Living with Disrepair in a Council Property
Our client, a mother living with her two adult children, had spent years trying to get Newham Council to fix a serious leak under the kitchen sink in their 3-bedroom end-of-terrace house in East London. Despite repeated complaints over a three-year period, the council failed to take action.
This case highlights how council neglect can turn a family home into an unsafe and unhygienic environment — and how legal help can make all the difference.
What Went Wrong?
The Disrepair: 3 Years of a Leaking Kitchen Left Untreated
As a result of the council’s inaction:
– Damp and mould spread throughout the kitchen
– The kitchen floor, cabinets and décor were water-damaged
– A fly infestation developed, making the kitchen unfit for food preparation
– The hob was water-damaged and unsafe to use
– A strong smell of damp affected the entire ground floor
How the Disrepair Affected Our Client’s Life
– They could not use the kitchen safely for cooking or eating
– The smell of damp and mould made the home unpleasant to live in
– The damaged hob created a real fire and electrical safety risk
– The fly infestation created health and hygiene concerns
– The client reported increased stress and anxiety, feeling ignored and neglected by the landlord
How MJV Solicitors Helped
The tenant found MJV Solicitors after seeing one of our housing disrepair posts on social media.
We immediately took action to protect the tenant’s rights and hold Newham Council accountable.
Step 1: Independent Surveyor’s Inspection
We arranged for a qualified independent housing surveyor to visit the property. Their report documented:
– Clear signs of long-term water ingress
– Penetrating damp and mould
– Breaches of the landlord’s obligations under Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985
– Evidence that the property was unfit for human habitation under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018
Step 2: Letter of Claim
Using the evidence from the surveyor’s report and our client’s history of complaints, we issued a formal Letter of Claim to Newham Council. This triggered serious engagement from the landlord’s legal department, who quickly began negotiating.
Step 3: Settlement and Resolution
We successfully reached an agreement without going to court, saving the tenant time and stress.
The Outcome – Compensation Awarded and Repairs Completed
- £8,675 in compensation awarded to the tenant
- The landlord agreed to complete all repairs within 90 days
- The kitchen was made safe, dry, and usable again
- The tenant can now enjoy her home without stress or fear
What This Case Proves – Key Takeaways for Council or Housing Association Tenants
– You do not have to accept poor housing conditions
– Councils and housing associations have legal obligations to carry out repairs
– With expert legal help, you can get repairs done and claim the compensation you’re owed
Are You Living with Disrepair in a Council or Housing Association Property?
If your rented property suffers from damp, mould, leaks, unsafe conditions, or disrepair, you may be entitled to:
– Repairs to your property
– Financial compensation (often several thousand pounds)
– Legal protection at no upfront cost
We handle everything on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Get in Touch Now for a Free Case Assessment
- Call us on 01253 858231
- Message us on WhatsApp or Facebook
- Visit our website for more information about how to start your claim for Housing Disrepair
