Private Landlord Claims

We are here for you if you are a private tenant with housing disrepair

Take our free quiz to find out if you have a claim or book a call with our friendly Housing Disrepair Team

Yes, we do help Private Tenants

But we do understand that it's not an easy decision.

Are you are a private tenant living with housing disrepair?

Are you are scared you might not get your deposit back?

Are you frightened about asking for help in case your landlord evicts you?

Are you at breaking point and just can't take it anymore?

What you need to do

The first step is to contact us. We won't do anything or contact your landlord without your consent. We will discuss your options with you and if we can help we will, but a housing disrepair claim might not be the right option and we will advise you accordingly.

Get Started Today

If you believe your property has been damaged by the installation of spray foam, please reach out to us for professional legal support

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

We hope this information is useful, but please contact us if you have any other questions

Can my landlord evict me if I start a claim?

The short answer unfortunately is still yes. Whilst there are some changes to the law coming which means landlords will not be able to evict you if you're not at fault, those changes still have yet to come into force and landlords can and will still evict as a means of retalliation.

How much will it cost me to claim?

We help private tenants on the same basis as council and housing association tenants - no win no fee. This means you do not pay anything up front and only pay for our services when your claim is successful.

What can I claim for?

You can claim compensation for living in a property that is in disrepair, along with any damages for personal items that have been damaged and any injury to your health due to the disrepair.

How much compensation will I receive?

The main focus of a housing disrepair claim is to get your property repaired to the highest possible standards (not your landlord's standard). Compensation depends on the severity of the disrepair and how long you have been complaining about it. It varies on a case by case basis.

What do I need in order to make a claim?

You need to have informed your landlord of the disrepair and given them a reasonable amount of time to make those repairs. If they are ignoring you or refusing to repair then providing you still live in the property and can prove that you have notified the landlord then you can make a claim.

I am in arrears, does this make a difference?

Yes, it can make a difference to your claim. If you are not paying rent (even if you believe that withholding rent is fair due to the poor state of your property) you are in breach of your tenancy agreement and your landlord can evict you.

New RICS Guide on Spray Foam Insulation: What You Need to Know

New RICS Guide on Spray Foam Insulation: What You Need to Know

April 03, 20232 min read

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) has released a comprehensive and impartial guide aimed at updating consumers on the latest recommendations regarding the use of spray foam for insulating residential properties.

Enhancing the thermal efficiency of homes can lead to significant reductions in energy bills and carbon emissions, and installing insulation along with draught-proofing is an effective way to achieve these goals. Spray foam insulation is one option that can be applied in various areas of a building as part of a broader thermal improvement strategy.

However, despite its popularity over the past several decades, spray foam is often marketed as a quick and easy solution. In reality, the installation of spray foam represents a significant alteration to a home that requires careful planning and consideration.

The RICS guide aims to educate consumers on the advantages and disadvantages of spray foam insulation, drawing from extensive research into its effects. This resource is designed to enhance consumer confidence, enabling homeowners to make informed decisions.

Key topics covered in the guide include:

  • The impact of spray foam on a property’s roof structure, thermal performance, and market value

  • Best practices for installing insulation in your home

  • How RICS-accredited members can assist in assessing your property

This guide comes in response to recent high-profile Trading Standards cases that have highlighted issues such as poor workmanship, unauthorized modifications to listed buildings, and aggressive sales tactics targeting vulnerable groups, including the elderly. These concerns have also affected certain sectors of the lending market, particularly equity release mortgages, which now have broader implications for lenders.

Sam Piplica, Senior Specialist in Building Standards at RICS, stated:

“We are pleased to offer this free consumer guide on spray foam insulation. RICS is committed to serving the public, and this guide focuses on educating and raising awareness about potential issues related to spray foam, allowing individuals to make informed choices backed by research and due diligence.

“RICS is also actively participating in an industry working group to enhance the quality of products and services within this sector, benefiting both our members and the wider industry.”

Click this link to download the guide

blog author image

Simon Redfearn

Simon is the founding director of Redfearn Experts, a surveyor with over 30 years experience in the building industry.

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