Thousands of renters could be paid cash compensation from sub-standard landlords – check if you’re affected
THOUSANDS of renters could be in store to receive cash compensation from sub-standard landlords.
Housing Secretary Michael Gove is cracking down on landlords who are failing tenants ahead of the new Social Housing Bill becoming law next year.
Today three social housing landlords were named and shamed after the Ombudsman found severe maladministration in their handling of complaints.
Orbit Housing, Lambeth Council and Birmingham City Council have been asked to cough up answers as Mr Gove demands better action be taken.
A resident was paid £5,000 by Orbit after damp and mould issues weren’t treated.
Birmingham Council didn’t respond to a resident’s complaints of rotten floorboards and boiler faults in the living room.
Lambeth Council didn’t repair damaged windows in a fifth-floor flat which fell from their frames to the ground. The resident had to live with boarded up windows during a cold winter which caused mould to damage their possessions.
Mr Gove said: “Each of these landlords have failed their tenants, letting people suffer in disgraceful conditions while refusing to listen to complaints or treat them with respect.”
Fourteen landlords have now been highlighted for poor performance this year by the Housing Secretary, bringing the total compensation for tenants to £574,000 in 2022-23.
Renters who are concerned they may be affected by poor quality housing should complain to the Housing Ombudsman.
Mr Gove has asked solicitors to tell social housing tenants that the Ombudsman should be their first route for reporting issues.
He added it is unacceptable for landlords to let legal proceedings delay repairs being made.
Ombudsman services are free of charge and residents are now able to bring complaints directly themselves.
The new Social Housing Bill will become law next year, giving housing providers “nowhere to hide”, Mr Gove said.
He said: “A beefed-up Regulator will have the power to enter properties with only 48 hours’ notice and make emergency repairs with landlords footing the bill.
“I’m urging everyone offering advice, from solicitors to voluntary organisations, to always direct social housing tenants with complaints to the Housing Ombudsman.
“Every tenant deserves a decent home, and landlords must not use legal cases as an excuse to delay making repairs or act on complaints.”