We regularly act for Landlord and Tenants in connection with property disputes and we have written this article to provide information to Tenants who may be having difficulties with their property.

Firstly, tenants should be aware that on the 20th March 2019, a new law came into force, which is the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018.

This Act was enacted to amend the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 which made it a requirement that all residential properties were provided and maintained which was in a state of fitness for the human habitation.

The 2018 act meant that this included both new and existing tenancies and that landlords were not only responsible for the structural maintenance of a property but also landlords were responsible for the safe and healthy living conditions their tenants were residing in.

Tenants that find their homes are not fit for human habitation can take their landlord to Court and the Court can order the landlord make repairs and address problems. Furthermore, tenants may also be entitled to compensation for any health conditions that have arose or been exasperated because of the conditions of their home.

The Act states that landlords are responsible for fixing a lot of problems but there are some exceptions to be aware of, such as problems caused by tenant behaviour and events like fires, storms and floods that are beyond the landlord’s control.

The first step in determining whether you are entitled to redress under the Act is to identify what the problem is and what issue this is causing. For example, problems with damp, lack of natural light, lack of ventilation, unsafe layout, or excess heat or cold.

If you are having difficulties with disrepair, speak to one of our colleagues today to see how we can assist. In some cases, we may be able to deal with this under a “No Win No Fee” agreement.