Housing Disrepair Claims
If you live in rented accommodation that has deteriorated due to disrepair, it is the landlord's duty to address the issue.
Landlords have a legal obligation to uphold the physical structure and overall condition of their property.
Should they fail to fulfill this responsibility after you have reported the issues and given them time to repair the property, you may have grounds to pursue a case against them.
Has there been noticeable deterioration in your rented accommodation and your landlord's refusal to carry out necessary repairs?
You should provide specific instances of both material and non-material harm, including:
- Damage to personal belongings: Supporting evidence may include photographs of the affected areas or receipts for replacement items you had to purchase.
- Personal injury: If you or your loved ones have experienced illness or injury due to the poor condition of the property, you can seek compensation. This may include reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering.
- Inconvenience: You can also claim compensation for the inconvenience caused by the disrepair.
Remember, gathering evidence and seeking legal advice from professionals experienced in housing disrepair claims can greatly strengthen your case.
Housing disrepair comes in many forms and includes issues such as:
- Leaks
- Damp and mould
- Defective window or door frames
- Cracked walls and ceilings
- Roof or chimney issues
- Electrical problems
- Boiler issues, including no running hot water or heating
- Rotten woodwork
- Drainage issues
- Subsidence
- Flooding (internal and external, i.e. the garden)
- Insect and vermin infestation
Japanese Knotweed
Japanese knotweed is a fast-growing and highly destructive plant that can cause significant damage to buildings, foundations, and infrastructure. It can make it very difficult to secure a mortgage or sell your property, and in extreme cases, it may even result in condemnation of buildings. It is crucial for sellers to disclose the presence of Japanese knotweed, especially during the winter months when it may not be visible. It is important to note that landowners do not have to wait until physical damage to their property occurs before bringing an actionable claim in private nuisance.
In these claims, individuals seek compensation for the costs associated with treating and removing Japanese knotweed from their properties, as well as any diminution in property value caused by its presence. The claims typically involve proving that the presence of Japanese knotweed has caused or will cause damage to the property and that the responsible party (often a neighbouring landowner or a property seller) failed to adequately manage or disclose the presence of the plant.
Japanese knotweed is a highly invasive weed that spreads quickly and can inflict damage on your property and neighbouring land, leading to costly removal expenses and potential compensation claims.
Appearance: During spring, reddish-purple fleshy shoots emerge from crimson-pink buds at ground level. These shoots grow rapidly, giving rise to dense stands of tall canes resembling bamboo, reaching heights of 2.1m (7ft) in summer. The canes exhibit characteristic purple flecks and produce branches from nodes along their length.
The leaves are heart or shovel-shaped, measuring up to 14cm (5½in) in length, and are arranged alternately (in a zig-zag pattern) along the stems. While the stems die back to ground level in winter, the dry canes persist for several months or even longer.
In late summer and early autumn, the plant produces creamy-white flower tassels that can reach up to 15cm (6in) in length.
Due to its potential confusion with other plants, accurate identification of Japanese knotweed is crucial.
