Housing Disrepair Compensation Calculator

Housing Disrepair Compensation Calculator

Low (10%) – Minor damp or single room issue Moderate (25%) – Significant damp/mould in living areas High (50%) – Multiple rooms unusable or no heating/water Severe (75%) – Property is mostly uninhabitable Total (100%) – Completely uninhabitable

(Include costs for ruined furniture, clothes, or carpets)

Estimated Compensation Breakdown

Rent Rebate (General Damages): £0

Special Damages (Belongings): £0

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Total Potential Claim: £0

*Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on standard UK court guidelines. Actual payouts depend on legal representation and specific evidence.

function calculateCompensation() { var rent = parseFloat(document.getElementById('monthlyRent').value); var duration = parseFloat(document.getElementById('disrepairDuration').value); var severity = parseFloat(document.getElementById('severityLevel').value) / 100; var specialDamages = parseFloat(document.getElementById('damagesCost').value); if (isNaN(rent) || isNaN(duration)) { alert("Please enter valid numbers for rent and duration."); return; } if (isNaN(specialDamages)) { specialDamages = 0; } // Rent rebate calculation: (Monthly Rent * Months) * Severity Percentage var rebate = rent * duration * severity; var total = rebate + specialDamages; document.getElementById('rentRebateDisplay').innerText = "£" + rebate.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('specialDamagesDisplay').innerText = "£" + specialDamages.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('totalClaimDisplay').innerText = "£" + total.toLocaleString(undefined, {minimumFractionDigits: 2, maximumFractionDigits: 2}); document.getElementById('resultsArea').style.display = "block"; }

Understanding Housing Disrepair Compensation

If you live in a rented property that is in a state of disrepair, and your landlord has failed to carry out essential repairs within a reasonable timeframe after being notified, you may be entitled to financial compensation. This process ensures that tenants do not pay full price for a property that is not fully habitable.

How Compensation is Calculated

Compensation for housing disrepair is generally split into two main categories:

• General Damages (Rent Rebate): This is calculated as a percentage of your monthly rent for the duration that the property was in disrepair. Courts typically award between 25% and 50% of the rent for the affected period, though severe cases can result in a 100% rebate.
• Special Damages: These are "out-of-pocket" expenses. This includes the cost of replacing furniture damaged by mould, increased electricity bills due to using portable heaters, or damage to personal items like clothing and carpets.

Example Compensation Scenario

Imagine your monthly rent is £1,000. You have suffered from a leaking roof that caused mould in your bedroom for 6 months. If a court decides the disrepair affected 25% of your enjoyment of the property, the calculation would be:

• Rent Rebate: £1,000 x 6 months x 0.25 = £1,500
• Belongings: Replacement of a ruined mattress = £300
• Total Claim: £1,800

Common Issues That Lead to Claims

To use this calculator effectively, consider if your property suffers from any of the following common legal disrepair issues:

• Damp and Mould: Often caused by structural defects, rising damp, or leaking pipes.
• Defective Heating: Long periods without hot water or functioning radiators.
• Structural Issues: Cracks in walls, leaking roofs, or unstable flooring.
• Pests and Infestations: Rats, mice, or cockroaches resulting from structural gaps or poor waste management.
• Sanitation Problems: Issues with toilets, sinks, or sewage drainage.

Evidence Needed for a Successful Claim

To maximize your compensation, you should gather the following evidence:

1. Photos and Videos: Clear visual proof of the disrepair and any damaged belongings.
2. Notice to Landlord: Copies of emails, letters, or texts showing when you first reported the problem.
3. Medical Records: If the disrepair has caused health issues (like asthma from mould), doctor's notes are vital.
4. Receipts: Proof of purchase for any items you have had to replace.