Resources

answers to common questions & general information

Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

What is a No Win No Fee Agreement (Conditional Fee Agreement)

At Sparrowhawk Legal we use something called a No Win, No Fee Agreement (also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement) when we help you with your housing disrepair problems. This means you don't have to pay us anything upfront. If we don't win your case, you won't owe us any money. We want to make sure you understand how this works and when you might need to pay.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Supporting the Sea Life Big Blackpool Beach Clean

🌊Join the SEA LIFE Big Blackpool Beach Clean🏖️

We aim to collect more litter on this day than in the whole of 2023, and with your support, we can all make this happen!

📅30th April

⏰10am - 11am

Sign up here 👉 https://forms.office.com/e/ZKvSw6hZhk

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

What Counts as Housing Disrepair?

Hello, I'm Sarah from Sparrowhawk legal and I'm here today to talk to you about housing, disrepair and specifically what your landlord is responsible for and what you can claim for. So there's quite a long list of things that your landlord is responsible for and that is for maintaining them and repairing, if they are broken.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Awaab’s Law Consultation: Good News for Tenants

In the wake of the tragic passing of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, the UK government has taken significant steps towards overhauling tenant protection laws in response to the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding the young child's untimely death. Awaab's Law, which emerged following the coroner's report attributing Awaab's passing to a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to mold in his family's home, seeks to address the systemic issues that can leave social housing tenants vulnerable to unsafe living conditions for prolonged periods.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Sparrowhawk Legal in the News - Mould So Bad You Can Taste it Inside This Blackpool Home

Original Article from The Lead https://thelead.uk/mould-so-bad-you-can-taste-it-inside-blackpool-home

A landlord has been served a hazard awareness notice after The Blackpool Lead shared photos of Jade’s mouldy home with the council. But it's a problem in every one of the town’s 18,000 privately rented houses.

April 04 2024, 11.45am

By Antonia Charlesworth Stack

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

What is a Retaliatory Eviction?

Retaliatory evictions have long been considered unethical, yet they were not prohibited until October 1, 2015. The Deregulation Act, which took effect on that date, introduced several crucial provisions aimed at safeguarding tenants from unjust evictions, especially in cases where they had raised valid concerns about their living conditions.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Improvement Notices: For Private Tenants, Protection from s21 Eviction

Living in a rented property comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most significant being the issue of property maintenance and repairs. It can be frustrating and concerning when your home is in a state of disrepair, and even more so when your landlord seems reluctant to address these issues. In some cases, it may even feel like your landlord is more interested in evicting you rather than ensuring that necessary repairs are carried out. So, what can you do in such a situation to protect your rights and prevent yourself from being unfairly evicted?

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Can my Landlord Evict me if I have Complained about Disrepair?

Living in a rented property comes with its own set of challenges, one of the most significant being the issue of property maintenance and repairs. It can be frustrating and concerning when your home is in a state of disrepair, and even more so when your landlord seems reluctant to address these issues. In some cases, it may even feel like your landlord is more interested in evicting you rather than ensuring that necessary repairs are carried out. So, what can you do in such a situation to protect your rights and prevent yourself from being unfairly evicted?

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Housing Conditions Claims Explained

Living in a home that's not properly taken care of can really get you down. In England and Wales, landlords have a responsibility to make sure the places they rent out are safe and properly maintained for their tenants. But, sadly, many people in council or housing association homes end up in places that need some serious TLC, putting their safety and well-being at risk.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

How much compensation will I get for my Housing Disrepair Claim?

As a tenant, it is essential to be aware of your rights and options when it comes to dealing with a landlord who fails to address issues within your home promptly. In cases where a landlord neglects their responsibilities and refuses to make necessary repairs, tenants have legal recourse to hold them accountable. By understanding the steps you can take, you can ensure that your living conditions are safe and comfortable.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Supporting No Family on the Fylde Goes Without

“This group exists to bring together resources and to list places in Blackpool where families can get food to feed themselves and their children. Especially during school holidays/lockdowns. Also we accept donations of baby clothes and kids clothes so we can donate to families in need of a little help in way of clothing their kids. We can also share free ideas/activities for children in Blackpool to do over half terms and weekends. Please post with any information you may have. This group has been set up because of the rising issues with poverty in Blackpool.”

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

The Best Ways to Prevent Condensation Dampness in Your Home

Condensation dampness can be a persistent and frustrating issue in many homes. It occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with colder surfaces, leading to the formation of water droplets. If left unchecked, condensation can result in mold growth, peeling wallpaper, and even structural damage.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

The Crucial Role of Expert Witness Surveyors in Housing Disrepair Claims

When it comes to housing disrepair claims, expert witness surveyors play a vital role in assessing and providing professional opinions on the condition of a property. Their expertise and objectivity can greatly influence the outcome of legal proceedings, ensuring that justice is served and necessary repairs are carried out.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

How Much Compensation will I get for a Housing Disrepair Claim?

Living in a safe and well-maintained home is a fundamental right for everyone. Unfortunately, there are instances where tenants have to endure substandard living conditions due to housing disrepair. In such cases, individuals may be entitled to seek compensation for the inconvenience, discomfort, and potential health risks they have faced.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

A Guide to Claiming Compensation for Unprotected Tenancy Deposits

When entering into a tenancy agreement, landlords are legally required to protect your deposit in a government-approved tenancy deposit scheme. Failure to do so can result in severe consequences for the landlord, including the obligation to pay compensation to the tenant.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

What is the Housing Disrepair Protocol?

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on ensuring safe and habitable living conditions for tenants. One significant development in this area is the implementation of the Housing Disrepair Protocol. This protocol serves as a framework to address and resolve housing disrepair issues faced by tenants.

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Kelly Victoria Thorn Kelly Victoria Thorn

Can I Sue My Landlord for Asbestos Exposure?

If you have been exposed to asbestos in your rented property, you may have a legal right to take action against your landlord. Asbestos exposure is a serious health risk, and landlords have a legal obligation to ensure that their properties are safe for tenants to live in.

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