“Leanne’s Story: From Living in Disrepair to Winning Her Case”
Leanne, a single mother of two young children, had been renting a small, cozy flat from her local housing association for over five years. When she first moved in, the place seemed perfect. But gradually, issues began to surface, starting with a small patch of damp on the kitchen wall that she reported right away. The landlord assured her it was “nothing to worry about.” But over time, this “small” issue became impossible to ignore.
The damp patch grew into a widespread mold problem, spreading across the walls of the kitchen and bathroom, and even into the kids’ bedroom. The smell was overwhelming, and Leanne noticed her children coughing more frequently, which concerned her deeply. Each time she contacted her landlord, they promised that someone would come to assess the situation, but weeks turned into months with no follow-up.
After two years of ongoing complaints and being ignored, Leanne’s flat developed further issues. A leak in the ceiling left a dark stain in the living room, and the heating system was so unreliable that winter nights were unbearably cold. Despite her efforts, she was continuously brushed off with excuses and promises of “repairs soon.”
Frustrated, Leanne began researching her rights as a tenant and discovered that she wasn’t alone. Stories of similar housing disrepair issues among other tenants shocked her but also gave her hope that she could take action. That’s when she found Tenants Assist.
She reached out to our team, who listened to her situation empathetically, reassuring her that she wasn’t powerless. We explained that every tenant has a right to a safe and habitable home and that landlords have a legal duty to address serious disrepair issues. Our team guided her through the process of building her case, documenting the disrepair issues, her communication attempts with the landlord, and the negative impact on her family’s health and wellbeing.
After gathering the evidence, we connected her with a solicitor who handled her case with expertise. The process took time, but Leanne finally had support behind her, and her case gained momentum. The result? Leanne received a substantial compensation settlement, which covered the medical costs she had incurred due to her children’s respiratory issues, as well as additional compensation for the emotional stress and distress they endured. Her landlord was also legally required to make the repairs promptly.
Leanne’s case brought her peace of mind and restored her sense of security. She no longer felt unheard or neglected and was relieved to know that her children could grow up in a safe environment. At Tenants Assist, we are committed to helping tenants like Leanne reclaim their right to a healthy home and seek justice when landlords fail to meet their obligations.
