Living in a rental property comes with the expectation that your home will be kept in a safe, comfortable, and livable condition. For many tenants in Bideford, however, this is not always the case. Problems like persistent damp, structural faults, and failing heating systems are far too common; and when landlords ignore these issues, the consequences can be serious.
At Marley Solicitors, we support tenants across Bideford who are dealing with poor housing conditions. In this guide, we explain what housing disrepair means, what your rights are, and how to take legal action if your landlord refuses to act.
Understanding housing disrepair
Housing disrepair refers to any situation where a rented property falls below basic legal standards due to damage, decay, or lack of proper maintenance. This includes anything that poses a health risk, reduces your ability to live comfortably, or causes damage to your belongings.
Some common examples of housing disrepair include:
- Ongoing damp or mould that affects air quality
- Leaks from roofs, pipes, or windows that cause water damage
- Unsafe or broken electrical outlets and lighting
- Central heating failures, especially during cold months
- Structural problems such as cracked walls or unstable ceilings
- Broken locks, doors, or windows that compromise safety
While some issues might seem minor at first, they can quickly escalate if left unattended. Damp patches can lead to respiratory problems, electrical faults can pose fire risks, and structural damage may cause accidents.
Legal duties for landlords
Landlords in Bideford; whether private owners, housing associations, or the local council, they all have a legal responsibility to ensure that rental properties meet basic safety and repair standards.
By law, they must:
- Maintain the structure and exterior of the property (including walls, roofs, and foundations)
- Keep all plumbing systems in working order (toilets, sinks, baths, etc.)
- Ensure proper functioning of heating, hot water, and electricity
- Address any faults that affect health or safety as soon as they become aware of them
These duties apply regardless of what is written in your tenancy agreement. If you report a repair and your landlord fails to resolve it within a reasonable time, you may be able to make a legal claim.
What counts as a “reasonable time”?
There’s no fixed definition, but it generally depends on the severity of the problem. For example:
- Emergency issues (such as no heating in winter or exposed electrical wiring) should be addressed within 24 to 48 hours.
- Urgent issues (like leaking pipes or a broken window) might be expected to be repaired within 7 days.
- Non-urgent repairs (such as cracked tiles or broken cupboard doors) should still be completed in a timely manner, usually within 28 days.
If delays drag on and you’ve given the landlord proper notice, the law may be on your side.
Housing issues specific to Bideford
Bideford has a rich architectural mix, with many properties dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. While these homes offer character, they also bring maintenance challenges. In our work locally, we often see:
- Outdated roofing and guttering that lead to internal leaks
- Poor insulation results in dampness and mould buildup.
- Faulty boilers and heating systems in older buildings
- Rotting wooden frames on windows and doors due to coastal weather exposure
Left unchecked, these problems don’t just affect comfort, they can lead to long-term health risks and financial loss for tenants.
Can I claim for housing disrepair in Bideford?
If you’ve reported a problem and your landlord has failed to act within a reasonable time, you may be eligible to make a housing disrepair claim. To do so, you must be either a current tenant or a recent former tenant.
You may be able to make a claim for:
- The cost of any belongings damaged due to disrepair (such as water-damaged furniture or clothes)
- Physical or mental health issues are caused or worsened by poor conditions (like asthma triggered by mould).
- Disruption to your life or loss of enjoyment of your home
- The landlord’s failure to comply with legal standards
Claims are typically strongest when backed up by clear documentation.
What to do if you are living in disrepair
Here are the essential steps to take if you think your home is in disrepair and your landlord is not responding:
- Report the problem in writing
Always notify your landlord via email or letter. Verbal conversations are harder to prove.
- Keep a record
Take dated photos of the issue, save copies of all communications, and note down how the problem is affecting your health, finances, or day-to-day life.
- Seek medical advice
If you feel unwell due to poor housing conditions (such as breathing problems or skin irritation), speak to your GP and keep any written notes or prescriptions.
- Speak to a solicitor
Getting early legal advice can help you understand your rights and strengthen your case. A housing solicitor can also handle correspondence on your behalf and push for urgent action where needed.
How Marley Solicitors can help tenants in Bideford
Marley Solicitors works with tenants throughout Bideford who are living in unsuitable conditions. Whether you rent from a private landlord or social housing provider, we offer practical legal support to ensure your home meets the required standards.
Our team can:
- Review your tenancy situation and assess whether you have a valid claim
- Help you collect and present evidence
- Negotiate directly with your landlord for prompt repairs
- Pursue compensation for any hardship you have suffered
- Represent you in legal proceedings if the landlord continues to ignore their responsibilities
We handle many housing disrepair cases on a no win, no fee basis, which means you do not pay legal fees unless your case is successful.
Take action now
If you are a tenant in Bideford and your landlord is neglecting repairs, do not delay in getting advice. The sooner you act, the easier it is to prevent further damage and claim what you are owed.
You can contact Marley Solicitors today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. We are committed to ensuring every tenant in Bideford can live in a home that is safe, well-maintained, and free from hazards.
