If you are renting a property in Preston and your home is in poor condition due to neglect or delayed repairs, you may be experiencing what is known as housing disrepair. This can significantly impact your health, safety and quality of life. Fortunately, tenants in the UK have strong legal rights when it comes to living in a safe and habitable property.
At Marley Solicitors, we understand how stressful it can be to deal with housing disrepair issues. Whether you are renting from a housing association, the council or a private landlord, our expert solicitors are here to help you take legal action, claim compensation and get your home repaired.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to a situation where a property has deteriorated into a dangerous or unhealthy state as a result of the landlord’s failure to carry out necessary maintenance or repairs. Common examples include:
- Damp and mould
- Leaking pipes or roofs
- Faulty heating systems
- Pest infestations
- Structural problems (such as cracks in walls)
- Broken windows or doors
- Unsafe electrics
- Lack of hot water
These issues not only affect your comfort but can also cause serious health problems, particularly for children, elderly people or those with respiratory conditions.
Who is responsible for repairs?
Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, landlords have a legal duty to ensure that rented homes are kept in a good state of repair. This includes:
- Keeping the structure and exterior of the property in good condition
- Ensuring water, gas, electricity, and sanitation systems are working properly
- Maintaining heating and hot water systems
- Repairing any damage caused by normal wear and tear or weather
In most cases, tenants are only responsible for minor maintenance (such as replacing light bulbs or keeping the property clean). If major issues arise, it is your landlord’s responsibility to address them.
Your rights as a tenant in Preston
Whether you live in a council property, housing association home or a privately rented flat, your rights as a tenant remain the same. If your landlord refuses to carry out repairs, you have the right to take legal action and potentially claim compensation.
In Preston, many tenants face long delays from social landlords or neglect from private landlords. This can be particularly distressing when disrepair affects your family’s health or your ability to use the home safely.
At Marley Solicitors, we have supported many clients in the Preston area who were forced to live in unacceptable housing conditions. We help you assert your rights and push for the repairs and compensation you are legally entitled to.
When can you make a housing disrepair claim?
You may be able to make a claim if:
- Your landlord has failed to carry out repairs after being notified
- You have suffered financial losses due to the disrepair (e.g., damaged belongings, increased heating bills)
- Your health or wellbeing has been affected
- You have experienced disruption or inconvenience
Before making a claim, you should ensure you have reported the issue to your landlord and given them a reasonable time to respond. If they continue to ignore your request, it may be time to speak to a housing disrepair solicitor.
How to report housing disrepair in Preston
To build a strong case, it is important to follow the correct steps when reporting disrepair:
- Notify your landlord in writing: Send an email or letter detailing the problems, dates and any previous communications.
- Document everything: Take photos or videos of the damage. Keep copies of letters, emails and any responses.
- Keep receipts: If you have spent money on temporary repairs or suffered financial losses, keep all receipts and bills.
- Get medical advice if needed: If your health has been affected, see a doctor and ask for a written report.
If your landlord fails to take action, our legal team can step in and escalate the matter on your behalf.
Common issues affecting Preston homes
Many homes in Preston, especially older terraced properties and council-owned housing, suffer from issues such as rising damp, mould, leaking roofs and outdated heating systems. In some cases, these problems are made worse by poor insulation or lack of ventilation.
Housing disrepair is not just an inconvenience. It can become a serious health risk. Mould spores, for example, can trigger asthma attacks and respiratory infections. Structural issues might cause accidents or injuries. If your landlord is failing to act, it is important to seek legal advice without delay.
What can you claim for in a housing disrepair case?
If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:
- Repairs: The court can order your landlord to fix the problems within a set timeframe.
- Compensation: You may receive compensation for:
- Physical damage to your belongings
- Emotional distress and inconvenience
- Increased utility bills
- Personal injury or illness caused by the disrepair
The amount of compensation varies depending on the severity and duration of the disrepair and the impact it has had on your life.
No win, no fee housing disrepair solicitors in Preston
At Marley Solicitors, we offer a no win, no fee service for housing disrepair claims. This means there are no upfront legal fees for you to worry about. If your case is unsuccessful, you will not pay us anything.
We work hard to ensure our clients in Preston receive the justice and compensation they deserve. From the moment you contact us, our team will guide you through the entire process, from initial advice to negotiating with your landlord or representing you in court if needed.
How long does a housing disrepair claim take?
Every case is different, but most housing disrepair claims are resolved within 6 to 12 months. Some may be quicker if the landlord cooperates early in the process, while others may take longer if the landlord disputes the claim or refuses to carry out repairs.
Rest assured, our solicitors will keep you updated at every stage and work as quickly as possible to reach a successful outcome.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
We are a specialist legal firm with extensive experience handling housing disrepair cases in Preston and across the North West. Our team is dedicated to protecting tenants’ rights and ensuring landlords are held accountable.
Here is why residents in Preston trust us:
- Free initial consultation
- No win, no fee agreements
- Personalised legal support
- Fast and responsive service
- Excellent track record of success
When you choose Marley Solicitors, you are choosing a team that truly cares about your wellbeing and your right to live in a safe and habitable home.
Get help with housing disrepair in Preston today
If you are living in a property that is in poor condition and your landlord refuses to help, do not suffer in silence. You have legal rights and may be entitled to financial compensation and a court order for repairs.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free consultation. We are proud to support tenants in Preston and are ready to fight for your right to live in a safe, comfortable home.
