Housing Disrepair Reports

Part 35 Compliant Report
Fully Regulated by RICS, with assessments conducted by MRICS and FRICS surveyors
Expedited Appointments available within 24 hours
Photographs and Scott Schedule included as standard
Desktop Surveys available, perfect for evaluating claim viability

If you need a Part 35-compliant Housing Disrepair Report, please contact us at instructions@perituslegalsolutions.com.

With the aging of England’s rented housing stock and the introduction of new legislation, there has been a significant rise in housing disrepair claims.

In 2016, one-fifth of dwellings across all tenures failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard. Over a third (36%) of homes built before 1919 were classified as non-decent, with an average repair cost of £9,991 to bring them up to standard.

Torus Surveyors are RICS-Registered Expert Witnesses, fully familiar with The Civil Procedure Rules Part 35 and the associated Practice Direction, ensuring all reports meet the required standards.

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 places a legal duty on landlords to perform specific repairs, including:

Structural and Exterior Repairs: Maintaining the structure and exterior of the property, including drains, gutters, and external pipes.
Maintenance of Essential Installations: Ensuring that installations for the supply of water, gas, electricity, and sanitation—such as basins, sinks, baths, and toilets—are kept in proper working order. However, this does not extend to other fixtures, fittings, or appliances that utilize these services.
Heating and Hot Water Systems: Keeping installations for space heating and hot water in good repair and functioning properly.

These obligations cannot be waived or overridden by terms in the tenancy agreement.

When repairs under Section 11 are required, the landlord is also responsible for restoring internal decorations and addressing any resulting damage caused while fixing the issue.

In the case of Grand v Gill [2011], the court clarified that “the structure” of a residential property includes internal plasterwork, further expanding the scope of Section 11 obligations.

Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972

This Act does not impose a specific obligation on landlords to carry out repairs. Instead, it places a duty of care on landlords to prevent personal injury or property damage caused by a relevant defect. This duty applies not only to tenants but also to household members, family, friends, and visitors.

Whether you are a solicitor seeking a Part 35-compliant report for a client’s property disrepair case, or a housing association or private landlord who has received a Letter of Claim from a tenant, Peritus Legal Solutions is here to help.

The Pre-Action Protocol for Housing Conditions Claims (England) encourages the use of experts, ideally a single joint expert with separate instructions. Peritus Legal Solutions is fully prepared to act in this capacity.

However, if the parties cannot agree on a single joint expert, the protocol recommends arranging a joint inspection, where separate experts for each party inspect the property simultaneously. Peritus Legal Solutions can coordinate with both tenants and other experts to schedule a mutually convenient time for the inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at instructions@perituslegalsolutions.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.

What is a housing disrepair expert witness report?

It’s a detailed report documenting property defects, safety risks, and their impact on tenants.

How can a housing disrepair expert witness report strengthen my case?

It provides expert evidence, supporting claims of property damage and its effects on health and safety.

What qualifications do the expert witnesses at Concise Medico have for housing disrepair cases?

Our expert witnesses are certified professionals with extensive experience in property assessments and legal cases.

How long does it take to receive a housing disrepair expert witness report from Concise Medico?

Typically, reports are delivered within 7 to 10 working days after the assessment.

What information do expert witnesses need to properly assess my property?

Details on the property’s condition, any reported damage, and access for an on-site inspection are needed.

Can Concise Medico’s expert witnesses appear in court if required?

Yes, our expert witnesses can provide testimony in court if required.

Is a solicitor necessary to use Concise Medico’s housing disrepair expert witness services?

No, you can engage our services directly, though having a solicitor may be beneficial.

How can an expert witness report from Concise Medico impact the outcome of a housing disrepair case?

The report serves as key evidence to prove disrepair, supporting compensation or repair claims.

What types of disrepair issues can be covered in the expert witness report?

We cover damp, mould, structural damage, pest infestations, and other safety-related issues.

In what ways can Anderson Smith Law assist with my housing disrepair claim?

They can provide legal representation, using our expert report to build and strengthen your case.

Housing disrepair report

Housing Disrepair Reports

Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985

Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972

Frequently Asked Questions

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