Mould/Health Warnings

Damp and mould are distressing and potentially harmful, as they can cause unpleasant smells and respiratory illness in vulnerable groups – especially young children.

Many landlords claim that damp and mould are caused by tenants failing to open windows or turn on the heating, but they can be caused by poor ventilation or disrepair, so you may be able to housing disrepair claims for compensation.

Leaks

Your landlord is responsible for maintaining the roof of your property and preventing leaks from sinks, baths, and showers from causing damage.

Because leaks can lead to damp and mould – impacting your health and damaging property – it’s essential they are fixed promptly, so you may be able to claim compensation if you suffer from a leak.

Blocked Drain/Guttering

Your landlord is responsible for fixing any structural defects – including blocked drains and guttering – that may cause damage to the property. If you notice a blocked drain or damp in your property that hasn’t been addressed, you may be able to make a claim.

Boiler/Radiator Issues

If your property has a boiler and central heating, your landlord is responsible for keeping them in safe working order, and providing adequate heating and hot water.

If your landlord refuses to maintain or repair the boiler in your rental property, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claims.

Defective/Rotten Windows

Faulty double glazing or rotten windows allow water to penetrate your home, leak heat, and cause cold spots that lead to condensation, making life unpleasant.

It’s your landlord’s responsibility to fix faulty windows, and if they don’t you may have a claim.

Damaged Plasterwork

Damaged or cracked plasterwork often indicates penetrating or rising damp where water has entered your home through faulty brickwork.

If you notice brittle plaster that crumbles easily, you may have damaged plasterwork, and it is your landlord’s responsibility to repair the plaster and take measures to prevent it from happening again.

Defective Brickwork

Defective or cracked brickwork can cause damp and damage to internal walls, so your landlord has a duty to repair any defective brickwork in your home.

Cracked Pavement

Cracked or damaged pavement on the outside parts of your property are a potential hazard, and your landlord is responsible for making the property safe for you and any guests.

If the pavement or outside surfaces of your rental property are seriously damaged and pose a trip hazard, you may have a claim.

Infestation

Your landlord is responsible for ensuring that your home is pest-free when you move in and taking reasonable precautions to prevent infestations.
If vermin or insects are infesting your home and your landlord is not taking appropriate measures, you may have a claim.

Faulty Electrics

Your landlord is responsible for dealing with any faulty appliances and electrical faults, as they can pose a serious risk or lead to further problems, such as damp from a defective freezer.

If the electrics in your home pose a serious threat, you may be able to take emergency court action to compel your landlord to carry out essential repairs.