When you rent a property in the UK, your landlord is legally required to maintain its structure and exterior. They are also obligated to ensure that the installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, sanitation, and heating are in working order. If they fail to do this, you may be entitled to bring a disrepair claim. Here, at Adel Jibs Law Firm, we are experts in assisting clients with their disrepair claims and ensuring that they receive the justice they deserve.
To empower you with knowledge on this topic, this article outlines the critical aspects you need to consider when bringing a disrepair claim in the UK.
1. Establishing Responsibility
The first step in pursuing a disrepair claim is to establish your landlord’s responsibility. While your landlord is responsible for most repairs, there are instances where tenants may be liable.
Understanding the specifics of your tenancy agreement is crucial in determining who is at fault.
2. Providing Evidence of Disrepair
Solid evidence is the backbone of a successful disrepair claim. It’s important to compile a comprehensive portfolio of photographs, emails, letters and any reports from experts. This could include damp specialists or independent surveyors. The stronger the evidence, the stronger the claim.
3. Reporting the Disrepair
It is essential that you report any disrepair to your landlord immediately after noticing it. Ensure all communication is in writing so that you can evidence you have made your landlord aware of the issue, and they have failed to take reasonable steps to repair it.
4. Impact of Disrepair on Health
Health is a significant factor in disrepair claims. If your living conditions have affected your health, it’s advisable to visit a doctor as soon as possible and get a medical report, which you can use as evidence in your claim.
5. Understanding Compensation
Compensation for disrepair claims usually consists of the cost of repairs and any damage to your belongings. However, you may also be entitled to compensation for inconvenience and the impact on your health. It’s important to note that the court does not simply hand out compensation; it is intended to return you to the position you would have been in had the disrepair not occurred.
6. Time Limit to Bring a Claim
In the UK, a disrepair claim needs to be brought within six years from when the disrepair first occurred or was noticed. However, for personal injury claims, the time limit is three years from the date of injury or the date when you first became aware of it.
7. Expert Legal Assistance
Disrepair claims can be complex and require careful management. It’s often beneficial to seek expert legal help to ensure your claim is presented in the best possible way. Here at Adel Jibs Law Firm, we have extensive experience in managing disrepair claims and can help you navigate this challenging process.
8. Legal Costs
If your claim is successful, your landlord may be ordered to pay your legal costs. However, if you lose, you might have to bear the cost. It’s important to discuss the potential cost implications with your solicitor before proceeding with the claim.
In conclusion, bringing a disrepair claim is not always straightforward. It requires an understanding of your rights and responsibilities, robust evidence, and expert legal help.
At Adel Jibs Law Firm, we guide our clients through every step of the disrepair claim process, ensuring they secure the compensation they rightly deserve. If you’re living in a rental property that’s not being adequately maintained, contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can help.
