Council urges tenants to report repairs and not file compensation claims

Council urges tenants to report repairs and not file compensation claims

0:01 AM, 16th October 2023, About 7 months ago 1

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In a bid to protect its tenants from costly legal battles and mounting expenses, one council has issued a stark warning.

City of York council has advised its tenants to report repairs to them instead of engaging in expensive legal claims.

The move follows an incident where an unsuccessful claimant was ordered to pay a hefty sum of more than £10,000 in costs when they lost their case.

Tenants are being urged to talk to the council first

The council states that it has seen a surge in legal claims by “no win, no fee” solicitors acting on behalf of tenants.

These claims, the council argues, have left tenants facing significant financial burdens.

The ‘no win, no fee’ legal firms have been targeting tenants to make claims against the council, and ‘claims farm’ workers have been reported to be going door to door in York.

‘Claims farmers’ encourage people to make compensation claims against their landlord. They then sell this information to legal firms for their own gain. Some suggest they are working for the council, but the authority insists they are not.

Tenants are being urged to always talk to the council first about any repairs needed, any delays with repairs or any dissatisfaction with repairs.

Providing decent affordable homes is a priority

Councillor Michael Pavlovic, executive member for housing, planning and safer communities said: “The recent and rising number of claims against the council have seen everyone lose out – except for the claims farmers.

“It has left tenants liable to court costs, and the time and money spent by the council to defend these claims could be better spent on investing in homes.”

He added: “Providing decent affordable homes is a priority. We are carrying out a significant housing repair programme to upgrade and modernise homes, while also installing energy efficiency measures to make them more affordable to run.

“We are committed to supporting council tenants and making good any repairs for which we are responsible.”


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Comments

K Anon

9:16 AM, 17th October 2023, About 7 months ago

The council has deep pockets to fight back but it's such a waste of money and time.
But imagine the situation being a private LL. We foolishly took on a council tenant who only had one thing in mind, make some cash. Destroyed our property, produced fake invoices and the NWNF solicitor loving the ride.
Yet another reason to steer very clear of DSS who are legally aided and supported to the hilt. We didn't lose, we simply couldn't fund it forever so had to throw in the towel or go bankrupt. Almost lost everything.

I wonder how many council tenants will take any notice and decide not to help themselves to free cash/compensation, they must be laughing till it hurts.

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