Housing Disrepair Claim in Notting Hill

William Ford

Successful settlement of Housing Disrepair Claim

William Ford, a partner in Osbornes Law’s Housing and Social Care Department, has successfully settled a significant housing disrepair claim for a tenant of Notting Hill Genesis. The case involved multiple severe disrepair issues that persisted for years, despite repeated complaints from the tenant.

Background to the case

The client began her tenancy with Notting Hill Genesis in May 2012. This tenancy was provided as part of a housing duty accepted by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. At £460 per week, the rent was substantial, yet shortly after moving in, the tenant began experiencing serious problems with the property. The key issues included:

• Lack of hot water and heating
• Persistent draughts
• Water ingress, leading to damp conditions

Despite repeatedly notifying the landlord of these problems, they failed to take meaningful action. Over time, the disrepair worsened, leaving the client in an increasingly uninhabitable home. The lack of basic heating and hot water, combined with damp and water ingress, significantly impacted her quality of life.

Osbornes Law’s intervention

Frustrated by the landlord’s inaction, the client sought legal help from Osbornes Law. William Ford and his team acted swiftly, sending a formal Letter Before Action to the landlord, outlining the disrepair issues and the urgent need for resolution.

Given the severity of the situation, Osbornes Law was able to assist the client in securing permanent alternative accommodation in December 2018. This move provided some relief to the tenant, although the disrepair at the original property had still not been fully addressed by the time she relocated.

Challenge to the initial compensation offer

Acknowledging their liability, the landlord initially offered £5,000 in compensation for the years of disrepair. However, Osbornes Law deemed this amount wholly inadequate given the extent of the disrepair and the prolonged period of suffering endured by the tenant.

William Ford and his team argued that the compensation should be significantly higher to reflect the true impact of the conditions on the client’s living situation and well-being.

Final settlement of £45,00 achieved

Through persistent negotiation, Osbornes Law successfully secured a settlement of £45,000 in damages. Additionally, the landlord agreed to cover all of the client’s legal costs. This outcome represents a substantial victory for the client, compensating her for the hardship she endured and holding the landlord accountable for their failure to address the disrepair in a timely manner.

Housing disrepair expertise

The client was expertly represented by William Ford, a partner in Osbornes Law’s Housing and Social Care Department. William’s extensive experience in housing disrepair claims ensured that the client received fair compensation and appropriate legal representation throughout the process.

Are facing issues with housing disrepair?

If you are facing issues with housing disrepair, contact Osbornes Law today. Our experienced team can help you hold your landlord accountable and secure the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us for a free consultation to discuss your case.