A Practical Guide to Housing Disrepair Claims

Introduction

In 2008, the ONS published figures suggesting that 12.3% of all tenanted households in the UK were in a state of serious disrepair. Nearly ten years on and with no end to the housing crisis in sight, tenants perhaps more than ever find themselves pressured into living in squalid conditions, often not knowing they have a right to live in a safe and suitable home.

Whether it's an infestation of vermin, a leaky pipe or a mouldy wall, this course will provide an overview of the legal framework in place in the area of disrepair.

Whether representing tenants or advising landlords as to how they can discharge their obligations under the law, this course will provide a foundation for all legal practitioners advising on housing disrepair.

What You Will Learn

This course will cover the following:

• What are the landlord's obligations in tort, statute and contract?
• What is disrepair?
• Funding Issues: Legal aid and conditional fee agreements
• What to look out for in the initial interview with a client?
• How to write a letter of claim
• Instructing an expert
• Obtaining a lay witness statement
• Issuing proceedings
• Which track?
• Case management
• Damages - how to value a claim
• Other remedies?
• Enforcement