The number of successful claims against us is decreasing, but we are still paying out thousands of pounds in legal costs. This leaves less and less money for much needed repairs and improvements in homes like yours. We want this money to help our residents, not go to large legal firms.
Housing disrepair claims farmers
A claims farmer encourages people to make compensation claims and then sells these claims on to legal firms for their own gain. Some will let you believe they are working for the council, but they are not.
Some have also used the council logo without our permission, tricking some tenants into thinking they are working with us.
They go door-to-door in most areas of Leeds. They also target our tenants through misleading social media campaigns, which appear to be supported by the council when they are not.
If they come to your door, make sure you:
- always ask for identification
- call the police if you feel scared or threatened
- talk to us before you sign any documents if you are unsure about who you are dealing with or what the consequences might be
We know that we sometimes get things wrong, and repairs don't always get done right first time. Before you think about putting in a disrepair claim, please remember:
- even if your claim is successful, most of the money awarded is going to go to your legal firm
- you are at risk of being left with a large bill if your claim is not successful
- it is likely to take us longer to get the repairs done for you, due to advice given by legal firms
No win, no fee means you will not have to pay solicitor fees, but if you lose your case, you would be ordered to pay our legal fees.
- Mr X from Seacroft lost his disrepair case. The judge ordered our costs to be repaid – these costs are more than £10,000.
- Ms X from Harehills believed she would get thousands in compensation. The judge ordered her to pay costs of more than £7,000 for wasting of the court's time.
- Mrs X from Tingley lost her disrepair case. The judge found there was no disrepair in her home and the case should never have been brought to court. Costs were more than £4,000.
These tenants and others like them, are now left with large debts that they'll be paying back for several years.
Do not let this be you.
Talking to us is the best way to get your repairs resolved.
If you are a Leeds Homes tenant, you can
report a repair issue or check the status of something you have already reported.
Talk to us about disrepair issues by:
Phone: 0113 378 1113
Email:
hsg.disrepair@leeds.gov.uk
PFI area tenants
Swarcliffe PFI
Web:
Yorkshire Housing
Phone: 0845 602 4238
Opening: available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Little London, Beeston or Holbeck PFI
If you've told us about your repair and you feel we haven't actioned this, you can
make a complaint.
Damp and mould
Damp and condensation can cause significant repair issues in your home, especially at this time of year. This includes mould growth on walls and furniture and rotting window frames.
Cold, damp housing also encourages the growth of mould and mites, which can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses in some people.
How to lower the risk of damp in your home
To help reduce the amount of condensation produced in your home, make sure you:
- keep temperatures between 18 and 21 degrees Celsius in cold weather
- dry washing outside (if you can’t do this, put it in a sunny room with the window open and the door closed)
- don’t put furniture against outside walls to allow air flow
- close internal doors and open windows whilst cooking
- use an extractor fan if you have one
- only boil as much water as you need in a kettle to reduce steam
- add cold water first when running a bath, and wipe down any moisture from the bathroom after use
- open windows or trickle vents during the day – especially in the bathroom after washing
- make sure tumble dryers are properly vented
Living with damp and mould can cause serious and long lasting heath issues, particularly to people with certain health conditions. If you are concerned that damp and mould may be affecting your health then you should contact a healthcare professional.
Find more information about common health symptoms related to damp and mould, and people most at risk.
