Damp creeping up the walls, a boiler that never works, a leak that has been "logged" five times and still drips: tenants across Scruton contact us every week with problems their landlord should have fixed long ago. If that sounds familiar, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claim. There is nothing to pay up front and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.
Your landlord's repair duties in Scruton
Tenants in Scruton sometimes assume that because a repair has been "reported" they have done all they can. In fact, once a landlord knows about a problem they have a legal duty, under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, to put it right within a reasonable time. What counts as reasonable depends on the problem: a dangerous electrical fault or total loss of heating in winter should be dealt with in days, not months.
Typical disrepair issues in and around Scruton include:
- Cracks problems
- Leaking problems
- Structural problems
- Heating problems
- Toilet problems
- Windows problems
- Wall problems
- Any other defect that affects your health, safety or use of the home
How a housing disrepair claim works in Scruton
We have kept the process as straightforward as possible for tenants in Scruton:
- Free claim check. Call us or fill in the short form. We ask about the problems, how long they have been going on and what your landlord has done about them.
- Evidence and inspection. We gather your photos, letters, texts and emails, and arrange for an independent surveyor to inspect your home in Scruton and prepare a report.
- Letter of claim. Your solicitor writes formally to the landlord under the Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims, setting out the repairs required and the compensation claimed.
- Repairs and compensation. Once agreed, the landlord must complete the works and pay your compensation. If they will not cooperate, we can take the case to court.
Compensation for tenants in Scruton
There is no fixed tariff, but courts and landlords generally value disrepair claims as a share of your rent for the affected period, commonly 20% to 50%. On top of that you can claim for damaged belongings, extra heating costs and any injury or illness the conditions caused.
For example, a tenant in Scruton paying £750 a month (£9,000 a year) whose claim is valued at 30% would receive around £2,700 for each year of disrepair, or about £5,400 over 2 years, before adding anything for damaged belongings or ill health. Claims can go back up to six years.
Disrepair problems we help Scruton tenants with
Choose the problem closest to yours for detailed guidance.
Heating disrepair
No heating or hot water, a boiler that keeps breaking down or radiators that never get warm: your landlord must fix it…
Leaks and water damage
Leaks from roofs, pipes, bathrooms or the flat above that your landlord has failed to trace and fix, and the damage…
Damp, mould and wall problems
Damp patches, black mould, crumbling plaster, failed cavity wall insulation or a broken damp-proof course: wall…
Window and door disrepair
Rotten frames, broken glass, windows that will not open or close, failed double glazing, draughts and doors that do not…
Bathroom disrepair
Leaking baths and showers, cracked basins, mould that keeps returning, no hot water, broken extractor fans and…
Guttering disrepair
Blocked, broken or missing gutters and downpipes that pour water down the walls, causing penetrating damp, mould and…
Plumbing disrepair
Burst or leaking pipes, blocked drains, no water pressure, faulty stopcocks and waste pipes that back up into your home.
Structural disrepair
Subsidence, movement, tree root damage, failed lintels, dangerous stairs and balconies and other defects in the…
Cracks in walls and ceilings
Cracked plaster, render and brickwork that your landlord has ignored, from cosmetic cracks that hide damp to cracks…
Roof disrepair
Missing tiles, leaking flat roofs, defective flashing, rotten roof timbers and chimneys letting water in: roof problems…
Kitchen disrepair
Leaking sinks, broken units, dangerous worktops, faulty cooker connections, pests and damp that make the kitchen unsafe…
Toilet disrepair
Blocked, leaking, cracked or constantly running toilets, broken cisterns and soil pipes, and homes left without a…
Pest infestations
Mice, rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, ants and other infestations caused or allowed to continue by defects your landlord…
Ceiling disrepair
Stained, cracked, sagging or collapsed ceilings caused by leaks from roofs, bathrooms or the flat above that your…
Electrical disrepair
Dangerous wiring, tripping fuse boards, broken sockets and lights, no electrical safety certificate and water near…
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Case studies
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Map of Scruton
Housing disrepair in Scruton: frequently asked questions
Can I claim if I have already moved out?
Yes, as long as the disrepair happened within the last six years and you reported it to your landlord at the time. You can claim compensation for the period you lived with the problems even though repairs are no longer needed for you.
How long does a housing disrepair claim in Scruton take?
Many claims settle within six to nine months of the letter of claim. Urgent repairs can often be forced through much sooner, and if your landlord accepts liability early the whole process can be quicker. Cases that go to court take longer, but that is rare.
What if my landlord in Scruton says the damp is my fault?
"Lifestyle" or "condensation" is a common response from landlords, but it is often wrong. Damp caused by leaking pipes, defective roofs, failed damp-proof courses or inadequate ventilation and heating is the landlord's responsibility. A surveyor can identify the real cause, and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act makes landlords responsible for homes that are unfit because of damp and mould.
What repairs is my landlord responsible for in Scruton?
The structure and exterior of the building (roof, walls, windows, doors, gutters and drains), the installations for water, gas and electricity, sanitary fittings such as baths, toilets and sinks, and the heating and hot water system. They must also keep the home free from hazards such as damp, mould, pests and dangerous electrics.
Can I claim for damage to my furniture and belongings?
Yes. Compensation can include the cost of replacing furniture, carpets, clothing, bedding and electrical goods damaged by damp, mould, leaks or pests, and the extra money spent on heating a cold, damp home. Keep receipts and photos wherever you can.