Damp creeping up the walls, a boiler that never works, a leak that has been "logged" five times and still drips: tenants across Culmstock contact us every week with problems their landlord should have fixed long ago. If that sounds familiar, you may be able to make a housing disrepair claim. There is nothing to pay up front and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed.
Your landlord's repair duties in Culmstock
Tenants in Culmstock sometimes assume that because a repair has been "reported" they have done all they can. In fact, once a landlord knows about a problem they have a legal duty, under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 and the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018, to put it right within a reasonable time. What counts as reasonable depends on the problem: a dangerous electrical fault or total loss of heating in winter should be dealt with in days, not months.
The most common problems we see in Culmstock homes include:
- Structural problems
- Pest problems
- Toilet problems
- Heating problems
- Windows problems
- Roofing problems
- Guttering problems
- Any other defect that affects your health, safety or use of the home
How a housing disrepair claim works in Culmstock
Making a claim is simpler than most tenants in Culmstock expect, and we handle the difficult parts for you.
- Free claim check. Tell us what is wrong, when you first reported it and who your landlord is. We will tell you honestly whether you have a claim.
- Evidence and inspection. We build the case with your evidence and a professional survey of the property, so the landlord cannot dispute what is wrong.
- Letter of claim. A formal letter puts the landlord on notice. Most landlords, including councils and housing associations, settle at this stage rather than go to court.
- Repairs and compensation. The repairs are completed to the surveyor's specification and your compensation is paid. If the landlord refuses, court proceedings can be issued on your behalf.
Compensation for tenants in Culmstock
Most awards are based on the rent paid during the period of disrepair. Mild problems in one room might attract around 20% of rent; a home made largely uninhabitable by damp, mould or no heating can attract 50% or more. Damaged furniture, clothing and carpets, and any health effects, are added on top.
For example, a tenant in Culmstock paying £650 a month (£7,800 a year) whose claim is valued at 20% would receive around £1,560 for each year of disrepair, or about £1,560 over 1 year, before adding anything for damaged belongings or ill health. Claims can go back up to six years.
Disrepair problems we help Culmstock tenants with
Choose the problem closest to yours for detailed guidance.
Heating disrepair
No heating or hot water, a boiler that keeps breaking down or radiators that never get warm: your landlord must fix it…
Leaks and water damage
Leaks from roofs, pipes, bathrooms or the flat above that your landlord has failed to trace and fix, and the damage…
Damp, mould and wall problems
Damp patches, black mould, crumbling plaster, failed cavity wall insulation or a broken damp-proof course: wall…
Window and door disrepair
Rotten frames, broken glass, windows that will not open or close, failed double glazing, draughts and doors that do not…
Bathroom disrepair
Leaking baths and showers, cracked basins, mould that keeps returning, no hot water, broken extractor fans and…
Guttering disrepair
Blocked, broken or missing gutters and downpipes that pour water down the walls, causing penetrating damp, mould and…
Plumbing disrepair
Burst or leaking pipes, blocked drains, no water pressure, faulty stopcocks and waste pipes that back up into your home.
Structural disrepair
Subsidence, movement, tree root damage, failed lintels, dangerous stairs and balconies and other defects in the…
Cracks in walls and ceilings
Cracked plaster, render and brickwork that your landlord has ignored, from cosmetic cracks that hide damp to cracks…
Roof disrepair
Missing tiles, leaking flat roofs, defective flashing, rotten roof timbers and chimneys letting water in: roof problems…
Kitchen disrepair
Leaking sinks, broken units, dangerous worktops, faulty cooker connections, pests and damp that make the kitchen unsafe…
Toilet disrepair
Blocked, leaking, cracked or constantly running toilets, broken cisterns and soil pipes, and homes left without a…
Pest infestations
Mice, rats, cockroaches, bed bugs, ants and other infestations caused or allowed to continue by defects your landlord…
Ceiling disrepair
Stained, cracked, sagging or collapsed ceilings caused by leaks from roofs, bathrooms or the flat above that your…
Electrical disrepair
Dangerous wiring, tripping fuse boards, broken sockets and lights, no electrical safety certificate and water near…
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Case studies
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Map of Culmstock
Housing disrepair in Culmstock: frequently asked questions
Can I claim for damage to my furniture and belongings?
Yes. Compensation can include the cost of replacing furniture, carpets, clothing, bedding and electrical goods damaged by damp, mould, leaks or pests, and the extra money spent on heating a cold, damp home. Keep receipts and photos wherever you can.
Will someone need to inspect my home in Culmstock?
Usually yes. An independent surveyor visits at a time that suits you, photographs and measures every defect and writes a report. The visit normally takes an hour or two and the report becomes the backbone of your claim.
What evidence do I need for a disrepair claim in Culmstock?
Photos and videos of the problems, dated if possible; copies of letters, emails, texts or online repair requests to your landlord; receipts for damaged belongings or extra heating costs; and GP or hospital records if your health has been affected. Do not worry if you do not have everything. An independent surveyor's report usually becomes the main evidence.
What repairs is my landlord responsible for in Culmstock?
The structure and exterior of the building (roof, walls, windows, doors, gutters and drains), the installations for water, gas and electricity, sanitary fittings such as baths, toilets and sinks, and the heating and hot water system. They must also keep the home free from hazards such as damp, mould, pests and dangerous electrics.
How far back can a housing disrepair claim go?
You can usually claim for up to six years of disrepair, counting back from the date the claim is started. Children have longer: a claim for a child's ill health can be brought up to three years after their 18th birthday.