Housing disrepair has been the centre of attention regarding privately rented housing. A tenant is well within their right to file for a claim because of the breach of contract by the landlord not providing a livable environment.
Housing disrepair refers to the neglect on the landlord’s part to fix the issues related to the property. Can you take someone to court in the UK for emotional distress? Yes, a tenant can rightfully file a claim against their landlord for failing to provide optimal living conditions, leading to emotional distress.
In this article, we will cover in-depth what emotional stress is and what actions you can take to address it in the legal framework.
What Constitutes Emotional Distress?
Emotional distress can be caused by various reasons, resulting in several feelings. Mainly classified as emotional or psychological-emotional distress can be any of the following feelings:
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fear
- Shock
Landlord Causing Emotional Distress
A landlord causing emotional distress may be open to a lawsuit. A landlord can inflict emotional distress on the tenant by neglecting his duties. There can be many reasons to sue your landlord; here are some of them.
Failure to Maintain Safe and Habitable Living Conditions
Suppose a landlord is unable to provide liveable conditions to the tenants. In that case, tenants may be able to hold them accountable in court for the emotional stress caused by the situation.
Examples of landlord neglect include failing to fix the heating, getting rid of infestations, and treating mould issues. This neglect burdens the tenant’s emotional health, and the tenant may be able to take it to court.
Lack of Privacy
The tenant has the right to privacy, and if the landlord fails to comply with the privacy needs of the tenant, then the landlord can be held accountable. A breach of a tenant’s privacy can lead to emotional and psychological discomfort.
Harassment
What is classed as harassment from a landlord? Repeated and unwanted interactions, threats of lockout, or actions that create a hostile living environment are classed as harassment from the landlord. It can cause emotional stress and fear, among other things.
Legal Framework
The UK has laws to hold the landlord liable in the event of housing disrepair and emotional distress caused by the landlord. These laws ensure a safe and liveable environment for the tenant. A landlord neglecting his duties is liable to claims against them.
How do I prove emotional distress in court UK?
Experts should always handle legal matters; you can seek help from professional advice for a personalised approach. You can get in contact with such professionals through their website. A tenant living in social housing should contact their relevant housing authority.
To win the case, a tenant must prove their claims of the landlord causing emotional distress. Proper documentation of the neglect by the landlord and the resulting emotional distress is necessary to build a case. According to the UK’s injury law, PTSD, depression, and anxiety disorder can lead to compensation for the tenant.
How much can I claim for stress and anxiety UK?
A tenant can claim for the losses that might have occurred from the stress and anxiety-inducing conditions. Upon the tenant’s successful claim, the tenant will be compensated for the loss of income and the painful experiences. Compensation can vary from case to case.
How do you deal with a difficult landlord?
It is advised to get in touch with a legal advisor or the relevant housing association to get a clear picture. A tenant should not have to suffer living on a property owned by a difficult landlord. If the claim is viable, then take your landlord to court. Emotional distress can lead to a loss in quality of life and even cause monetary loss to the tenant. Tenants need to understand their rights and pursue better living conditions. Landlords adhere to their contracts and provide a livable space for the tenants.
You can learn disrepair claim against private landlord vs. housing association.