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Housing Disrepair Advice & Claims in Ealing London
A Comprehensive Guide for Ealing Residents.
Call our helpline on 0800 098 2791
In 2024, our helpline supported thousands of households with housing disrepair issues.
Tenants Advice is a claims management company supporting renters across London. While you can submit a housing disrepair claim yourself or through the Housing Ombudsman Service free of charge, we provide expert guidance to help you navigate the process effectively.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Ealing
Under UK law, landlords have clear responsibilities to maintain their properties. Your rights are primarily protected by two key pieces of legislation:
The Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
This act states that landlords must keep the structure and exterior of the property in good repair. This includes:
- The property’s roof, walls, and foundations.
- Drains, gutters, and external pipes.
- Sanitary fittings like baths, sinks, and toilets.
- Installations for water, gas, electricity, and heating.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
This landmark legislation ensures that all rented properties are fit for human habitation. This means your home must be safe and free from hazards that could affect your health. If your landlord fails to address a disrepair issue that makes your home unfit to live in, you have the right to take legal action.
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Common Housing Disrepair In Ealing
Housing disrepair is any problem in a rented property that the landlord is responsible for fixing but has neglected to do. In Ealing, as in many parts of London, tenants face issues ranging from minor inconveniences to serious health hazards.
Based on recent reports and claims, some of the most common disrepair issues faced by tenants in Ealing include:
Rising Damp and Mould
A pervasive and serious problem that can cause respiratory issues and damage to property. Ealing has a high proportion of older housing stock, making this a frequent complaint.
Leaking Roofs & Water Damage
Unattended leaks can lead to extensive damage to the property’s structure and contents.
Electrical and Plumbing Problems
Unsafe electrical wiring or leaking pipes that pose a significant health and safety risk.
Structural Defects
Cracks in walls, broken windows, or other issues affecting the building’s stability.
Understanding Housing Disrepair in Ealing Borough.
Ealing has a large stock of council-owned and social housing properties. Recent data from a Freedom of Information (FoI) request revealed that Ealing had one of the highest numbers of housing complaints in London, with over 2,200 complaints in a single year. This highlights the scale of the problem and the importance of tenants knowing their rights.
Ealing Housing Associations
In addition to Ealing Council, many housing associations operate in the borough. It is essential to identify who your property is managed by an, as the complaints process may differ slightly from a council-led one.
Regardless of the landlord, your rights remain the same!
Why Choose Tenants Advice For You Housing Disrepair Claims
Choosing the right claims partner is the most important step in securing a positive outcome for your housing disrepair claim. We provide expert advice and support to tenants across Ealing.
Local Knowledge & Expertise
Our team has extensive experience handling claims against Ealing Council and local housing associations, giving us a deep understanding of the specific challenges in the borough.
Proven Track Record
With a history of successfully resolving claims for tenants just like you, we have the experience needed to negotiate a fair settlement or pursue court action on your behalf.
No Win, No Fee
We believe everyone deserves access to justice. Our “No Win, No Fee” agreement ensures there is no financial risk to you.
Compassionate Customer Service
Our team provides clear, empathetic communication and keeps you informed every step of the way, so you are never left in the dark.
The Results We Deliver.
Dangerous, exposed light fitting
Repaired and restored bedroom wall
Replastered and repair lounge wall
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Questions We Often Hear From
Tenants Living in Ealing
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for below, please contact us directly. We’re here to help!
help@tenantsadvice.co.uk
Does my tenancy agreement affect my right to claim?
Your rights as a tenant depend on your agreement. A tenancy agreement usually gives you exclusive use of the property. A license to occupy often means you’re sharing a property and have fewer rights.
Our experienced advisors can help you figure out your specific rights. Fill out our online claim form and we’ll help you establish your eligibility to make a claim.
What legal obligations does my landlord have?
Your landlord isn’t obligated to improve your property, but they are legally required to carry out repairs to keep it safe and well-maintained.
