Newham Council liable for housing disrepair and failure to carry out repairs

Background

Mr T took steps to instruct Irvings Law and commence a housing disrepair claim in August 2022, with the main concern for the client being defective windows leading to water leaking into the property every time it rained.

After proceedings were issued, the case settled in the sum of £1,500.00 plus all repair works (as per the standard of our surveyor) to be completed within 56 days.

Representation

Unfortunately, upon expiry of the 56 day period, nobody had contacted the client, nor had any repair works been carried out. As such, we took steps to begin enforcement proceedings to compel the Landlord, Newham Council, to complete the works as agreed.  

During this time, the issues in the property got worse. Due to the breach of agreement, Mr T was awarded an additional £500.00 compensation plus an agreement for the works to be completed in a further 56 days.

Again, after the expiry of the additional 56 days, a number of the repairs had still not been carried out by the council. Proceedings were again issued against the Landlord to enforce the terms of the agreement once more, and a hearing was listed. Due to the condition of the property deteriorating, we instructed an expert surveyor to re-attend the property and provide a new report. The client was granted an additional £800.00 compensation in addition to an order for all outstanding repairs to be carried out within a further 56 days.  

Upon expiry of the additional 56 days provided, the windows were still allowing water to seep into the bedrooms.

Resolution

Newham Council was immediately informed of the additional breach, and liability was immediately admitted with the Landlord choosing to settle the claim for an additional £800.00 compensation plus all works to be completed by 25 July 2024.

It is becoming increasingly common for Landlords – particularly London Landlords – to fail to carry out repair works as per the agreed terms, but we are ready to take swift enforcement action as needed to ensure that all repairs are completed as well as providing additional compensation for the distress caused by the Landlord’s failures.’