properties:
- Structural and exterior issues affecting the roof, windows, doors, walls, and more
- Hygiene-related fittings such as sinks, basins, and baths
- Water heating system
- Ventilation system
- Gas appliances
- Electrical wiring
Note that landlords shouldn’t charge tenants for repair works related to the systems listed above. However, the landlords cannot be responsible for any repairs arising from your negligence. So, if you failed to take care of the rental property or failed to notify your landlord about any necessary repairs on time, there’s a chance you may be to blame for the damage.
What can you Claim for?
When you finally file a property disrepair claim with a court in Leeds, your landlord may be ordered to finance the necessary repairs. In addition, you may be awarded financial compensation for the following:
Damage to your Belongings
In Leeds, you can legally demand financial compensation for private items that were destroyed or damaged as a result of a rental property’s disrepair. If your landlord fixed the damage but your belongings were damaged during these repairs, you can seek financial compensation for such property damage.
Financial Losses
Sometimes, housing disrepair can cause direct financial losses to tenants. In that case, you can demand financial compensation for the losses you incurred when the rented house was in a state of disrepair. Keep in mind that if you’re in rent arrears, the outcome of your claim may be negatively affected.
Personal Injuries
Perhaps you or someone in your household was injured due to the dangerous condition of the rental property (disrepair), then you may have a legitimate personal injury claim. For instance, mould issues could cause respiratory problems. Issues like tripping hazards could lead to broken bones, while carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death.
There are many types of injuries you can suffer if you’re living in a rental home that’s in a state of disrepair. Talk to the experts at Boiler Repair Leeds to assess the nature of injuries you may have suffered due to your landlord’s negligence.
Most people don’t know that inconveniences associated with housing disrepairs can also be included in a claim. In fact, you should be compensated for the expenses you incurred due to inconveniences linked to the disrepair. These inconveniences include not being able to use your home, disruptions to your routines, or having to wait for the repairs. Work with our professionals to determine whether or not you have a legitimate claim.
