Housing disrepair can be a nightmare for tenants. Unfortunately, in the UK, living in unsafe and unhealthy conditions is very much a reality for some families. According to the English Housing Survey, 3.5 million households (14%) in England lived in a home that failed to meet the Decent Homes Standard in 2022-23.
This is a problem for housing providers, who have an obligation to maintain their properties in a habitable state so tenants can live in safe and comfortable homes. Therefore, housing providers must stay proactive to ensure maintenance problems don’t escalate.
Avoiding housing disrepair is not only beneficial for tenant wellbeing, but housing providers will also save money and enhance brand reputation. This is why an efficient repairs and maintenance service is vital for everyone involved.
In this article, we explore what housing disrepair is, its consequences if ignored and how to take action with reliable housing software.
What is housing disrepair?
Housing disrepair refers to a property’s poor condition when a housing provider (or landlord) fails to maintain it properly. This neglect can lead to major issues associated with structural defects and functionality, posing health risks, safety hazards and legal liabilities.
Housing providers have a legal duty to ensure homes are habitable and that any repairs and maintenance work is carried out efficiently. Failure to do so can lead to a drastic impact on the tenant experience, leading to accidents, illness and property damage.
Avoiding housing disrepair is an absolute necessity, which is why proactive maintenance and repairs management is essential in preventing these issues. This ensures safe and comfortable living conditions for tenants.
Types of housing disrepair issues
Several issues fall under the umbrella of housing disrepair:
- Damp and mould: Resulting from poor ventilation, leaks or rising damp. Leads to possible respiratory problems and allergies.
- Structural defects: Cracks in walls, unstable flooring or leaking roofs. Compromises the building’s integrity and poses safety hazards.
- Plumbing issues: Leaking pipes, blocked drains or malfunctioning toilets. Causes water damage and unsanitary conditions.
- Electrical hazards: Faulty wiring, exposed cables or broken sockets. Increases the risk of electrical shocks and fires.
- Heating and hot water problems: Defective boilers or heating systems. Leaves tenants without essential warmth – especially dangerous during colder months.
- Infestations: Pests such as rodents or insects. Spreads diseases and causes property damage.
Consequences of not dealing with housing disrepair
Neglecting properties by not addressing housing disrepair can be fatal for tenants and housing providers. Some issues may start small, but they can escalate into major problems if they’re not dealt with promptly – leading to uninhabitable living conditions and huge repairs and maintenance costs.
Here are some of the main repercussions of ignoring housing disrepair:
- Health risks: Exposure to damp, mould and pests can lead to health complications. In worst-case scenarios, this can be severe, as demonstrated by the horrific case of Awaab Ishak.
- Safety hazards: Structural defects or electrical faults can result in accidents, injuries or even fatalities.
- Legal implications: Housing providers who fail to address disrepair issues may face legal action, leading to compensation claims.
- Decreased property value: Persistent disrepair can deteriorate the property’s condition, reducing its market value and appeal.
- Massive repair costs: Housing disrepair is a huge financial burden for housing providers. If maintenance work is left unaddressed, it can escalate into major, costly repairs that most housing providers can’t afford.
Preventing housing disrepair with ROCC’s software solutions
Proactive maintenance is pivotal to preventing housing disrepair. Fortunately, ROCC’s comprehensive housing maintenance software is designed to assist housing providers in effectively managing and fending off disrepair issues.
Here are some of the key features of our software that ensure work is completed efficiently, on time and within budget:
- Integrated maintenance management: Streamlines responsive, planned and cyclical maintenance tasks. Ensures timely repairs and upkeep.
- Dynamic scheduling and workforce planning: Optimises appointment bookings and resource allocation. Enhances efficiency and reduces delays.
- Mobile accessibility: Enables field operatives to access real-time information and update job statuses on the go. Improves communication and response times.
- Asset management: Provides comprehensive visibility of property assets. Facilitates proactive maintenance and early detection of potential issues.
- Customer self-service: Empowers tenants to report issues directly, track repair progress and access relevant information. Fosters transparency and satisfaction.
With our housing maintenance software, housing associations and local authorities can enhance operational efficiency and provide tenants with safe and well-maintained homes – eliminating the risk of housing disrepair.
For more information on how ROCC’s solutions can revolutionise your organisation, get in touch with a member of our team today.
