A Dummies Guide to the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and Housing Disrepair Claims
Understanding your rights as a tenant can be tricky. One crucial piece of legislation that every tenant should know is the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018. This law empowers tenants to make housing disrepair claims if their landlords fail to keep their properties in a liveable condition. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the Act and your rights.
What is the Homes Act 2018?
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 is a UK law that requires landlords to ensure their properties are suitable for people to live in, in terms of condition and safety.This means if the property isn’t up to standard, tenants have the right to take legal action – these are called housing disrepair claims.
Here are some issues that could make a property unfit, and for which a tenant might make a housing disrepair claim:
- Structural issues: These could include a faulty roof, unstable walls, or serious cracks that pose a danger to occupants.
- Structural issues: These could include a faulty roof, unstable walls, or serious cracks that pose a danger to occupants.
- Damp and mould: Persistent damp, mould growth, or poor ventilation can impact health and make a property unfit.
- Damp and mould: Persistent damp, mould growth, or poor ventilation can impact health and make a property unfit.
- Unstable or faulty stairs: If the stairs are unstable or have inadequate handrails, it poses a safety risk.
- Unstable or faulty stairs: If the stairs are unstable or have inadequate handrails, it poses a safety risk.
- Infestations: Problems with pests or vermin such as rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, or other pests can render a home unfit for habitation.
- Infestations: Problems with pests or vermin such as rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, or other pests can render a home unfit for habitation.
- Unsafe or inadequate heating: Landlords must ensure that properties have sufficient heating. If the heating system is unsafe or there isn’t adequate insulation, it can be a valid claim issue.
- Unsafe or inadequate heating: Landlords must ensure that properties have sufficient heating. If the heating system is unsafe or there isn’t adequate insulation, it can be a valid claim issue.
- Plumbing issues: These could include inadequate sanitation facilities, problems with the water supply, or drainage issues.
- Plumbing issues: These could include inadequate sanitation facilities, problems with the water supply, or drainage issues.
- Electrical problems: If the property has unsafe or inadequate electricity supply, it can be deemed unfit.
- Electrical problems: If the property has unsafe or inadequate electricity supply, it can be deemed unfit.
- Natural light and ventilation issues: If the property has insufficient natural light or ventilation, it could be considered unfit.
- Natural light and ventilation issues: If the property has insufficient natural light or ventilation, it could be considered unfit.
- Fire safety issues: This could include lack of smoke alarms, fire doors, or fire escape routes.
- Fire safety issues: This could include lack of smoke alarms, fire doors, or fire escape routes.
- Asbestos or lead paint: The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint can render a property unfit for habitation.
- Asbestos or lead paint: The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint can render a property unfit for habitation.
This list is not exhaustive, and any serious issue that affects a tenant’s health or safety could potentially be grounds for a claim under the Act. Always consult with a legal expert or advisory service if you believe your home may be unfit for habitation.
Free for social housing residents
Housing Disrepair Claims: Your New Best Friend
How to Make a Housing Disrepair Claim
If you find yourself living in a property that’s not fit for habitation, you can use the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 to make a housing disrepair claim. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
1. Document the Issue
Take photos or videos of the disrepair and publish on the Bimdl Golden Thread for your home. Include details of the issues and how they affect you.
2. Report to Your Landlord
Inform your landlord about the issues by publishing in the Property Krowd platform. All activity is held against the properties Local intelligence thread and as a result asset owners are notified when issues are logged.
3. Seek Legal Advise
If your landlord fails to act, contact a legal expert. They can guide you on how to make a housing disrepair claim. You can use the Bimdl asset thread to demonstrate you have clearly communicated the issue and have notified the landlord. As a result claims can be lodged pre-qualified and compliantly from the start.
Holding Landlords Accountable
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 is a powerful tool for tenants. By making housing disrepair claims, tenants can hold landlords accountable for their responsibilities. Remember, everyone has the right to a safe and habitable home. Use this Act to ensure your landlord respects that right.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights
Understanding the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 and the process of making housing disrepair claims is crucial for all tenants. Knowing your rights can ensure you live in a safe and habitable environment. Remember, if you ever face a situation where these rights are compromised, don’t hesitate to take action. Let’s work together for better and safer housing for everyone!
