A Family’s Struggle Against Unliveable Conditions
In a groundbreaking housing disrepair case, we secured a £16,000 settlement for our client and her five children, who endured years of severe damp, leaks, and water damage in a rental property in the South West.
Years of Ignored Complaints
Since moving into the three-bedroom home in 2019, our client persistently
reported unresolved structural issues to her landlord. Despite repeated complaints, the landlord failed to take meaningful action, only carrying out superficial repairs that did nothing to address the fundamental disrepair. Inspections would sometimes result in surface repairs, but the underlying issues remained untouched. Shockingly, a surveyor later admitted that the property had been neglected simply because it was too far from the landlord’s head office, this highlighted a pattern of neglect.
Legal Action by Clear Law
In early 2024, after years of frustration and deteriorating living conditions, our client sought our help. With her complaints documented over four years, we immediately submitted a comprehensive Letter of Claim, detailing widespread disrepair across every room.
Following this, the landlord commissioned an independent survey, which revealed shocking results—confirming that the home was unfit for human habitation. In an unprecedented statement, the surveyor described the property as “without doubt the worst he had ever encountered.”
Achieving a Groundbreaking Settlement
With undeniable evidence in hand, we leveraged the Homes (Fitness for Human
Habitation) Act 2018 to fight for justice. Our expert negotiation skills resulted in:
- £16,000 in compensation for our client
- A legally binding commitment from the landlord to complete urgent repairs.
This outcome far exceeded standard compensation in housing disrepair cases,
recognising both the physical damage and emotional distress suffered by the family.
Why This Case Matters
This victory is a major step forward for tenant rights, highlighting the power of legal intervention against negligent landlords. If you are living in unsafe or poorly maintained housing, don’t suffer in silence—our team is here to help you take action.
