Living in a safe and well maintained home is a basic right. Yet many tenants in Accrington find themselves struggling with serious housing disrepair that affects their health, comfort, and day to day life. Whether you rent from a housing association, local authority, or a private landlord, your landlord has a legal duty to ensure your property is kept in a reasonable state of repair. If your landlord ignores these responsibilities, you may have the right to take action.
What counts as housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair covers a wide range of issues that make a property unsafe or unfit to live in. Common examples in Accrington homes include:
- Damp and mould spreading across walls or ceilings
- Leaking roofs, gutters, or windows that let in water
- Faulty heating or hot water systems leaving residents without warmth
- Unsafe electrics or plumbing
- Structural problems such as cracked walls, loose tiles, or subsidence
- Infestations caused by poor maintenance
These problems can cause both inconvenience and serious harm. Damp and mould, for example, are linked to respiratory conditions and can be especially dangerous for children, elderly residents, or anyone with pre-existing health issues. Faulty electrics carry obvious fire risks, while inadequate heating can make winter months unbearable.
Your landlord’s responsibilities
Under UK housing law, landlords must keep the structure and exterior of the property in repair, ensure installations for heating, water, and electrics are working properly, and address hazards that put tenants at risk. This applies whether you are in council housing, a housing association property, or a privately rented home in Accrington.
Once you report problems, landlords are required to act within a reasonable timeframe. If they delay or repeatedly fail to resolve issues, you may have grounds to bring a claim for housing disrepair.
How to report housing disrepair in Accrington
If you notice problems in your home, the first step is to report them in writing to your landlord. Keep a copy of any letters, emails, or texts, as these may later form part of the evidence. It is also useful to take photographs of the disrepair and keep a diary of how long the issues persist and how they affect your daily life.
Should your landlord ignore your concerns or fail to carry out proper repairs, speaking to a solicitor with experience in housing disrepair claims can make all the difference. Marley Solicitors assist tenants in Accrington by advising on legal options, gathering evidence, and pursuing claims where landlords have failed in their duties.
The impact of disrepair on tenants
The effects of disrepair extend far beyond inconvenience. Living with damp, leaks, or unsafe electricity can seriously affect mental wellbeing, cause physical illness, and lead to damage to personal belongings. Children may miss school through illness, heating failures can lead to additional energy costs, and properties may even become temporarily uninhabitable.
These impacts are not just unfair; they may also form the basis of a claim for compensation. Courts recognise the disruption tenants face and can award damages that reflect the distress and inconvenience suffered, as well as requiring landlords to complete necessary repairs.
Housing disrepair claims process
The process of making a claim usually involves several stages:
- Initial advice – A solicitor will assess the strength of your case and guide you on the next steps.
- Pre action protocol – Your landlord is formally notified of the issues and given a chance to respond.
- Expert evidence – An independent surveyor may be instructed to provide a detailed report on the condition of the property.
- Negotiation – Many cases settle out of court once landlords recognise the strength of the claim.
- Court proceedings – If necessary, your solicitor can issue proceedings to ensure repairs are carried out and compensation is awarded.
Every case is different, but having local legal support ensures the process is handled effectively and that your voice is heard.
Why choosing local solicitors matters
When dealing with housing disrepair, working with solicitors who know the area can be invaluable. In Accrington, tenants often live in older housing stock, and issues such as damp, leaks, and outdated heating systems are common. A solicitor who understands the local rental market and has dealt with similar properties can identify problems quickly and ensure landlords are held accountable.
Marley Solicitors are familiar with the concerns that many Lancashire tenants face, and this local knowledge allows us to provide tailored advice that larger national firms may overlook.
Possible outcomes of a housing disrepair claim
When you bring a claim, the court or a settlement agreement may lead to several outcomes. These can include:
- A formal order requiring your landlord to complete repairs within a set timeframe
- Compensation for the inconvenience and loss of enjoyment of your home
- Reimbursement for damaged belongings, where evidence is provided
- In some cases, a reduction in rent to reflect the period of disrepair
The goal is not only to secure financial compensation but also to ensure that your living conditions improve for the future.
Preventing problems from escalating
Tenants sometimes delay reporting issues because they fear conflict with their landlord or hope that small problems will resolve themselves. Unfortunately, minor damp patches often develop into major mould problems, and small leaks can cause serious structural issues. By taking early action and keeping records from the start, you place yourself in a stronger position to resolve matters.
Marley Solicitors frequently assists clients who, after initially feeling helpless, managed to secure both compensation and necessary repairs through legal action. Knowing your rights is the first step towards improving your situation.
FAQs
What if my landlord retaliates by trying to evict me?
Landlords cannot lawfully evict you for exercising your rights. If you face harassment or threats of eviction after reporting disrepair, our solicitors can step in to protect your tenancy and uphold your legal rights.
Can I claim compensation for belongings damaged by disrepair?
Yes, if damp, leaks, or other issues caused by landlord neglect have damaged your furniture, clothing, or electrical items, this can be included as part of your claim. Be sure to keep receipts and photographs where possible.
Do I have to move out while repairs are done?
In many cases, repairs can be carried out while you remain in your home. If the property becomes unsafe or uninhabitable, temporary accommodation may be required, and your landlord should take responsibility for this.
Take action today
If you are living with housing disrepair in Accrington, do not wait for matters to get worse. Seeking advice early will enable you to secure repairs and safeguard your health and wellbeing. Contact Marley Solicitors today for expert support tailored to tenants across Lancashire. We are ready to help you take a stand against unsafe housing conditions and ensure your landlord meets their obligations.
