Claims for Disrepair

Whether you are a Registered Social Landlord or a private landlord, you are vulnerable to claims for disrepair. These are brought by tenants who believe their landlord has failed in some aspect of responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the property.

Disrepair claims can often be settled without the need for proceedings.  However, it is important to do two things when you receive notification of any disrepair from your tenant:

• You should acknowledge the notification and arrange for the property to be inspected to establish whether there is indeed work that needs doing.  There is a specific Pre-Action Protocol which landlords and tenants are required to follow before proceedings for disrepair can be brought.  It is worth making yourself familiar with this.  Details can be found on Her Majesty's Court Service Website:
• You should consult a Solicitor -  if you bury your head in the sand, your tenant may end up with Judgment against you for a substantial sum, together with costs.

At Wright Hassall, we have extensive experience of disrepair claims, usually representing landlords, whether they are private landlords or RSLs.  We are experienced in negotiating and will do our utmost on your behalf to avoid costly litigation.