Case Overview – Living With Leaks, Damp and Mould in a Council Flat
Our client, a council tenant living in a 2-bedroom flat in Croydon, noticed a bathroom leak the very day she moved in. The property, managed by Croydon Council, soon developed damp, mould and structural cracks. Despite raising repeated complaints, she was left living in unsafe and unpleasant conditions.
This case highlights how landlord neglect can lead to serious housing disrepair — and how legal help can make all the difference.
What Happened? – Housing Disrepair Issues – 18 Months of a Leaking Bathroom Left Untreated
Due to the persistent and untreated leak from the bathroom, several issues occurred. Over a period of 18 months, our client reported:
– A persistent leak from the bathroom
– Damp and mould affecting the bathroom, bedrooms, and living room
– Cracks in the external walls, raising concerns about subsidence
Despite these multiple reports, the landlord of the property, managed by Croydon Council, failed to investigate or carry out the necessary repairs.
Eventually, the tenant reached out to our expert team at MJV Solicitors, specialists in housing disrepair claims for council and housing association tenants.
How the Disrepair Affected Our Client’s Life
As a result of the council’s inaction, the disrepair had a profound impact on the tenant’s day-to-day wellbeing:
– Her flat had a strong damp odour and visible mould patches
– Her furniture was ruined, particularly in her bedroom
– She felt ashamed and embarrassed to invite anyone over
Sadly, these are common experiences for many council and housing association tenants who face disrepair when their landlord fails to act.
How MJV Solicitors Helped
After seeing one of our online housing disrepair awareness posts, the tenant contacted us for help. Our team took fast, practical steps:
Step 1: Independent Surveyor’s Inspection
We instructed an independent expert surveyor to inspect the flat.
Step 2: Issued the Letter of Claim
We issued a formal Letter of Claim to Croydon Council.
Step 3: Obtained a Default Judgment
The landlord failed to respond to the claim, so we obtained a default judgment in court.
Step 4: The Outcome – The Court Order
As a result of our action, the court ordered:
- The landlord to carry out all the repairs recommended by the expert surveyor
- A total of £14,317.62 in compensation for our client
This judgment included general damages for loss of amenity and special damages for ruined belongings.
The Case Continues – Ongoing Legal Support
Unfortunately, even after the judgment, the council failed to carry out the required works. We are now pursuing an injunction to compel repairs, continuing to act in our client’s best interests until her home is safe and fit to live in.
At MJV Solicitors, we don’t just stop at winning compensation — we fight to ensure your landlord fulfils their legal duty.
Are You a Council or Housing Association Tenant Living in Poor Conditions?
If you’re struggling with damp, mould, leaks, or other disrepair issues, you may be entitled to compensation — and to have your home repaired.
We can help you:
- Get expert evidence
- Make a successful claim
- Ensure your landlord carries out repairs
- Claim 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.
Read about some of our other successful disrepair claims, and how we helped:
