Housing Disrepair: Client Story – Defective Roof

Our client

Bond Turner’s Housing Disrepair Team supported a client who was a sole tenant of a three-bedroom flat in a high-rise building in Bristol, who at the time of bringing the case had 7 other members of her family residing at the property.

The client’s property suffered water ingress into her bedroom caused by a defective roof.

How Bond Turner helped

The matter concerned a HDR case against Bristol City Council first brought in August 2021, and proceedings were issued in March 2023.

The defendant was successful in having their claim stayed for three months pending the use of their internal complaints’ procedure. All this time, the claimant was still subject to water ingress into her bedroom from the defective roof.

The claimant utilised the defendant’s internal complaints procedure as directed; however, the repairs were still not completed, nor was a completion date provided. The matter then went to a further hearing where the defendant argued that the matter should be allocated to the small claims track (the track suitable for cases where either the disrepair OR compensation would be below £1,000.00). The court rejected the defendant’s submissions, and the matter was allocated to the Fast Track.

On disclosure, it was revealed that the defendant’s schedule for the repairs to the roof were valued at £1,613,290.49.

Bond Turner were able to secure damages at £5,000.00, have all indebtedness owed by the claimant to the defendant waived, secure an agreement for specific performance in the value exceeding £1.6 million by having the entire building’s roof repaired, and ensure the payment of legal costs.

How Bond Turner could help you

When making a claim against a landlord, it is important to remember that the primary role of our Housing Disrepair Team is to ensure that the home you live in is repaired as soon as possible. Your health and wellbeing is our main concern.

To make an appointment with our legal team about a housing disrepair claim, please call 0151 236 3737 or email info@bondturner.com.