They are specifically responsible for:
- The structure and exterior of your home.
- Water pipes and all fittings, including sinks, baths, and toilets.
- Gas pipes and electrical wiring.
- Heating systems (but not cookers).
Will I be entitled to compensation?
If you have a valid claim for housing disrepair, aside from compelling the landlord to repair your property, you can also claim compensation for:
- Inconvenience caused;
- Damage to personal property;
- Personal injury or ill health resulting from the disrepair – including respiratory illness caused by damp conditions;
- Any financial losses suffered as a result of the failure to rectify the disrepair.
How much will I have to pay?
A no win, no fee agreement is a simple way of ensuring your costs are covered if you need to take legal action due to your council/housing association property being in an unliveable condition. Also known as a conditional fee agreement (CFA), it means that the lawyer representing you in the case will not take any payment until the end of the case.
In the event of a loss, the lawyer will take no fee and there will be no cost to the client at all.
After signing the CFA, there is a 14 day “cooling off” period during which the client may cancel at no cost. After this ’14 Day Cooling off’ period, any cancellation may incur legal fees, this is something that your panel solicitor would be able to advise you on. Our Panel of Solicitors will deduct 25% of any compensation awarded plus VAT.
If your case is successful, then the legal fees will be paid for by the client’s housing association or council. The solicitor will also take a deduction of any compensation received. We do not charge you a fee for our service, and you do not pay us any fee at any point for our service. If your claim is successful, we will be paid a fee for referring your claim to one of our panel Solicitor/Lawyer.
Call us on 0800 047 2017 to receive specialist advice on how Tenants Advice can assist you further.
How much compensation will I receive?
How much compensation you could receive depends on the specifics of your case. The amount is based on how severe the disrepair is, how long it’s been a problem, and how it has affected you.
How long will it take to process my claim?
On average, most housing disrepair cases our team handles are resolved within a matter of months. We manage the entire process for you, taking the stress out of your claim.
What do I need to do?
You need to report your housing issues to your landlord in writing or by phone. If they don’t fix the repairs within a reasonable timeframe, you can contact us. We’ll either provide free advice or take action to make your landlord carry out the repairs.
The Housing Disrepair Claims Process
A Step-by-Step Guide
Making a claim can seem daunting, but following a structured process is key to a successful outcome.
1. Report the Disrepair to Your Landlord
This is the most crucial first step. You must formally notify your landlord of the issues in writing (via email or a dated letter). Be specific about the problems and how they are affecting you. This creates a clear record of your communication.
Ealing Council and housing associations often have specific online portals or contact details for reporting repairs.
2. Document Everything
Gather as much evidence as you can. This is vital for building a strong case.
- Photographs and Videos: Take clear, timestamped photos of the damage.
- Communication Records: Keep copies of all emails, letters, and a log of phone calls with your landlord.
- Medical Records: If the disrepair (such as mould) has affected your health, keep records of any doctor visits or prescriptions.
- Financial Records: Keep receipts for any damaged personal belongings or costs incurred as a direct result of the disrepair.
3. Seek Professional Legal Advice
If your landlord fails to respond or complete the repairs in a reasonable timeframe (typically 3-6 months), it is time to seek expert legal advice.
Here at Tenants Advices we have a team of specialist, experienced win housing conditions in Ealing and London and offer “No Win, No Fee” agreements.
Call our helpline on 0800 098 2791.
Get the Help You Need for Your Ealing Housing Disrepair Claim
Don’t let living in an unsafe or unhealthy home continue. By following the steps above and gathering your evidence, you can take control of your situation.
- Ready to get started? Contact a specialist housing disrepair solicitor today for a free, no-obligation consultation to assess your case.
- Do you need more information? The Ealing Law Centre and Ealing Council’s housing advice service can also provide guidance and support.
Remember, you have the right to a safe and habitable home.
Alternatively call our helpline on 0800 098 2791 or fill out our online contact form to get started.