Housing Disrepair Claim for Disabled Tenant

William Ford

Background to the Case

Osbornes Law were instructed by a disabled tenant who had been decanted from her temporary accommodation for over 3 years whilst the council attempted to do the repairs. The repairs which were originally supposed to take a few months were delayed and delayed and delayed and the client was left in a state of limbo and distress. The client had specific needs due to her disability making the displacement even more difficult. Despite numerous requests for updates and action the council failed to provide any timelines or solutions and made the client’s situation even harder.

The temporary accommodation was in severe disrepair including issues that made the property uninhabitable such as structural damage, faulty plumbing and no safe access for someone with disabilities. The prolonged nature of the repairs meant the tenant could not return to her home and the temporary accommodation was not suitable for her needs. This caused physical and emotional distress and impacted her quality of life and her health.

Osbornes takes action

Osbornes brought a housing disrepair claim against the council due to the severity of the disrepair and the unreasonable delay in doing the works. Despite numerous attempts to resolve the matter outside of court the council failed to provide any adequate responses or expedite the repairs. Osbornes took action to hold the council to account for their failure to provide suitable accommodation and to protect the tenant’s rights.

The displacement caused not only significant disruption to the client’s life but also a serious breach of the council’s duty to provide habitable accommodation especially for disabled tenants. Osbornes Law’s team ensured the client’s case was fully prepared and pursued to get justice for the hardship she suffered.

£36,000 Compensation

After lengthy negotiations and legal proceedings counsel have advised that the general damages for the client’s suffering, distress and inconvenience are in the region of £36,000. This is for the severity of the disrepair, the length of time the tenant was decanted and the impact on her health and wellbeing due to her disability. The result is a significant recognition of the council’s failure and the client’s hardship.

Are suffering from housing disrepair?

If you are suffering from disrepair and your landlord has not taken steps to resolve the issues, the housing team at Osbornes can assist you. Depending on your circumstances and we can ensure repairs are undertaken, you are re-housed and you are compensated for any damages.

Contact our specialist team of housing disrepair lawyers by calling us or fill in online enquiry form and we will call you back.