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Housing Disrepair Advice in Newcastle
Speak to Our Newcastle Housing Disrepair Team 0800 098 2791
Last year, Tenants Advice helpline supported thousands of households with housing disrepair issues.
Don’t let poor housing conditions in Newcastle affect your health or wellbeing. Whether you’re renting from the council, a housing association, or a private landlord, you have the right to live in a safe, habitable home. Our experts can help you claim compensation and get repairs done quickly.
Your Rights as a Tenant in Newcastle
Your rights as a tenant are established by UK law, which places clear responsibilities on landlords to maintain their properties. These rights are primarily upheld through two major 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
Introduced to strengthen tenant rights, the landmark legislation ensures that all rented homes are safe, healthy, and free from serious hazards. If your landlord fails to address an issue that makes your property unfit to live in, you have the right to take legal action.
Newcastle tenants can report housing disrepair issues directly to Newcastle City Council’s Environmental Health department for investigation.
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Common Disrepair Issues In Newcastle Housing
In Newcastle, tenants frequently face issues due to the city’s older housing stock and cold, damp climate. Common disrepair problems include:
Damp and Mould
A widespread issue across older terraced and council housing.
Roof and Water Leaks
Often reported in multi-storey flats and converted buildings.
Heating and Boiler Faults
Critical during Newcastle’s cold winters.
Electrical Hazards
Unsafe wiring or exposed electrics in ageing properties.
Structural Problems
Cracks, damaged windows, or broken fixtures.
Understanding Housing Disrepair in Newcastle
Newcastle has one of the largest social housing stocks in the North East. Reports have shown persistent issues such as damp, mould, leaks, and heating problems in both council and housing association properties.
Newcastle City Council has faced increasing numbers of disrepair complaints in recent years, highlighting the importance of tenants knowing their rights and taking action.
Housing Associations in Newcastle
In addition to Newcastle City Council, many housing associations operate in the borough. It is essential to identify if your property is managed by an organisation, 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 Your Newcastle Housing Disrepair Claims?
Choosing the right legal 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 Newcastle.
Local Knowledge & Expertise
Our team has extensive experience handling housing disrepair cases across Newcastle and the wider Tyne and Wear area, including properties managed by Your Homes Newcastle and Karbon Homes.
Proven Track Record
We’ve helped tenants across the North East secure compensation and essential repairs from negligent landlords.
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.
Proactive 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.
Check Our Some Of Our Recent Successes!
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 Newcastle
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. Newcastle City 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 Newcastle and offer “No Win, No Fee” agreements.
Call our helpline on 0800 098 2791.
Get the Help You Need for Your Newcastle 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? Newcastle City 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.