What Do I Need To Solve Housing Disrepair Problems?

Housing Disrepair Claims might be the solution you need. If you’ve reported a problem to your landlord and nothing’s been done, you don’t have to settle. At Housing Helplines, we work with Veritas Solicitors to guide you through the HDR claims process.  

Here are five key points to help you understand HDR claims better:

Eligibility Criteria

What do I need?

To make an HDR claim, you need to meet these requirements:

• Your accommodation must be through a housing association, social housing, or local authority (not a private landlord).
• The issue must be something the landlord is responsible for.
• You must have given the landlord enough time to fix the problem.
• Despite this, the problem remains unresolved.

Landlord’s Responsibility & Tenant Liability

Landlords have a legal duty to ensure your living conditions are safe and comfortable. They should fix issues caused by wear and tear or weather-related damage. However, if the damage is your fault, they’re not responsible. So, if you’ve caused the damage, you’ll need to cover the repair costs yourself and can’t file a HDR claim.

Compensation in HDR Claims

There’s no set amount for HDR compensation. If your claim is successful, you might get compensation in these ways:

• The landlord may be ordered to make the necessary repairs.
• Reimbursement for financial losses caused by the disrepair.
• Compensation for damage to your belongings.
• Compensation for health issues caused by the disrepair.
• Compensation for the inconvenience and disruption caused by living in poor conditions.

Adequate Timelines

Your landlord needs a reasonable amount of time to fix the issue. Minor repairs should be handled in a few weeks, while major repairs might take longer. What’s “reasonable” can vary, so it’s a good idea to consult a housing disrepair solicitor to clarify.

Reviewing the Agreement

Before making a claim, check your tenancy agreement. Landlords must provide safe and habitable accommodation, but there may be exclusions in your contract. Knowing these details can prevent complications during your claim. Many tenants overlook these specifics when signing but they’re crucial when pursuing a claim.

We hope this blog helps you understand HDR claims better. Whether you’re researching or considering making a claim yourself, remember: you have the right to a safe, comfortable home. If you need assistance, Housing Helplines is here to help.