Your Guide To Housing Disrepair Claims
Our Senior Officer & Business Leader, People and Operations- Alison Crawford
Housing disrepair claims have been on the rise in the UK in recent years, affecting both social and private rented accommodations.
The mounting pressures of rising living costs overwhelmed social housing landlords, and, likewise, the challenges faced by private landlords, have led to a growing backlog of essential home repairs.
Over the past four years, there has been an alarming surge in disrepair claims against both social and private landlords, with tenants seeking resolution for issues such as structural defects, dampness, and inadequate insulation.
The last four years have seen a staggering 132% increase in housing disrepair claims against social landlords, while private rented accommodations have also faced similar challenges.
Furthermore, local council authorities and housing associations have had to contend with approximately 17,000 claims in a five-year period, resulting in a total payout of £55.1 million in housing disrepair compensation.
In addition, private landlords and agents are also grappling with an overwhelming demand for property maintenance, and the lack of response can force tenants to seek legal advice to address their living conditions.
The health and safety of tenants are of utmost importance in the housing sector. UK law, particularly through the Housing Act 2004 and its Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), sets out clear standards for residential properties.
When issues arise, Surveyors step in to assess and mediate housing disrepair claims, providing crucial support to both landlords and tenants as an independent part
What is the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)?
The HHSRS is a method used to spot health and safety risks in homes. From checking for damp to ensuring the electrical wiring is safe, this system lists twenty-nine different hazards that surveyors look for.
If a home does not meet the required standards, local councils can step in to make sure landlords fix these problems or council and housing associations are subject to housing disrepair claims themselves.
Understanding Selective Licensing Schemes for Landlords
The majority of landlords can let their properties without any specific licensing.
However, a noteworthy exception to this rule arises in the form of selective licensing areas, where all rental properties require a license, irrespective of size or occupancy type.
In these designated regions, every property let out, be it a house or a flat, necessitates a license.
These areas stand out among the broader landscape of property regulations, representing a concerted effort to elevate housing standards and alleviate challenges identified by local authorities within the private rented sector (PRS).
Local authorities introduce selective licensing schemes to address prevalent issues within the private rented housing segment in their locales.
One of the central motivations behind selective licensing is the pressing need to address substandard property conditions.
Local councils advocate for these schemes to better regulate property upkeep and maintenance, safeguarding the welfare and safety of tenants within their jurisdiction.
Chartered Surveyors Services for Housing Disrepair Claims
For Private Landlords and Housing Associations
Assessment: Surveyors inspect homes to find any repair issues, using their expert knowledge to check the property from top to bottom.
Reports: They write up a report that points out what’s wrong and suggest what repairs should be made, helping owners understand what they need to fix.
Safety Checks: By identifying any hazards, they help landlords and social housing make their properties safe and avoid legal concerns, or re-position the issues being raised.
For Housing Disrepair Experts and Tenants
Expert Witness: Sometimes, surveyors act as expert witnesses. They use their reports to provide evidence when a tenant’s health and safety are put at risk by poor housing conditions.
Objective Advice: As an impartial expert, Surveyors give unbiased opinions to help solve disagreements between landlords and tenants.
The Survey Process Simplified
Visit: The surveyor visits the property and looks at everything carefully.
Identify Problems: They pinpoint what could be dangerous or unhealthy in the house.
Evaluate Risks: For each issue found, they work out how likely it is to cause harm.
Write a Report: They prepare a detailed but clear report on what they found and what needs to be done.
Check Repairs: If needed, they can go back to the house after the work is done to make sure everything is now up to standard.
Surveyors Providing Mediation for Housing Disrepair Claims
Surveyors often help both sides—landlords and tenants—come to an agreement about repairs without going to court. Their work encourages better quality in housing over time, meaning fewer issues and happier, healthier tenants.
How Watsons Surveyors Can Help You?
Surveyors play an unbiased and balanced role in the housing industry. They help landlords keep their buildings in good shape and safe for tenants.
At the same time, they also uphold housing standards, ensuring that tenants’ rights to a safe and healthy environment are protected.
Their expertise can smooth out potential conflicts and guide toward solutions that benefit everyone involved – making homes better and safer for all.
*Statistics from Inside Housing*
