Housing Disrepair Claims

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Are you a social housing tenant forced to live in disrepair?

While landlords often ignore housing disrepair, there are strict legal obligations in place that they must follow. These rules and regulations are there to ensure that your landlord maintains your property and that your living conditions are not damaging to your health or well-being. If you have told your landlord that your rented property has issues, and they still don’t help, you may be able to claim help. At Encrypted Recovery you have nothing to pay up front. A share of your compensation is taken as a success fee when you win and nothing is taken if your case is unsuccessful!

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Nothing to pay upfront

What you can claim for

Housing disrepair covers a wide range of issues, from small patches of damp through to cracks in walls, active leaks and even infestations. Below are some of the common types of housing disrepair we deal with.

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Examples of past clients

Here are a few examples of cases we claimed against landlords.

Hyde Housing Association

53-year-old Stephanie Clark was successful in claiming against Hyde Housing Association and received $5,000 in compensation for the 10 years she spent living in disrepair without help.

Ms Clark’s home suffered so badly from damp and mould that mushrooms began to grow in her bathroom.

Despite agreeing to make the repairs within a reasonable time frame, the housing association failed to live up to their commitment and breached their agreement. Due to this, Encrypted Recovery continued to work with Ms Clark until the repairs were completed.

Southwark Council

Veronica lived in a fourth-floor Southwark Council flat with her young son. The flat suffered from severe disrepair, with broken windows and doors, graffiti-covered walls and cockroach infestation which made the property essentially impossible to live in. The rented property also suffered from leaks both inside and outside the property as well as severe damp.

Despite complaining several times to the local authority over the 10 years she suffered with disrepair, Southwark council refused to offer help. After contacting Encrypted Recovery Southwark Council finally agreed to make the repairs and offered $2,000 in compensation. When Southwark then broke their agreement to make the repairs in a reasonable and agreed-upon time, Veronica won an additional $1,000 for the breach.

Clarion Housing

A tenant of Clarion Housing suffered from disrepair for more than 6 years without the landlord making any repairs. Among the disrepair, issues included rotting and cracked window frames, mould and damp, as well as poor ventilation. Clarion Housing regularly ranks among the worst housing associations when it comes to housing disrepair complaints.

These issues were spread around the property, affecting the kitchen, bathroom, hallway and bedroom. The latter of which suffered so badly from damp that the radiators were rusting!

Our housing disrepair team was successful in claiming for the repairs to be made, and an additional $1,500 in compensation for the tenant.

Frequently asked questions

What is a tenancy deposit?

The tenancy deposit is the money you pay in advance of moving into a property. Sometimes known as a ‘security deposit’. The exact amount allowed to be charged depends on the overall yearly rental price.

Can I bring a tenancy deposit claim in relation to a holding deposit?

No. You can only bring a claim in relation to a tenancy/security deposit.

What is an assured shorthold tenancy (AST)?

The majority of private tenancy agreements in the UK are automatically classed as assured shorthold tenancies. Any private rental agreement starting since 1998 is likely an AST.

Your tenancy agreement is likely not an AST if;

– your tenancy was agreed to before 1998
– your rent is higher than £100,000/less than £250 per year
– if your tenancy agreement is with a local council
– the agreement was for a business premises

How long can my landlord hold my deposit?

Your landlord should return your deposit no later than 10 days from the date you request your deposit, following the termination of your tenancy.

What can a landlord deduct from my deposit?

Your landlord is limited in what they’re allowed to deduct from your deposit, as technically it is still your money, and is only being held by your landlord. If any deductions are made, they should inform you and provide evidence of the cost. Only issues that have cost your landlord money can be deducted from your deposit, such as unpaid rent and damage to the property.

I can't get my deposit back from my landlord

If you paid a tenancy deposit at the start of your tenancy, you are legally entitled to get it back when you leave. Your landlord can deduct money from your deposit under certain circumstances, though they should have informed you of this and provided evidence of the cost. If you believe that your landlord has made a mistake or unfairly made deductions from your deposit you can contest this.

Can my landlord charge for tenancy deposit protection?

Your landlord cannot charge you an additional fee for the protection of your deposit. Any insurance and membership fees associated with the deposit protection scheme should be paid for by the landlord.

Can my landlord charge for tenancy deposit protection?

Your landlord must place your deposit into one of three protected government-backed schemes within 30 days of receiving it from you. They must also inform you once this has been done and give you details of the scheme.

Why you should trust Encrypted Recovery

Our dedicated housing disrepair team is highly experienced in securing vital repairs for properties in a state of disrepair and believes passionately in your right to the peaceful enjoyment of your home. If your landlord refuses to make necessary repairs to your home, we can help you.

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Start your housing disrepair claim today!

At Encrypted Recovery we work on a no win, no fee basis so there is nothing to lose by getting in touch. Speak to one of our friendly housing disrepair solicitors today.