A 17 Times Increase In Disrepair Cases
In a recently disclosed report on Sheffield City Council’s housing disrepair cases, the contrast between April 2018 and April 2023 is stark. The council’s caseload surged from 117 in 2018 to a substantial 1,970 by April 2023, marking a significant increase.
Equally striking is the financial impact of these cases. The overall cost, encompassing legal fees and compensation disbursed to residents, has skyrocketed from £292,655 during 2018-19 to a staggering £2,986,269 in 2022-23 – an exponential rise of 920%. The financial burden for the initial four months of 2023-24 reached £1,309,324.
An analysis of the report suggests that multiple factors have contributed to this surge in disrepair cases. Among these factors, the pause in non-urgent repair work during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic played a role. Additionally, changes in legislation, including the full enforcement of the Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act 2018 in England in March 2020, have contributed to the escalating numbers.
The Homes (Fitness for Habitation) Act 2018 mandates landlords in England to maintain properties at minimum standards of human habitation, empowering tenants to take legal action against non-compliant landlords. Another factor highlighted in the report is the shift in the funding of personal injury claims, prompting solicitors to gravitate towards disrepair cases, where they can claim higher costs.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on changes in the distribution of damages paid to residents. The percentage allocated to residents has decreased from 52% to 30% in each case, with a greater share now going to the tenant’s solicitor.
Despite the surge, the council anticipates a gradual decline in case numbers, projecting around 500 to 840 new cases per annum moving forward. To address the challenges posed by the escalating caseload, the council has implemented a triage process for disrepair cases. This involves direct communication with residents, in-house teams handling repair diagnostics, and guiding residents unfamiliar with the reporting process to the council’s complaints procedure.
To enhance efficiency, the council has been working on completing as many disrepair works orders as possible over the past 12 to 18 months. However, due to the high volume of cases, meeting repairing obligations within the current resource levels remains challenging.
In response, the council has initiated an early-resolution improvement plan, intending to recruit a surveyor for complex cases, engage additional staff resources, analyze disrepair case trends, and explore the use of environmental sensors in homes facing damp and mold issues. Acknowledging the need for increased repair teams, the report emphasizes the potential cost savings if repairs can be completed within the 55-day target, a metric currently falling short at 6.5%. The report underscores the challenge of securing skilled labor in a competitive construction market, both in Yorkshire and across the entire UK.
What Are The Health Risks?
Most housing disrepair cases include issues with mould. Mould-related deaths are rare, but exposure to certain types of mould can pose health risks, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems, respiratory issues, or mould allergies. While mould itself may not directly cause fatalities, it can exacerbate existing health conditions and lead to complications. The most common health problems associated with mould exposure include respiratory symptoms, allergic reactions, and exacerbation of asthma.
Stachybotrys chartarum, commonly known as black mould, is often cited as a particularly harmful type of mould. This mould produces mycotoxins that, in large amounts and under certain conditions, can be toxic. Prolonged exposure to mycotoxins may lead to a range of health issues, including respiratory problems and neurological symptoms.
However, it’s crucial to note that conclusive evidence linking mould exposure to death is limited. In most cases, mould-related health problems are manageable and reversible with proper medical attention and remediation of the mould source.
The risk of severe health effects from mould is higher for individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy, people with HIV/AIDS, and organ transplant recipients. Infants, elderly individuals, and people with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), may also be more susceptible to the adverse effects of mould exposure.
Preventing mould growth in properties involves addressing water leaks, ensuring proper ventilation, and promptly addressing water damage. Regular inspections and maintenance can help identify and mitigate mould issues before they become severe.
If individuals experience persistent health issues that may be related to mould exposure, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare professionals who can assess the specific situation and recommend appropriate measures. In extreme cases where mould-related health problems are severe, individuals may need to vacate the affected property until the mould issue is resolved.
To reduce the risk of mould-related health problems, it’s essential to address water damage promptly, maintain proper ventilation, and keep indoor environments clean and dry. Public health agencies and environmental organizations often provide guidelines on mould prevention and remediation to help individuals safeguard their homes and health.
