Living in poor housing conditions is not just inconvenient or unpleasant. For many residents in Dadlington, it can result in serious health issues, emotional distress, and a significant decline in overall quality of life. If your rented home is in disrepair and your landlord has failed to take appropriate action after being notified, you could be entitled to claim compensation under UK housing law.
At Marley Solicitors, we are committed to protecting the rights of tenants across Dadlington and the wider Leicestershire area. Whether you are a private tenant or living in social housing, we offer expert legal support to help you bring a claim and seek the compensation you deserve for unacceptable housing conditions.
Understanding poor housing and your rights as a tenant
In legal terms, poor housing refers to living conditions that are hazardous, unfit, or below the minimum standards set by law. This can apply to properties that are damp, cold, structurally unsafe, or not properly maintained.
Examples of poor housing conditions include:
- Damp and mould growing on walls, ceilings, or around windows
- Broken boilers or no heating, particularly in winter months
- Leaking roofs, gutters, or plumbing
- Faulty wiring or exposed electrics that present a fire risk
- Infestations of rats, mice, cockroaches, or other pests
- Cracked walls, crumbling brickwork, or unstable staircases
- Water damage that has not been addressed
- Inadequate insulation or ventilation
These issues can affect both private and council-owned homes, and in some cases, entire housing estates. Regardless of who owns your property, you have a legal right to live in safe, habitable accommodation.
The Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 requires landlords in England to ensure that rented homes are safe and fit to live in. If they breach this duty, tenants have the right to take legal action, which may include claiming compensation and demanding repairs.
Local housing problems in Dadlington
Dadlington is a peaceful village, but not immune to housing-related challenges. As with many parts of Leicestershire, there are homes – especially older properties or those managed by overstretched landlords – where repair issues are often neglected.
Local tenants may experience delays in getting urgent work completed, particularly from large housing associations or local authorities. In such cases, pursuing a claim may be the most effective way to protect your health and wellbeing and to encourage landlords to meet their responsibilities.
In the Dadlington area, relevant NHS services include Hinckley and Bosworth Medical Centre, Castle Mead Medical Centre, and George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust in nearby Nuneaton, which can provide medical assessments and reports if your health has been affected by poor housing.
What problems can poor housing cause?
Poor housing conditions do not just affect your surroundings – they can impact your physical health, mental health, and finances. Some of the most common health issues linked to bad housing include:
- Asthma and respiratory illnesses, especially in children and older adults exposed to mould or damp
- Skin conditions and infections from living in unsanitary or infested environments
- Injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls due to unsafe flooring or poor lighting
- Mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, and stress caused by prolonged exposure to poor conditions
If you or someone in your household has experienced these issues, it’s important to speak to a medical professional and document the symptoms. Evidence from your GP or local health services will help support your legal claim.
Who can make a poor housing claim?
You may be eligible to make a claim if:
- You are a tenant in a rented property (private or social housing)
- Your landlord has been informed of the issues and has failed to carry out repairs within a reasonable timeframe
- The disrepair has caused damage to your health, belongings, or quality of life
It is essential to follow the correct process. If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, Marley Solicitors can provide clarity during a free consultation.
What evidence is needed?
To build a strong housing disrepair claim, you should gather the following:
- Photographs of the damage or unsafe conditions
- Medical records showing how your health has been affected
- Receipts for damaged belongings, increased energy costs, or temporary accommodation
- Correspondence between you and your landlord, showing that the issue was reported and ignored
- Inspection reports, if available, from environmental health or your local council
We recommend also keeping a diary of how the problem has affected your day-to-day life, such as missed workdays, disrupted sleep, or needing to avoid parts of your home.
What compensation could I receive?
Compensation is determined by a number of criteria, such as the severity of the disrepair, how long it continued, the impact on your health, and the financial costs you have incurred.
Compensation can cover:
- General damages for inconvenience and suffering
- Special damages for quantifiable losses (e.g. damage to belongings, medical expenses)
- Personal injury compensation, if your health was harmed
- Repairs and improvements, where appropriate
At Marley Solicitors, we will assess your case carefully and advise on the likely compensation range based on similar claims we have handled in the past.
How long do I have to claim?
In most cases, you have six years from the date the disrepair occurred to make a claim. If the case involves a personal injury, the time limit is typically three years from the date you became aware of the health issue.
Delays in seeking advice can weaken your case, so it is advisable to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. We can help you establish whether you are still within the legal time limit.
What if I’m a council or housing association tenant?
Many tenants believe that if they live in a property managed by a council or housing association, they have fewer legal options. This is not the case. Social landlords are equally accountable under the law and must provide accommodation that is safe, secure, and suitable for living.
If you live in housing owned or managed by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council or a housing association such as Platform Housing Group, we can support you in pursuing a claim if they have failed to act.
Our no win, no fee service
We understand that many people facing housing disrepair are already under financial strain. That’s why Marley Solicitors offers a no win, no fee service for eligible clients. This means:
- You do not pay anything upfront
- There are no legal fees unless your claim is successful
- You can access expert legal support without financial risk
This approach ensures that justice is accessible to everyone, regardless of their current situation.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors is proud to represent tenants in Dadlington and surrounding areas. We bring together legal expertise, local knowledge, and a client-first approach to ensure your case is handled with care and professionalism.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Local insight: We understand the housing issues affecting Dadlington and Leicestershire
- Specialist solicitors: Our team is experienced in housing disrepair and landlord liability cases
- Clear communication: We keep you informed every step of the way
- Personal support: We take time to listen and tailor our advice to your unique situation
- Successful outcomes: We have helped many tenants across the Midlands secure the compensation and repairs they are entitled to
FAQs
Can I claim a poor housing issue in Dadlington, even if I reported it months ago?
Yes, as long as your landlord failed to act within a reasonable time and the problem has caused ongoing issues, you may still be able to claim. It’s helpful to show evidence of when and how you first reported the problem.
How much compensation can I get for mould and dampness in my house?
Compensation can vary depending on how serious the issue is and how long it persisted. Claims for mould and dampness may range from several hundred to several thousand pounds, especially if health or property damage occurs. We can give you a tailored estimate after assessing your case.
Take action today with Marley Solicitors
If you are living in poor housing conditions in Dadlington, you do not have to tolerate it any longer. The law is on your side, and Marley Solicitors is here to help. Whether your home is privately rented or managed by a housing association, we can support you in holding your landlord accountable.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your rights, and help you start your claim with confidence. With our no win, no fee service, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Let us help you take the first step towards safer, healthier living conditions in Dadlington.
