Claiming Compensation for Structural Issues

A housing disrepair claim for structural issues is a legal action taken by tenants against landlords when the property’s structure is unsafe or uninhabitable.

If landlords fail to fulfil their responsibility, our Housing Disrepair Team can help you make a compensation claim.

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How Could Structural Issues Affect Your Health?

Structural issues in a home can have a significant impact on your health. Here’s how:

  • Respiratory Problems: Structural issues develop in damp environments, often caused by water leaks or poor ventilation. Mould spores can trigger allergies, asthma, and other respiratory issues.
  • Poor Air Quality: Structural issues like inadequate insulation or ventilation can trap pollutants and allergens, leading to poor indoor air quality.
  • Stress and Anxiety: Living in a home with structural problems can create stress and anxiety due to concerns about safety and health.  
  • Sleep Disturbances: Issues like dampness, mould, or noise from structural problems can disrupt sleep, leading to fatigue and other health issues.
  • Increased Risk of Injury: Structural issues can create hazards that increase the risk of cuts, and other injuries.
  • Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Structural problems like lead paint can expose you to hazardous materials that can have serious health consequences.

Common Causes of Structural Problems for Housing Disrepair

Here are some common causes of structural problems that can lead to housing disrepair compensation claims:

  • Soil Movement: Expansive soils (clay-rich) swell when wet and shrink when dry, putting stress on the foundation.
  • Poor Drainage: Water accumulating around the foundation can erode soil, leading to settling or shifting.
  • Leaking Roofs: Water penetrating the roof can weaken structural elements.
  • Plumbing Leaks: Leaking pipes can saturate surrounding materials, leading to decay and instability.
  • Rising Damp: Moisture rising from the ground can damage walls and floors.
  • Design Flaws: Inadequate design can lead to structural weaknesses over time.
  • Earthquakes: They can cause significant damage to foundations and structures.
  • Floods: They can undermine foundations and cause extensive water damage.
  • Strong Winds: It can damage roofs and weaken structures.

How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim for Structural Issues?

If you’re facing structural issues in your rented property that your landlord isn’t addressing, you may have rights to a housing disrepair claim. Here’s a general guide on how to proceed:

  1. Take pictures and videos: Capture clear evidence of the damage from multiple angles.
  2. Keep records: Maintain a detailed log of all communication with your landlord, including dates, times, and the content of conversations or emails.
  3. Notify Your Landlord: Send a formal letter or email detailing the specific issues, their impact on your living conditions, and a request for repairs.
  4. Keep a copy: Retain a copy of your communication for your records.
  5. Follow-up: If you don’t receive a response or the landlord fails to act, send a follow-up letter or email reiterating your concerns.
  6.  Seek Expert Advice: Our Housing Disrepair Team can advise you on your rights, the specific requirements for filing a claim, and the potential for compensation.

What Can You Claim For?

Damp and mould claim

Damp & Mould

water leaks

Water Leaks

Pest Infestation

Pest Infestation

Structural Damages

Structural Damages

Broken Heating Systems

Broken Heating Systems

Electric Issues

Electric Issues

When You Make a Claim for Housing Structural Issues?

According to the legal obligations, you usually have six years after the problem was first reported to your landlord to bring a claim for compensation against your landlord. You can generally make a housing disrepair claim for structural issues if:

  • Issues are Significant: The damage must be serious and represent a risk to the safety or livability of the property.
  • Notified Landlord: You must have informed your landlord in writing about the issues and give them a reasonable time to make the necessary repairs.
  • Landlord has Failed to Act: If your landlord has not addressed the issues within a reasonable timeframe, you may have a right to the structural issues disrepair claim.

Landlord Responsibilities for Housing Disrepair Structural Issues

Landlords must maintain a safe and habitable property, including its structure. This includes:

  • Safe foundation, walls, and roof.
  • Promptly address reported structural issues.
  • Comply with building structures and safety regulations.
  • Prevent further damage (e.g., water leaks).

Failure to fulfil these responsibilities can result in:

  • Compensation for disrepair.
  • Repairs to the property.
  • Rent reduction.
  • Compensation for health loss and discomfort.

Find out if you’re eligible to file a NO WIN, NO FEE disrepair claim today.

Housing Disrepair Team work

Tenant Responsibilities for Housing Disrepair Structural Issues

Tenants have responsibilities:

  • Notify Landlord Promptly: Report any suspected structural issues immediately.
  • Allow Landlord Access: Provide reasonable access for inspections and repairs.
  • Avoid Causing Damage: Do not intentionally damage the property’s structure.

To check your eligibility for disrepair compensation, fill out the Claim Form.

Frequently Asked Questions

Structural damage harms a building’s integrity, safety, and stability. It affects key parts like the foundation, walls, roof, and support structures, potentially compromising its ability to support heavy loads.

The amount of compensation for housing disrepair due to structural issues varies greatly depending on several factors:

  • Severity of the Damage: More severe damage (e.g., extensive foundation issues, and major roof leaks) generally results in higher compensation.
  • Impact on Habitability: The extent to which structural issues affect your ability to live comfortably and safely on the property.
  • Duration of the Disrepair: The longer the issues remain unaddressed, the higher the potential compensation.
  • Tenancy Agreement: The terms of your tenancy agreement may also influence the amount of compensation.

To know more about the compensation amount, contact our Housing Disrepair Team at +442030264595

Resolving a housing disrepair claim for structural issues can take months, even years. Factors include:

  • Damage Severity: More severe damage takes longer.
  • Landlord Cooperation: Delays occur with uncooperative landlords.
  • Legal Action: Court proceedings can be lengthy

The specific types of structural issues you can claim for in a housing disrepair case will vary depending on your local laws and the specific terms of your tenancy agreement. However, some common examples include:

  • Foundation Problems: This includes issues like cracks, settling, or shifting of the foundation, which can lead to problems like uneven floors, cracks in walls, and doors and windows that don’t close properly.
  • Wall Damage: This can include cracks in walls, bowing or bulging walls, and water stains or mould that indicate water damage and potential structural weakness.
  • Roof Problems: This includes issues like sagging rooflines, leaking roofs, and missing or damaged shingles, which can lead to water damage and further structural problems.

Common types of compensation for structural issues are:

  • Rent Reduction: A reduction in rent to reflect the uninhabitable condition of the property.
  • Compensation for Repairs: Compensation for the cost of necessary repairs.
  • Loss of Comfort: Compensation for the inconvenience and discomfort caused by the disrepair.
  • Personal Injury: If the disrepair has caused injury to you or your family.

It’s crucial to consult with Housing Disrepair Team professionals to determine the specific amount of compensation you may be eligible for in your particular situation.