Resources
answers to common questions & general information
Can I Sue My Landlord for Lead Poisoning?
As a tenant, your health and safety are of utmost importance. One potential health hazard that some individuals may encounter in older properties is lead poisoning. Exposure to lead can have severe consequences, particularly for children and pregnant women.
Can I Sue My Landlord for a Gas Leak?
Living in a rental property brings about certain expectations and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords. One of the most critical aspects of being a tenant is ensuring a safe and habitable living environment. When a gas leak occurs in a rental property, it poses a serious threat to the health and safety of the tenants.
The Top Five Health Risks of Mold Exposure
Mold is a common household problem that often goes unnoticed or underestimated. However, beyond its unsightly appearance and musty odor, mold poses significant health risks that should not be ignored. In this article, we will explore the top five health risks associated with mold exposure.
What to Do If Your Neighbour's House is in Disrepair
Living in a neighborhood comes with its share of advantages and challenges. While we all hope for harmonious relationships with our neighbors, sometimes situations arise where a neighbor's house falls into disrepair. It can be an eyesore, a potential safety hazard, and may even impact property values.
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What does No Win No Fee Mean?
As the complexities of the legal system continue to grow, the need for expert advice from solicitors becomes increasingly important. However, navigating the intricacies of solicitor fees can be as challenging as the legal issues themselves. One aspect that often raises questions is why solicitors take a fee from damages awarded in a case.
What Constitutes "Fit for Human Habitation" in Housing Disrepair Claims?
In housing disrepair claims, one of the key considerations is whether a property is deemed "fit for human habitation." This legal concept has gained significant attention in recent years, as it aims to protect tenants from living in substandard conditions.
Understanding Condensation Dampness in Housing Disrepair Claims
Condensation dampness is a common issue that affects many homes, particularly those with inadequate ventilation and insulation. It occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with a cold surface, causing the moisture to condense into water droplets. Over time, this can lead to mold growth, damage to the property, and potential health risks for the occupants.
Empowering Tenants in Housing Disrepair Claims: Sections 9A and 10 of the Landlord and Tenant Act
The Landlord and Tenant Act is a crucial piece of legislation designed to protect the rights and interests of both landlords and tenants. In recent years, there have been significant changes to Section 9A and Section 10 of the Act, specifically relating to housing disrepair claims.
Why is the Housing Health and Safety Rating System Important to Renters?
When it comes to maintaining a safe and healthy living environment, tenants have certain rights and protections. In cases where a rented property falls into disrepair and poses hazards to occupants, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) plays a crucial role. This blog aims to provide an overview of the HHSRS and its significance in housing disrepair claims.
Navigating the Housing Disrepair Claims Process: A Complete Guide
Living in a safe and well-maintained home is a fundamental right for every individual. Unfortunately, there are instances when tenants find themselves faced with housing disrepair issues that significantly impact their quality of life. In such cases, it is crucial to understand the housing disrepair claims process to seek proper resolution and ensure that your rights as a tenant are protected. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential steps involved in making a housing disrepair claim.
The Renters' Reform Bill explained
More than 4 million properties in the UK are privately rented, however, under the current legislation, some renters face a significant lack of security in their property, especially in terms of Section 21 no fault evictions. Landlords are currently able to evict their tenants with two months’ notice without providing any reasoning. This legislation has been introduced to attempt to combat this, and in addition, to ensure generally, the standards for the private rented sector are increased.
Number of families stuck in temporary accommodation tops 100,000 for the first time in nearly 20 years
New figures from the Government published this month have revealed that by December 2022, there were 101,300 households, including 127,200 children in temporary accommodation. Numbers like this have not been seen since 2004.
Housing Ombudsman orders Southwark Council to pay nearly £10,000 to two residents
Southwark Council has been ordered to pay almost £10,000 in compensation to two residents after severe maladministration findings were issued by the Housing Ombudsman
Adur Council found in breach of Home Standard
The regulator of Social Housing has found that Adur District Council in West-Sussex has breached the Home Standard with the potential for serious detriment to tenants. Almost one in five fire inspections were overdue, more than 1,500 homes had not had a fire, electrical and asbestos safety checks in 10 years and more than 1,500 homes did not have a working smoke alarm.
Social housing residents to be offered new “watchdog” style training scheme.
On 19th April 2023, the Government launched a new training scheme to help empower tenants suffering in poor conditions to hold their landlords to account. Tenants are to be provided with training programmes which cover everything from how to address damp and mould concerns, all the way to how to deal with anti-social behaviour and how to access the Housing Ombudsman service.
How Soon Will My Property Be Repaired?
Living in a property that is in a state of disrepair can be a distressing experience. The damage may range from simple aesthetic concerns to serious health and safety risks. If you find yourself in such a situation, it's important to understand your rights and how soon you can get your property repaired. This blog post will guide you through your options, legal rights, and typical timelines
The cost of living crisis continues to worsen as rental prices surge in 2023
The Office for National Statistics have confirmed that in the year 2023 up to March, UK rents have increased by a staggering 4.9%, making rent in the UK at the highest rate on record.