Insurers are bracing themselves for a sharp rise in subsidence claims after the heatwave this summer has led to cracks appearing in walls throughout multiple homes in England. A number of big-name insurers are reporting that subsidence incidents are up by 20% compared to the same period the previous year.

It is expected that there will be an influx of substantial claims towards the end of the year. With plants absorbing any available moisture from the soil, those homes built on clay will have been especially susceptible to subsidence during the dry summer, resulting in buildings shifting upon their foundations.

Subsidence Claims and the Duties of the Landlord

Landlords are under an implied duty to ensure that any property they let is habitable, and to repair the property whenever necessary. This duty does not need to be written into any agreement as it is implied by law, which also declares that “repair” involves the structure or exterior of a property; examples of such would include subsidence.

Once a landlord has been informed of the disrepair, they must ensure repairs are carried out within a reasonable period of time. If the landlord refuses to fix the property, a tenant can force them to perform the work and claim compensation by bringing a housing disrepair claim. Compensation may be recovered for damage to belongings, personal injury and any inconvenience caused by the disrepair.

Contact our Housing Disrepair specialists in Liverpool, England & Wales

If you feel that you may have a housing disrepair claim, contact our expert team today for a free consultation.