All renters trust that their landlords will keep their homes in a safe condition. However, if they fail to take the necessary steps to maintain them, housing disrepair may occur, causing damage or putting the health and safety of renters at risk. If you were affected by this, our housing disrepair compensation calculator will give you an insight as to how much compensation you may be entitled to for your suffering.
Key Takeaways
- Landlords must maintain the condition of the properties they rent out to others.
- If landlords fail to maintain the homes they rent out, disrepairs such as faulty electrics or leaks may occur.
- You may start a housing disrepair claim for the condition of your property, or any harm this caused you.
- Compensation can cover your injuries and their resulting financial impact.
- A specialist solicitor from our panel can help you pursue compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
If you would like to start a claim for housing disrepair compensation today, please reach out to our friendly advisors by:
- Visiting our ‘contact us’ page online
- Calling them on 0800 408 7826
- Submitting a free claims enquiry online
Jump To A Section
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- Housing Disrepair Compensation Calculator
- What Factors Will Determine The Amount Of Housing Disrepair Compensation?
- Can I Make A Housing Disrepair Claim?
- Is There A Housing Disrepair Claim Time Limit?
- What Is Classed As Housing Disrepair?
- Can I Make A Claim With A No Win No Fee Disrepair Solicitor?
- Learn More
Housing Disrepair Compensation Calculator
Our housing disrepair compensation calculator provides insight into how your injuries may be assessed and valued.
In housing disrepair claims, compensation for your physical and psychological injuries is calculated under the head of claim referred to as general damages. To help with their assessment, solicitors can review a report of your injuries created by an independent medical assessor alongside the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG).
The JCG is useful here because it categorises various physical and mental injuries alongside their suggested compensation brackets. The table below presents some examples from the JCG. However, the top figure was not taken from the document, and this table is not a guarantee of compensation.
| Injuries and Illnesses | Compensation | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries and Financial Losses | Up to £500,000 plus | This award is for multiple injuries that are severe and result in financial losses, such as care costs. |
| Moderate Brain Damage (i) | £183,190 to £267,340 | Bracket features cases for those who experience an intellectual deficit that is moderate to severe and a personality change. There will be an effect on sight, speech, senses, a significant epilepsy risk, and no prospects of employment. |
| Severe Neck Injuries (i) | In the region of £181,020 | Cases can involve incomplete paraplegia or spastic quadriparesis that is permanent. |
| Lung Disease (a) | £122,850 to £165,860 | Claimant will be young, with a serious disability. There is a probability that progressive deterioration will result in premature death. |
| Lung Disease (c) | £66,890 to £85,460 | Bracket includes diseases like emphysema. This will result in significant, worsening lung function, together with symptoms like impaired breathing and sleep disturbance. |
| Severe Psychiatric Damage | £66,920 to £141,240 | The factors considered in these brackets include the person's ability to cope with life, effect on relationships, the degree of success that a treatment would have, their future vulnerability, and the prognosis. |
| Moderately Severe Psychiatric Damage | £23,270 to £66,920 | This award will feature significant problems seen in the above bracket, such as impact on the ability to cope with work and effects on relationships with family members. However, the prognosis is much more optimistic. |
| Severe and Permanent Disabling Asthma | £52,550 to £80,240 | Condition will cause issues like sleep disturbance, regular and prolonged coughing, and severely impaired physical activity. |
| Chronic Asthma | £32,090 to £52,490 | Individuals will experience issues like difficulties with breathing, may need to occasionally use an inhaler, and restricted employment prospects. |
| Total Loss of Hearing in 1 Ear | £38,210 to £55,570 | Cases towards the higher end of the bracket can include connected problems like tinnitus, headaches, or dizziness. |
If you would like to learn more about using our housing disrepair compensation calculator for your injuries, please contact our helpful advisors.
What Factors Will Determine The Amount Of Housing Disrepair Compensation?
Special damages are the other factor that may determine the amount of housing disrepair compensation you are awarded. This head of claim covers the financial losses you incurred as a result of the housing disrepair or your injuries.
