How to make a housing Disrepair claim
1. Start a free claim assessment online
Initiate your housing disrepair claim by completing and submitting our online form. Our AI-powered system will analyse your information, and within 60 seconds, you'll receive an email indicating whether we can assist you. If we can, you'll be provided with a link to book a call with a solicitor specialising in housing disrepair cases. If we can't assist you, we'll provide referrals to other organisations or law firms that may be able to help.
2. A solicitor offers to act on no win no fee
Typically, for 'no win, no fee' cases, customers pay 25% of the recovered amount if their case succeeds. However, this fee can vary based on individual circumstances and the actual fee may be more or less than this. You're encouraged to consult with other solicitors who might offer different terms before signing any agreement. Be aware that terminating a signed no win no fee agreement or changing solicitors after the cooling-off period can incur a termination fee which your solicitor will explain to you before you sign the agreement. Alternatively, you can opt out of the 'no win, no fee' agreement and cover your solicitor's legal fees throughout the claim's lifecycle. If your case succeeds, you can negotiate a 0% success fee with the solicitor. But if the case is lost or abandoned, you would be responsible for the legal costs."
3. Obtained evidence and housing records
Your solicitor will request your housing records and may instruct independent experts, such as surveyors or engineers, to assess the extent of disrepair in your property. These experts will provide reports detailing any breaches of landlord obligations, substandard conditions, and resulting harm. You'll be kept informed throughout this process.
4. Demand resolution & admission of liability
Using the evidence gathered, your solicitor will draft a letter of claim to the landlord or responsible party, demanding acknowledgment of liability for the housing disrepair. They may also suggest mediation to facilitate an early resolution. In many cases, disputes are settled without the need for court intervention. If necessary, the independent experts may be called upon to provide testimony.
5. Seek interim payment to cover immediate expenses
If liability is acknowledged but the full extent of damages is not yet determined, your solicitor can request interim payments. These payments can help cover immediate expenses, such as repairs, temporary accommodation costs, and legal fees, until a final settlement is reached.
6. Negotiate & recover a full & final settlement
Your solicitor will work with you to assess the full extent of damages, including property damage, financial losses, inconvenience, and any associated legal costs. Additional experts may be consulted to ensure a comprehensive settlement figure is reached. Before finalising any settlement, your solicitor will provide a breakdown of the proposed amount and negotiate on your behalf for a fair resolution of your housing disrepair claim.
Unsure if you can pursue a housing disrepair claim?
Submit your free claim assessment and our AI claims assistant can check in as little as 60 seconds if your claim meets the acceptance criteria of our panel of housing disrepair solicitors. There is no obligation to make a claim and you are free to choose your own solicitor.