Housing Disrepair Claim: A Case Study
For several years, a family living in a rented three-bedroom house suffered with extensive damp, black mould, draughty windows and defective flooring. Despite repeatedly reporting the issues and allowing multiple inspections, the problems were left unresolved. By the time they instructed us, they had been living in deteriorating conditions for well over two years.
After we took the case on, matters progressed quickly. We secured an expert inspection, proved the landlord’s failures, and ultimately achieved a settlement of £10,500, together with a court-ordered programme of repairs.
The Disrepair Issue — What Happened?
Long-Standing Problems
The family first began reporting damp and mould in mid-2019. What started as patches in the bathroom and hallway soon spread throughout the home. Mould developed in the kitchen, on the landing and across bedroom walls. The floorboards began lifting due to moisture, and the windows developed internal condensation between the panes, making the rooms cold and uncomfortable.
They contacted the landlord repeatedly, and although a dehumidifier was eventually supplied, it did nothing to address the underlying causes. Several appointments were missed, promised works were not carried out, and the occupants were left living with worsening damp, unusable sockets, musty smells and constant cleaning demands.
For related information, please read: ‘How Does Housing Disrepair Affect Your Health and What Can You Do?’.
How We Took Control – Expert Evidence Obtained
Eventually, the family reached out to our expert team at MJV Solicitors, specialists in housing disrepair claims. Our team immediately set about establishing the full extent of the issues.
An independent expert survey confirmed widespread mould linked to inadequate ventilation and uninsulated areas of the property. Moisture readings across multiple rooms were high, and the expert identified numerous failures requiring repair.
We compiled a complete history of the reports, landlord attendances and the family’s attempts to have the issues addressed. This evidence established that the landlord had long been on notice and had failed to act reasonably.
We advanced the claim robustly and pushed for a full resolution.
The landlord initially defended the claim, but the strength of the evidence left little room for dispute
Achieving a Strong Settlement – How MJV Solicitors Helped
As proceedings progressed, negotiations resulted in a binding settlement. The settlement included:
- £10,500 in compensation to the family; and
- A court order requiring the landlord to complete all necessary repairs within strict timeframes, including:
- fixing the flooring
- replacing or repairing defective windows
- addressing mould-affected areas
- repairing damaged plaster
This outcome brought closure to a drawn-out situation, ensuring the family would finally live in a safe, healthy and properly maintained home.
Important Outcomes of the Case
This case shows exactly why tenants choose our firm. We act quickly, we gather the right evidence, and we hold landlords to account. There is no delay, no complication and no unnecessary back-and-forth. We focus on results, getting repairs done and securing compensation for the disruption clients have endured.
MJV Solicitors regularly act for tenants across England in housing disrepair claims involving damp, mould, water ingress, structural defects and failures to repair.
Need Help with Housing Disrepair?
You may be eligible for compensation, and we’re here to help. Our housing disrepair solicitors act for tenants across England and can help you:
- Get expert evidence
- Make a successful claim
- Ensure your landlord carries out repairs
- Claim on a no-win, no-fee basis
For related information, read: ‘How to Gather Evidence for a Housing Disrepair Claim’ and ‘What Makes a Property Unfit for Human Habitation?’
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
Read about some of our other successful disrepair claims, and how we helped:
- Leaseholder Wins £7,900 Compensation for Damp and Water Ingress Caused by Freeholder’s failure to Repair
- Tenants Win £8,000 Compensation for Damp, Mould and Excess Cold After Years of Landlord Neglect
- Croydon Tenant Wins £12,500+ for Severe Damp and Mould in Council Flat
- Leaseholder Wins £16,800 Compensation Over Damp, Leaks, and Failed Repairs
- Leaks, Damp and Mould in Council Flat: How We Helped a Croydon Tenant Claim Over £14,000
