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Can I sue my housing association

11 replies

AShadowLurkingInTheShadows · 05/09/2021 23:36

I'll try to make this short. Background I'm a single parent to 3 DS one with additional needs and 1 just turned 1.

Ive been with my housing company for 5+ years over the last year or so they've brought more and more housing associations out and as such the company has gone into dire shambles.

Last year I raised multiple issues like my house being infested with flies due to holes and them getting in, seals gone round the door to which to date they've still not fixed, guttering leaking every time it rained, windows and doors broken.

Earlier this year I raised multiple Issues, no hot water unless the tank was on 24/7 (my electricity bill is over £300+ a month due to this) garage door that was too small was continuing to let rain and animals into my home not only that it was held ok by 2 screws and if you pushed the door hard enough you'd Be standing in my kitchen, there were mice in my home for months (environment health raised multiple reports for repairs and they ignored all of them), my shower continues to fluctuatebetween burning hot and freezing cold they send an electrician who "fixed" the issue but made it so whenever you used a tap the shower cut out, paving slabs that flipped up when stepped on, decking which was rotting and had nails poking out of it, mould on the walls due to improper ventilation and more

In may this year after they cancelled 10+ appointments and refused to keep the ones to come I raised a formal complaint, I've dealt with 6 different people who claim to handle it but mysteriously disappear before someone else takes over, they don't communicate with anyone so I'm still waiting on a call back from the service manager who was on her way back from lunch in may, the surveyor that was due to come out in June to fix the issues still hasn't arrived, whenever they raise a job they cancel it claiming they have no staff, yet have turned 6 million in profit this year and are building 3000 more houses?

They've offered £100 in compensation but quite frankly this fixes nothing nor is remotely close to compensating the stress alone these people have caused. I was even late taking My brother for chemotherapy due to them just not bothering to turn up or make any contact.

Can I take them to small claims court?

OP posts:
CornishTiger · 05/09/2021 23:38

No
You follow the formal complaints process and then go through to housing ombudsman

Chickmad · 05/09/2021 23:41

Shelter.org.uk helped me with free legal advice and worked free on my behalf when I had an issue with a council housing property years ago. I wouldn't hesitate to head to them for advice.

AShadowLurkingInTheShadows · 05/09/2021 23:48

@CornishTiger

No You follow the formal complaints process and then go through to housing ombudsman
As in my post I wrote a formal complaint they'd tried to waft £100 my way and have it done. I've asked them their official complaints procedure and their complaints team don't know what it is. HmmConfused

Housing ombudsman told me they'd send a letter to chase up a reply but they're refusing to give one!

OP posts:
AShadowLurkingInTheShadows · 05/09/2021 23:48

@Chickmad

Shelter.org.uk helped me with free legal advice and worked free on my behalf when I had an issue with a council housing property years ago. I wouldn't hesitate to head to them for advice.
Thank you, I'll try them In the morning.

It's disgusting how they can do this to people

OP posts:
TheGuvnor · 06/09/2021 00:15

You can take them to court under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (so not small claims).

The court could order your landlord to:
do the repairs,
pay you compensation (if your health has been affected),
pay some or all of your legal costs.

There are costs involved but you may be eligible for legal aid.

Citizens’ Advice has some useful info: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-privately/during-your-tenancy/going-to-court-if-your-landlord-wont-do-repairs/

This does apply to housing association landlords.
Government guidance here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018/guide-for-tenants-homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018.

Whattheschitt · 06/09/2021 00:15

I second speaking to Shelter, but also might be worth sending an email to your Local MP.

AShadowLurkingInTheShadows · 06/09/2021 08:59

[quote TheGuvnor]You can take them to court under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act 2018 (so not small claims).

The court could order your landlord to:
do the repairs,
pay you compensation (if your health has been affected),
pay some or all of your legal costs.

There are costs involved but you may be eligible for legal aid.

Citizens’ Advice has some useful info: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/housing/renting-privately/during-your-tenancy/going-to-court-if-your-landlord-wont-do-repairs/

This does apply to housing association landlords.
Government guidance here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018/guide-for-tenants-homes-fitness-for-human-habitation-act-2018.[/quote]
Thank you I'll look into it today

OP posts:
AShadowLurkingInTheShadows · 06/09/2021 09:00

@Whattheschitt

I second speaking to Shelter, but also might be worth sending an email to your Local MP.
My local MP is about as useful as a chocolate teapot unfortunately
OP posts:
Akire · 06/09/2021 09:04

Sympathies I also live nightmare housing association. Money for Glossy mags and photo shoots yet no one to do actually work. Contractors doing bare mim if show up at all, and no doubt charging them full price.

If Mp is bad could you try get local paper involved? A few photos looking sad and pointing at the problem could help nudge them.

20questions · 06/09/2021 13:39

This is a good group to join. Have a look..
shaction.org/

VintageClaims · 23/10/2023 13:44

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