Housing group claims for tenants

Many tenants suffer due to landlords failing to maintain their properties adequately, resulting in poor living conditions such as damp, mould, or structural issues. Group claims in this area allow tenants to collectively address widespread disrepair, making their case more impactful and increasing the likelihood of a successful resolution. 

Cases involving structural dangers, fire safety violations, fire damage or substandard building practices fall under this category. Whether it’s unsafe cladding or neglected maintenance that poses health risks, we have the expertise to represent groups affected by serious safety concerns, ensuring that landlords or responsible parties are held accountable. 

Tenants are entitled to peaceful occupancy, free from significant disruptions. When this right is breached, especially during extensive renovations or large-scale building works, it can severely impact day-to-day life. Group claims for breaches of quiet enjoyment covenants allow tenants to come together to seek justice and proper compensation for the disturbances endured. 

When a building becomes uninhabitable, whether due to disrepair or safety hazards, tenants may face emergency decants—forced moves to alternative housing. We support tenants in these urgent situations, advocating for fair treatment and ensuring their rights and needs are met during the process. 

Although seemingly specific, infestations that lead to health hazards or property damage can disrupt living conditions significantly. We have experience handling claims related to such situations, where the failure to manage infestations causes ongoing distress and inconvenience for multiple tenants. 

A lack of reliable heating and hot water can severely impact a tenant’s well-being. Group claims addressing inadequate or faulty heating systems help tenants collectively challenge landlords and achieve faster, more comprehensive resolutions. 

Defects in new-build properties can leave tenants facing unsafe living conditions, persistent disrepair, and financial strain from escalating maintenance issues. We hold developers and landlords accountable for structural faults, fire safety risks, and poor workmanship in new builds, ensuring our clients secure the repairs and compensation they deserve.

Our social housing team is widely recognised for its work in disrepair and housing conditions. We are known for standing up for social housing tenants and leaseholders, with particular expertise in new-build and shared ownership properties, fire safety, and tenancy deposits.

We are one of the only three tier-1 law firms across the UK in dealing with matters related to social housing for tenants, according to Legal 500.

Andrew Brookes, who leads the team, has a strong track record in leaseholder disputes and disrepair claims and was instructed on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. Timothy Waitt is a specialist in cases involving defective new-build shared housing schemes, while Giles Peaker has extensive experience in possession claims and representing multiple claimants. Eleanor Solomon is highly regarded for her skill across all areas of social housing litigation and is described as ‘an exceptional lawyer.

Group claims require a unique set of skills and a strategic approach, and this is where we excels. Our expertise extends to multi-claimant actions, enabling us to effectively manage cases where numerous tenants have experienced similar issues, such as significant disrepair or hazardous conditions.

High-profile matters, including participation in notable inquiries, demonstrate our capability to handle intricate and sensitive cases with diligence and compassion.

We take a client-first approach, ensuring that every participant in a group claim feels supported and informed throughout the legal process. From the initial assessment of your case to detailed representation during hearings, we provide clear guidance and unwavering advocacy.

Our solicitors are dedicated to making the process as transparent and accessible as possible, prioritising open communication and practical advice at every stage.

• Disrepair and Housing Conditions: Extensive experience in tackling claims where landlords have failed to meet their obligations for safe, habitable homes.
• Leaseholder and Fire Safety Cases: Expertise in issues affecting leaseholders, including fire safety concerns and defective construction.
• Possession Claims and Relocation: Representing clients facing possession actions or emergency relocations due to unfit living conditions.
• Breach of Tenancy Rights: Protecting tenants’ rights to quiet enjoyment and holding landlords accountable for significant disruptions.