Housing Repair Advice Service

Are you having problems with getting your landlord to carry out repairs in your rented home? Do you have:

  • no hot water
  • no heating
  • a boiler or a thermostat that's not working well
  • a radiator that is leaking
  • a hole in the roof
  • windows or doors that do not securely shut
  • draughty windows or doors
  • rising damp
  • windows or doors that cannot open that could hinder your escape route from fire
  • no doors within the house
  • defective/dangerous electrical sockets or switchers
  • damp and mould that can't be fixed by good ventilation and are caused by structural problems

You are responsible for any damage you or your family cause in your home. But your landlord should fix structural problems and wear and tear in the property.

But sometimes it can be hard getting your landlord to take action without more help.

What should I do if I have a disrepair issue in my home?

  1. Report the issue to your landlord
  2. Keep a record of your communication with your landlord and the problem, take photos if you can and keep a doctors note if your health is affected
  3. Speaking to your landlord again and request a repair with your letting agent. Make a complaint to them if there is an unreasonable delay.
  4. If this is unsuccessful please call our team on 0800 707 6990 or email DLC@DerbyshireLawCentre.org.uk

Reporting your landlord to the council 

If there is an unreasonable delay in fixing the repair or your landlord doesn't respond you can speak to your council's Private Renting or Housing teams. They can arrange an inspection from environmental health.

You do not have to tell your landlord you are reporting them to the council.

What is a revenge eviction?

A revenge eviction is when a private landlord evicts a tenant who asks for repairs or complains about bad housing conditions.

Your landlord cannot issue you with a Section 21 notice or a Section 8 notice if they have issued an improvement notice or emergency works notice to the Landlord. The council must give you a copy of this.

Am I entitled to compensation?

Sometimes if the disrepair has caused damage in your home or to your possessions you may receive compensation. However the main aim of all of the work that we do is to repair your home so you have a safe place to live.

Some companies will offer you large compensation packages for reporting your disrepair if your landlord is a council or housing authority. Please be careful when signing up to a no-win, no-fee provider, we can always offer free advice before you sign up to make sure this is the best option for you.

Our housing repair support service is always free. We do not take a fee, even if there is compensation. We work with landlords to resolve issues early, avoid costly court fees and make sure your home gets fixed.

Speak to our Housing Unit 

The Housing Repair Support Service is being led by one of our Solicitors with support from internal paralegals and the Housing Unit. It is only available for residents in Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire, if you live out of these areas please call us and we may be able to signpost you to other organisations that can help.

This advice service is kindly funded by Bolsover District Council, Chesterfield Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council. This service is impartial and confidential.

     

 

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