On inspection, a chartered surveyor with Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors membership will inspect the property internally and externally, and each item of disrepair is then individually assessed.

In this latest blog, we’ll discuss what exactly housing disrepair is and how property damage is classed as such.

What is Housing Disrepair?

In the simplest terms, housing disrepair refers to any internal or external damage that makes living conditions unsafe for human habitation.

At the point these damages are reported to your landlord or housing association, if steps are not taken to make repairs to the property in a reasonable time, a tenant may then have a housing disrepair claim.

It is advised that a tenant then collects evidence of any housing disrepair and monitors the ongoing condition of said areas of disrepair.

When you choose to use MLA for your client’s housing disrepair claim, an opinion along with a detailed Part 35 expert report on the items of alleged disrepair, which are attributable to a breach of the tenancy agreement, will be provided on each item of disrepair with regards to causation together with photographs.

A detailed response to each, including associated costs, will also be set out in a Scott Schedule.

How is Property Damage classed as Housing Disrepair?

There are many property damages, both internal and external, that can be classed as housing disrepair – the most common examples are:

Internal –

• Gas, water or electrical supply issues;
• Boiler breakdown or heating problems;
• Damage to living facilities such as a faulty bath, shower, sink or toilet;
• Dangerous flooring or staircase;
• Areas of mould and/or damp issues

External –

• Brickwork damage that could lead to damp or water leakage;
• Rodent/pest infestation;
• Gutter damage or blockage issues;
• Drainage or downpipe problems

How MLA can help

By getting your client in touch with our Expert Panel, we can ensure they get the best possible service for their housing disrepair claim.

Get in touch today by calling 03330 150 213 or enquire online here: https://www.mla-ltd.co.uk/contact-us