At Eco Support Network we are here to help you

The disrepair scheme with solicitors is a legal process designed to help council tenants who are living in properties that are in poor condition and where the council has failed to carry out necessary repairs. This scheme allows tenants to take legal action to get the repairs done and potentially receive compensation for the distress or inconvenience caused by the disrepair. Here’s how the process generally works:
Identifying the Disrepair
- The tenant notices issues with the property, such as damp, mold, leaks, faulty heating, structural damage, or other maintenance problems.
- The tenant reports these issues to the council or housing association, which has a legal obligation to maintain the property in a habitable condition.
Council/Housing Trust Response
- The council / housing trusts are expected to respond to the tenant's complaint within a reasonable time frame and carry out the necessary repairs.
- If the council fails to respond or the repairs are not done adequately, the tenant has grounds to take further action.
Instructing us to help
- Eco Support Network will contact a solicitor who specializes in housing disrepair claims.
- Many solicitors work on a "no win, no fee" basis, meaning the tenant won't have to pay legal fees unless the claim is successful.
- The solicitor will assess the case, often by visiting the property or reviewing evidence provided by the tenant (e.g., photographs, repair reports, correspondence with the council).
Sending a Letter Before Action
- The solicitor will send a "letter before action" to the council. This is a formal notice that legal proceedings may begin if the repairs are not carried out within a specified period (typically 21-28 days).
- This letter also usually requests compensation for the tenant due to the council's failure to maintain the property.

Criteria for a Housing Disrepair (HDR) claim. Here's a structured checklist based on the criteria you provided:

HDR Claim Criteria:

1.Damages
- The cost of damages should be over £1,000.

2. Property Type
- The property must be a council or housing association property.

3. Duration of Reporting
- The issue must have been reported for at least 3 months.

4. Tenancy Duration
- The tenant(s) must have been residing in the property for at least 6 months.

5. Arrears
- Any rent arrears should be less than £1,000.
- If there are arrears, there must be a payment plan set up.

6. Proof of Identity and Address
- Proof of identity and address is required.
- If there are two tenants, both need to provide proof.

7. Eco Support Network
Claim Form
- A completed claim form is needed to initiate the process.

Required Documents:

- **Proof of Damages**: Photos, repair estimates, or contractor assessments.
- **Proof of Reporting**: Copies of emails, letters, or any communication with the council or housing association.
-Tenancy Agreement
To confirm the length of time you've lived in the property.
- Payment Plan Documentation:
If arrears exist, evidence of the payment plan agreement.
- Proof of Identity
Passport, driver's license, etc.
-Proof of Address: Utility bills, etc.

### Next Steps:

- Ensure you meet all the criteria.
- Gather all necessary documentation.
-Contact us
Complete our claim form and we will submit it to the relevant authority or legal representative.