If you’re a tenant in Council or Housing Association housing and dealing with persistent issues like mold, broken heating, or leaking pipes, you have legal rights to seek repairs and compensation for the impact on your living conditions. But with concerns about legal costs, many tenants feel hesitant to make a claim. This is where a “No Win, No Fee” arrangement can help by allowing you to pursue a housing disrepair claim without paying upfront legal fees. At Greenbank Lawyers, we specialize in helping Council and Housing Association tenants understand their rights and navigate housing disrepair claims with no financial risk.
Who Can Make a “No Win, No Fee” Housing Disrepair Claim?
This process applies specifically to tenants of Council housing and Housing Associations. If you live in a property owned by a private landlord, this particular type of claim and funding arrangement typically does not apply. Council and Housing Association tenants have specific legal protections that require landlords to keep their properties in a habitable condition, ensuring they’re free from hazards that can harm the tenants’ health or quality of life.
If you’re living in Council or Housing Association property and your landlord has neglected essential repairs after being notified, you may be eligible to make a “No Win, No Fee” housing disrepair claim.
What Does “No Win, No Fee” Mean?
A “No Win, No Fee” agreement—also called a Conditional Fee Agreement—lets you pursue a legal claim without having to pay any upfront legal costs. If your case is unsuccessful, you don’t owe any legal fees, meaning there’s no financial risk for you. In the event of a successful claim, a portion of the compensation awarded is allocated to cover the lawyer’s fees, which we clarify from the outset. This arrangement provides Council and Housing Association tenants the chance to seek justice without the financial burden.
The “No Win” Part: Risk-Free Access to Legal Support
The “No Win” part of this agreement simply means that if your case is not successful, you won’t have to pay any legal fees. At Greenbank Lawyers, we understand that tenants might hesitate to pursue legal action due to financial concerns, so we work to provide risk-free access to legal support.
Keep in mind, though, that some court or administrative fees may still apply, but these are rare and often covered by insurance or absorbed by the firm. We’ll make sure to go over any possible costs during your initial consultation, so you have a clear understanding before proceeding.
The “No Fee” Part: No Upfront Costs
The “No Fee” part means there are no upfront legal costs. Greenbank Lawyers take on the financial risk, allowing Council and Housing Association tenants to pursue housing disrepair claims without worrying about initial fees. Instead, the legal fees are usually taken as a percentage of your compensation if you win the case. This way, tenants don’t have to compromise their living conditions due to financial limitations.
How the Process Works
Initial Consultation: When you reach out to us, we’ll assess your situation to confirm that you have a valid housing disrepair claim. This initial consultation is free, and we’ll discuss your options and address any questions or concerns about potential costs.
Agreement and Case Preparation: If you choose to proceed, we’ll establish a “No Win, No Fee” agreement. From there, we gather evidence—such as photos, records of complaints to your landlord, and medical records (if applicable)—to support your case.
Legal Proceedings: We handle the entire claims process, from filing your case to negotiating with your landlord’s legal team. In many cases, Council and Housing Association landlords settle these cases out of court, but we will represent you in court if needed.
Outcome: If we’re successful, you’ll receive compensation and/or an order for your landlord to carry out repairs. The agreed-upon legal fee is then deducted from your compensation. If the case isn’t successful, you won’t owe any legal fees.
Benefits of “No Win, No Fee” for Council and Housing Association Tenants
- No Upfront Costs: Start your case without paying anything out of pocket.
- Access to Justice: Pursue fair treatment and safe living conditions without financial risk.
- Motivated Legal Representation: Our success is tied to yours, so we’re fully committed to getting you the best possible outcome.
- Improved Living Conditions: Ultimately, a successful claim can mean essential repairs to your home, ensuring a safer and healthier environment.
Important Notes for Tenants
The “No Win, No Fee” arrangement is available specifically to Council and Housing Association tenants. Private tenants usually need to pursue other legal pathways, as these funding arrangements are not typically available in claims against private landlords. However, if you’re a Council or Housing Association tenant, this arrangement can be an effective way to pursue your claim without the stress of financial risk.
Conclusion
If you’re a Council or Housing Association tenant facing ongoing disrepair issues, a “No Win, No Fee” housing disrepair claim may be the best way to secure the safe, comfortable living conditions you deserve. Greenbank Lawyers are here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring transparency and advocating for your rights as a tenant.
Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your options and see how we can help you take the next step in improving your living situation.