Living in a rented property comes with clear legal expectations. When those expectations aren’t met, it can seriously impact your health and wellbeing. Housing disrepair refers to any situation where a rented home has structural or internal problems that the landlord has a legal duty to fix. This includes issues like mould, broken heating systems, faulty wiring, leaking pipes or windows that won’t close.
In Newton Aycliffe, where many people live in properties managed by private landlords or housing associations, tenants often face these challenges without knowing their rights. Marley Solicitors has supported countless local tenants in securing repairs and pursuing legal action when landlords fail to meet their obligations.
What counts as housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair includes a wide range of problems, such as:
- Damp and mould that affects your breathing or damages furniture
- Heating or hot water systems that don’t work
- Unsafe electrics, like exposed wiring or faulty sockets
- Leaking roofs, pipes or guttering
- Pest infestations due to structural issues
- Broken windows or doors that compromise security
All of these issues can make your home unsafe or uninhabitable. If you’ve reported them and your landlord has failed to act, you could have grounds for a legal claim.
Can I claim compensation for housing disrepair in Newton Aycliffe?
Yes, tenants in Newton Aycliffe can claim compensation if their landlord has ignored repair requests or failed to keep the property safe and livable. Whether you rent from a private landlord, the local council or a housing association, the landlord is legally responsible for maintaining certain standards.
If you’ve suffered due to poor conditions – for example, through illness, damage to belongings or being unable to use part of your home – you may be eligible for compensation. Marley Solicitors regularly helps Newton Aycliffe residents with these types of claims.
What should I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs?
If your landlord isn’t responding to repair requests, follow these steps:
- Document everything – Take photographs, keep records of your complaints and track all correspondence.
- Report the issue formally – Write to your landlord outlining the problems and requesting a response in writing.
- Contact the local council – Durham County Council’s housing team can inspect your home and may issue a notice requiring repairs.
- Seek legal advice – Marley Solicitors offers free consultations and can help determine if you have a valid claim.
It’s important to act quickly, especially if the disrepair is affecting your health or safety.
Common problems reported by Newton Aycliffe tenants
Given the town’s mix of older council properties and newer housing developments, we frequently hear about:
- Long-standing damp issues in post-war housing blocks
- Outdated heating systems in flats that cause winter health risks
- Water leaks from poorly maintained roofing
- Mould spreading due to inadequate ventilation
Local services like Bewick Crescent Surgery and the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust often see patients with respiratory problems linked to poor housing conditions. This highlights how seriously housing disrepair can affect health.
How long does a landlord have to carry out repairs?
Landlords are expected to carry out repairs within a reasonable time after being notified. For urgent issues, like no heating in winter or serious leaks, action should be taken within a few days. For less urgent matters, a timeframe of 14–28 days is typically acceptable.
If your landlord delays or ignores repairs, legal pressure may be needed to ensure action is taken.
How much compensation can I claim for housing disrepair in Newton Aycliffe?
Compensation depends on the severity and duration of the problem. In general, you may receive:
- A percentage of your rent repaid for the period your home was affected
- Reimbursement for damaged personal items
- Compensation for health issues or emotional distress
Every case is different, and our solicitors will assess all factors before giving you a clear estimate.
Do I need to move out during repairs?
In some cases, temporary relocation may be necessary if the disrepair is extreme. Your landlord may be responsible for arranging or paying for temporary accommodation. However, many repairs can be carried out while you remain in the property, depending on the nature of the work.
Marley Solicitors: Trusted housing disrepair experts in Newton Aycliffe
Our team at Marley Solicitors understands how frustrating it can be to live in poor housing conditions. We’ve worked with many tenants across Newton Aycliffe to resolve disrepair issues efficiently, helping them claim the compensation they deserve and ensuring landlords uphold their responsibilities.
We bring legal clarity to what can be a confusing and emotionally draining situation. With a local presence and knowledge of regional housing conditions, we’re here to help tenants stand up for their rights.
Property disrepair FAQs
Can I get legal aid for a housing disrepair claim in Newton Aycliffe?
Legal aid may be available if the disrepair poses a serious risk to health or safety. We can advise you on whether your case qualifies and help you apply.
How long do I have to make a housing disrepair claim?
Generally, you have up to six years from when the issue started. However, it’s always better to begin the process sooner to strengthen your case.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you’re living with unsafe or unpleasant housing conditions in Newton Aycliffe, don’t suffer in silence. Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here to support you through every stage of your housing disrepair claim and ensure your voice is heard.