Examples of financial losses that may be added to your compensation include:
- Housing repairs, such as a new roof
- Costs towards temporary accommodation
- Missed wages if you took time off work, or a future loss of earnings
- Lost work benefits, such as bonuses or promotions
- Medical bills, if you paid for private treatment or prescriptions
- Mental health services, such as therapy
- Special equipment, like a humidifier
- Costs for damaged or new furniture and clothing
- Travel to and from appointments
- Childcare if you needed extra support
If you have incurred financial losses, you should keep a record of them to support your claim. For example, bank statements, payslips, receipts or bills may be used as evidence of your losses.
If you have any questions regarding the other factors that may be considered under special damages, please contact our friendly advisors.
Can I Make A Housing Disrepair Claim?
Housing disrepair claims may be brought forward by tenants who live in rented properties. Therefore, if your landlord failed to maintain the condition of your home, you may be eligible to start a claim against them.
There are 2 types of housing disrepair claims that you may bring forward:
- Claims for damaged property
- Claims for injuries caused by disrepairs
Under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, all landlords are responsible for maintaining the properties they rent out and for fixing disrepairs. Therefore, if your landlord failed to do so, you may be eligible to claim compensation for the disrepair and any personal items that became damaged by it.
If a housing disrepair caused you to sustain a personal injury, you may also be eligible to claim compensation for your suffering if your landlord failed to maintain the disrepair. This is in accordance with Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972. However, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your landlord was made aware of the housing disrepair
- Your landlord failed to maintain the disrepair within a reasonable timeframe
- This caused you to suffer from an injury or illness
What Is A Landlord’s Responsibility?
Landlords are responsible for maintaining the condition of the homes they rent out and for taking the necessary steps to repair any issues that arise. This is to prevent further damage to the property and ensure tenants are safe in their homes.
As previously explained, Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 outlines the responsibilities of landlords. Some examples of repairs landlords are responsible for maintaining include:
- Electrical wiring
- Gas lines and appliances
- Damp and mould
- Heating and hot water
- Exterior fittings
If you notice a disrepair in your property, you should report this to your landlord. It is then their responsibility to take the necessary steps to repair the issue within a reasonable period of time.
If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria for housing disrepair claims, please contact our helpful advisors for assistance. They can also provide you with further information on how to use our housing disrepair compensation calculator.
Is There A Housing Disrepair Claim Time Limit?
Yes, there is typically a 6-year time limit for starting a housing disrepair claim. This date would be the point at which you became aware of the disrepair and is a requirement of the Limitation Act 1980. Therefore, it is essential to keep a record of any important dates to ensure you do not exceed the limitation period.
However, if the disrepair resulted in you sustaining physical or psychological injuries, then the 1980 stipulates a 3-year time limit for beginning a claim. This would be dated to when you suffered the injuries. The Limitation Act 1980 also makes certain exceptions to this rule, where the time limit is paused.
You can reach out to our advisory team for details on who might be exempt from time limits. If you’re unsure whether you have enough time to pursue compensation, the best course of action is to contact us for a free, no-obligation case assessment.
When Will I Receive A Compensation Payout?
There isn’t a definitive timeframe for when you will receive a compensation payout for a successful housing disrepair claim. Every case is unique, meaning each claim will follow its own path towards a settlement. Nevertheless, there are certain factors which may determine how long it takes for your claim to settle, including:
- Whether you have received a diagnosis for your injuries or are still receiving treatment
- If the condition of your home needs to be inspected
- The time it takes to gather evidence to support your claim
- Whether your landlord has admitted or disputed liability
- How straightforward negotiations over compensation prove to be
Regardless of the circumstances of your claim, you can rest assured that one of our solicitors will dedicate their time and resources to help settle the case within a reasonable timeframe.
If you would like to learn more about this aspect of the housing disrepair claims process, please contact our friendly advisors.
What Is Classed As Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to various problems that jeopardise the safe condition of rented properties, often causing damage to the property itself and those living within it. As such, landlords have a legal obligation to maintain the condition of the properties they rent out.
