Tenants can now sue landlords for disrepair

MORE renters than ever before will be able to take their landlords to court over problems including cold and damp homes from next month. Around 1.4 million people are currently living in poor quality properties, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. But under the Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, tenants have more power to sue for compensation if their homes aren’t up to scratch.

The new ruling first came into effect in March 2019 but only covered tenancies starting from that month onwards, along with renewals after this date. As of March 19, 2020, it will also apply to all existing periodic tenancies, including social housing, in England. Before the new legislation, private renters would need to rely on their local council to investigate poor conditions. Read the full article here