Living in a property plagued by damp and mould is not only uncomfortable but can also lead to serious health issues. If you’re a tenant under a housing association or council authority, you have the right to a safe and habitable home. If your landlord has failed to address damp and mould issues despite being notified, you could be entitled to compensation. This blog post will explore how much compensation you might be able to claim for damp and mould and why it’s important to seek legal advice from experienced housing disrepair lawyers.
Calculate Claim For Damp & Mould
Understanding Damp and Mould Claims
Damp and mould in your home can stem from various causes, such as leaks, poor insulation, or faulty ventilation systems. If these problems are not resolved by your landlord in a reasonable timeframe after you’ve reported them, they could be liable for compensation. This is particularly relevant for tenants living in council or housing association properties, where landlords are legally obligated to maintain the property in a safe and habitable condition.
If you’re living in a property with damp and mould issues, you may be able to claim compensation for the following:
- Personal injury: Damp and mould can trigger or exacerbate respiratory conditions, such as asthma or bronchitis. If you’ve experienced any health issues as a direct result of the property’s condition, you could claim for personal injury.
- Damage to personal belongings: Mould can destroy your furniture, clothing, and other belongings. Compensation may cover the cost of replacing or repairing these items.
- Inconvenience: Living in a home with persistent damp and mould is uncomfortable and stressful. Compensation can account for the disruption this has caused to your daily life.
- Housing disrepair: A general claim for the landlord’s failure to maintain the property adequately could also be made.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The amount of compensation you can claim for damp and mould will vary depending on the severity of the issue, its impact on your health, and the damage to your personal belongings. Compensation is typically calculated based on:
- The severity of the disrepair: If the damp and mould are widespread and significantly affect your living conditions, your compensation could be higher. Minor mould issues in one room will likely result in a smaller payout than more extensive damp problems throughout the home.
- Duration of the problem: The longer you’ve been living with damp and mould, the more compensation you could be entitled to. If the issue has persisted for months or even years without being resolved, you may be able to claim a higher amount.
- Health impact: If your health has been directly affected by the damp and mould, you may be able to claim for the costs of medical treatment or any time off work you’ve had to take.
- Damage to property: If you’ve had to replace furniture, clothing, or other personal items because of the mould, you should be compensated for these expenses.
As a rough guide, compensation claims for damp and mould can range from 25% to 50% of the rent of the property but get in touch with us and we can calculate a more accurate claim amount.
How to Make a Claim
To start a compensation claim for damp and mould, you’ll need to:
- Notify your landlord: Ensure you have informed your housing association or council landlord of the problem. You should give them reasonable time to fix the issue before pursuing a claim.
- Document the issue: Take photographs of the damp and mould and keep records of all communication with your landlord. It’s also helpful to keep a log of any health issues or damage to your belongings caused by the damp.
- Get a medical report: If you’ve suffered from health problems related to the damp and mould, ensure you get a medical report detailing your symptoms and their likely cause.
- Seek legal advice: Housing disrepair claims can be complex, so it’s essential to get professional legal advice from a solicitor who specializes in this area.
Why Greenbank Lawyers Can Help
At Greenbank Lawyers, we understand the stress and discomfort that damp and mould can cause. We have extensive experience in handling housing disrepair claims and will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve. Our team of experts will handle all communication with your landlord, gather the necessary evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
If you’re suffering from damp and mould in your housing association or council property, don’t wait any longer. Contact Greenbank Lawyers today for a free consultation by calling 01254 924811, and let us help you secure the compensation you’re entitled to. Your home should be a place of comfort, not a cause of stress and ill health—take action now.