Winter weather often highlights or worsens housing disrepair issues, leaving tenants vulnerable to unsafe and uncomfortable conditions. We understand how challenging this season can be for tenants dealing with unresolved problems. In this guide, we will explain common winter disrepair issues, the responsibilities of landlords, and how legal support can help you make a claim.
What Is Housing Disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to faults or damages in a rented property that make it unsafe or uninhabitable. If you are a tenant in a council property or housing association home, your landlord is legally obligated to fix structural issues, such as cracks, leaks, or broken windows. They must maintain essential systems, including heating, plumbing, and electricity, for basic comfort and safety. Landlords are also required to address damp, mould, or pest infestations and ensure fire safety and other health hazards are properly managed. Failure to act on disrepair issues could amount to negligence, leaving landlords liable for the impact on tenants’ health, belongings, or well-being.
How Winter Weather Impacts Housing Disrepair
Winter’s cold and wet conditions can aggravate existing problems or create new ones, leading to unsafe living conditions.
Common winter-related disrepair issues include:
1. Damp and Mould:
Poor ventilation and condensation allow mould to spread quickly, posing significant health risks.
2. Heating System Failures:
Faulty boilers or radiators can leave homes unbearably cold, particularly dangerous for children and the elderly.
3. Structural Damage:
Frost and moisture worsen cracks, roof leaks, and broken windows, allowing cold air and dampness to penetrate.
4. Pest Infestations:
Gaps in the property’s structure provide entry points for rodents and pests seeking warmth during the winter.
Preventing Winter Disrepair
To minimise risks, both tenants and landlords should take proactive steps. Inspect properties regularly to identify cracks, leaks, or weak points in windows, roofs, and walls. Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms to reduce condensation and prevent damp. Maintain heating systems by servicing boilers and radiators before winter. Seal gaps and drafts with weatherproof strips or sealant, and clear gutters and drains to prevent water overflow. Report disrepair issues promptly to give landlords time to address them.
Your Landlord’s Responsibility
Landlords have a legal duty to ensure properties are safe and habitable. If a disrepair issue is reported, they must address it promptly. Negligence occurs when landlords ignore repair requests, conduct poor-quality repairs, or refuse to carry out repairs entirely. If your landlord does not resolve the problem within a reasonable timeframe, usually about a month, you may be entitled to take legal action.
Staying Safe While Waiting for Repairs
While waiting for repairs, you can take steps to minimise risks and discomfort. Use portable heaters, wear extra layers, and stay in one room to conserve warmth if heating issues arise. Ventilate your home and use mould sprays to control damp and mould. Cover cracks or gaps with temporary materials to block cold air and pests, and seal food in airtight containers to prevent pest infestations.
When to Seek Legal Help
If your landlord fails to act on reported disrepair, you may be eligible to claim compensation. This can cover health issues caused by mould, damp, or unsafe conditions. Compensation may also cover costs to replace belongings damaged by disrepair or the inconvenience caused by relocation or living in unsuitable conditions. Your housing disrepair solicitors will guide you through the claims process, help gather evidence, and ensure you receive the repairs and compensation you deserve.
Case Study: Severe Roof Leak in Winter
A tenant in a housing association property reported a roof leak during heavy winter rains. Despite notifying the landlord multiple times, no repairs were made for three months. The leak caused severe water damage to furniture and created damp conditions in the home, affecting the tenant’s health.
The tenant contacted housing disrepair solicitors for assistance. Our team documented the case with photos, correspondence, and medical records and filed a housing disrepair claim on the tenant’s behalf.
The court ordered the landlord to repair the roof within two weeks. The tenant was awarded £5,400 in compensation for damaged belongings, health impacts, and inconvenience.