Many problems with our homes may be classed as housing disrepair. The following sections provide some examples of them.
Mould And Damp
Mould and damp are common issues in rented homes, often caused by condensation and poor ventilation. However, if it is unmaintained, it can have a serious impact on the health of those living with it. For example, it may cause damage to a person’s:
- Lungs
- Airways
- Skin
- Eyes
There are numerous long-term health consequences for individuals exposed to mould or damp, including asthma and eczema. Therefore, all landlords have a responsibility to take preventive measures to reduce and prevent it, protecting the health of their tenants.
Infestations
An infestation refers to the large presence of insects or animals, such as mice and rats, cockroaches, wasps or ants. This is considered housing disrepair and may lead to the spread of diseases, the transfer of bacteria, and cause allergies.
Tenants may cause infestations if they fail to keep the property clean or remove waste products. However, landlords have a responsibility to prevent infestations by making timely repairs to homes, such as fixing holes in walls, and to deal with the infestation if it occurs.
Faulty Electrics
Faulty electrical wiring is a type of housing disrepair that can cause significant damage to properties, such as fires. That can result in tenants sustaining serious injuries, such as:
- Electric shock
- Burn injuries
- Cardiac arrest
- Muscle spasms
Landlords have a responsibility to follow electrical safety standards. Therefore, they must take the necessary steps to have faulty writing repaired by a qualified electrician to prevent property damage and tenants’ injuries.
Structural Deterioration
Structural deterioration within rented properties is a severe type of disrepair. Not only can this damage the property, but it can also compromise the safety of tenants. Some examples of structural deterioration include:
- Roof damage – Factors that can play a role include unsealed roof and structural instability, often resulting in leaks or collapses.
- Uneven or unstable flooring – This may be caused by subfloor deterioration or weakened floor joists.
- Bowing or building walls – Can result from foundational cracks, water damage or poor construction.
To ensure that tenants live in safe and habitable conditions, landlords must maintain the exterior and structural integrity of the homes they rent.
If you have any questions about starting a housing disrepair claim, please contact our helpful advisors.
Can I Make A Claim With A No Win No Fee Disrepair Solicitor?
At Compensation Calculator UK, you can make a claim with a No Win No Fee disrepair solicitor from our expert panel. They offer all their services specifically under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which means there will be no expectation for you to pay any upfront or ongoing solicitor fees. You won’t have to pay these fees at all if your claim loses.
If your claim wins, your solicitor will be paid a success fee for the time, work, and effort they put into your case. While this fee is deducted from your compensation, the percentage is small due to a legislative cap.
Our panel of solicitors are specialists in housing disrepair claims and can support you throughout the claims process by:
- Explaining the housing disrepair claims process and any unfamiliar terminology or documentation
- Providing regular updates to keep you at the heart of the case
- Helping you obtain and assemble the evidence needed to support your claim
- Setting you up with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other specialists to aid your recovery
- Arranging access to mental health services, such as counselling
- Negotiating compensation on your behalf with expertise and professionalism
Our panel of solicitors are dedicated to providing an excellent standard of customer service. So, you can have peace of mind from the outset that they will use their skills, knowledge, and experience to help you claim the compensation you deserve for your housing disrepair.
Contact Our Advisors
You can contact our advisors anytime to start a housing disrepair claim or to discuss the contents of this guide by:
- Visiting our ‘contact us’ page online
- Calling them on 0800 408 7826
- Submitting a free claims enquiry online
The lines are open 24/7, so you can get in touch at your convenience.
Learn More
If you would like to learn more about claiming housing disrepair compensation, please read the informative guides linked below.
- Read our step-by-step compensation calculator guide
- Find out how much your personal injury claim is worth
- Access our personal injury claims FAQ
References:
- Learn about the obligations for disrepairs, GOV.UK
- Information on housing benefits, GOV.UK
- Find your nearest urgent treatment services, NHS.UK
Thank you for taking the time to read this guide. We hope that you found this article on using our housing disrepair compensation calculator useful.
