Housing Disrepair Claim for Structural Damage
William FordTable of Contents
Our solicitors successfully represented a client in a disrepair claim against a landlord involving structural damage and severe damp in her Housing Association property. The case highlighted significant failures by the landlord, resulting in prolonged uncertainty for the tenant.
Damp Housing Association property
The client was a tenant of a one-bedroom Housing Association property that was severely affected by damp, particularly in the bathroom, living room, and kitchen. The main cause of the disrepair was water entering the property through a rotten rear garden door and damaged window, further exacerbated by a buddleia plant growing within the brickwork of the rear garden wall. This plant had caused considerable structural damage, with the external wall requiring a full rebuild to resolve the issue.
At the time the client instructed Osbornes Law, she had been living in temporary accommodation for six months while waiting for the housing association to address the structural damage. Despite this, the housing association had failed to provide any clear information regarding when, or if, the client could return to her home, leaving her in a state of ongoing uncertainty.
Lack of communication from landlord
Frustrated by the lack of communication and the prolonged nature of her displacement, the client sought legal assistance from Osbornes Law. Our solicitors acted swiftly, sending a Letter Before Action to the Housing Association and demanding clarity on the situation and suitable permanent accommodation for the client.
Given the extent of the disrepair and the time the client had already spent in temporary accommodation, Osbornes Law prioritised resolving the case as quickly as possible to avoid any further distress or uncertainty.
Landlord agreed to pay £5,000 in compensation
As a result of our intervention, the client was permanently decanted to alternative accommodation, bringing much-needed stability to her housing situation. In addition, her landlord agreed to pay £5,000 in compensation for the disrepair the client endured while living in the property before being decanted.
Osbornes Law Solicitor commented
“We worked swiftly to ensure that our client’s case was concluded as soon as possible and to avoid any further uncertainty regarding her housing situation. It was troubling for our client, who did not know how long she would be in temporary accommodation or where she would live long term,” – Osbornes Law Solicitor
Are you experiencing housing disrepair issues?
If you are experiencing housing disrepair and need legal assistance, Osbornes Law can help. Our experienced housing solicitors have a proven track record of holding landlords accountable and ensuring tenants receive the compensation they deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
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Modern practice headed by Will Ford who has developed an excellent team. Able to take on the most difficult cases at short notice and prepare excellent electronic paperwork for the courts.
William Ford is the best housing and public law solicitor of his generation.
Will Ford is a stand-out expert and is incredibly dedicated to the field.
There are some incredibly committed and knowledgeable lawyers, such as Will Ford.
Will is involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work and brings the same focus and dedication to both
Will Ford is a highly respected practitioner who has an encyclopaedic knowledge of housing law. He is extremely intelligent and very hard-working.
Will Ford is hands down one of the best housing lawyers out there. Clever, pragmatic, good with clients, reasonable with opponents, incredibly knowledgeable and, as a result, extremely effective
Ford is particularly notable in community care matters and its crossover with housing law, an area which is a growing specialism for the team.
The social housing team at Osbornes is led by William Ford, a ‘standout‘ expert in all aspects of social housing who is ‘involved in cutting-edge cases in the higher courts as well as invaluable frontline work'
William Ford is experienced in representing tenants in disrepair and possession claims, as well as homelessness appeals and judicial reviews concerning allocation of housing.
"Will Ford is a test case lawyer whose practice spans Social Housing and Welfare issues, his breadth of knowledge in both fields in invaluable to those working in his team."
"Osbornes’ team have grown in size and stature under the excellent leadership of Will Ford."
"Will Ford stands out as an exceptional and highly regarded lawyer in the field."
"The lawyer that was helping me with my case was William Ford was simply amazing – if a partner shows all these qualities, this must, I’m sure, filter down to the rest of the employees due to the example set."
"Will Ford recently took over a case from a departing colleague and was immediately on top of all the issues in a fact-heavy case; he is always available to speak to and in a case against a hard-to-manage litigant in person he was excellent."
'First-class lawyer' William Ford is 'completely dedicated to making a positive difference', and is acting in cases challenging the 'bedroom tax'.