5 reasons Tenants may seek compensation from landlord

Compensation
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It is important that landlords are aware there are instances where a tenant may seek compensation from them. Landlords have a lot of regulations to consider but they also need to ensure they provide tenants with dependable and reliable service, or they could face serious consequences.

Here are 5 reasons tenants may seek compensation from a landlord.

If the property is not fit for human habitation

The condition of the property is a hugely important factor and the home must meet certain standards. If a rental property doesn’t meet these standards, and it is regarded as not being fit for human habitation, the tenant will have a right to sue the landlord.

To receive money, they are owed

One of the most common reasons a tenant will sue a landlord is to recover money they are owed. If a tenant believes that a landlord that incorrectly withheld their security deposit, they can make a claim to recover this money.

If the tenant is successful in their claim, the landlord may have to pay more money than the security deposit, including damages.

If the landlord doesn’t carry out repairs

The landlord has a duty to provide a safe and habitable home. If they fail to do so, the tenant may sue the landlord in order to ensure they carry out suitable repairs at the property. This is an area where local councils are taking an increased level of notice, and if the tenant is successful with their claim, it could lead to more serious problems for the landlord to deal with.

To fight a wrongful eviction

If a tenant believes a landlord is wrongfully evicting them, they may raise a case against them to remain the property, If the tenant wins their case, they will likely be allowed to stay in the property, and they may also win damages from the landlord.

To clear their name after accusations

It may be that a landlord makes accusations against a tenant. If these accusations end up in the public domain, such as being reported by a local newspaper, the tenant may decide to sue the landlord in order to clear their name.

It should be noted that the outcome of some of these cases could have serious repercussions for landlords. While all cases could result in the landlord having to pay damages and suffer costs, if the findings are deemed to be sufficient enough to cast doubts on a landlord’s ability to offer suitable rental accommodation, they may lose their right to act as a landlord.

Compensation

Depending on the size of investment a landlord has made in rental property, this finding could be catastrophic with respect to their life. Therefore, the improved rights that tenants have been provided with should be concerning for landlords who don’t offer tenants a satisfactory service.

While the increase in rights to tenants will most strongly impact on rogue landlords, all landlords should be aware of the impact it may have on them. Landlords that provide a satisfactory service may find they face malicious claims, and there may be confusion in the short-term. However, in the long-term, if rogue landlords are removed from the industry, it should provide more opportunities for dependable landlords to gain tenants and generate regular income while enhancing their reputation.

If you are a landlord looking for guidance in ensuring you provide your tenants with a reliable standard of service, please get in touch as I am always happy to help.

Matylda Nowak

CEO, Kings Accommodation

www.kingsaccomodation.co.uk

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