Due to the unprecedented amount of disrepair claims being filed against social landlords, we ran a hugely popular event last month – focusing firstly on how to get your house in order to ensure you remain on the front foot to avoid being subject to disrepair claims. And secondly how to mitigate or defend claims if you do receive them. This is a summary of the key takeaways from the event

Daniel Miller, Head of Repairs & Maintenance and Martin Norgett, Asset Manager at Eastlight Community Homes talked delegates through their innovative Home MOT – a 42 point preventative maintenance check – which was introduced back in 2014. The MOT can be initiated by any part of the business and there are several different MOT types including:

  • General
  • Communal
  • Mutual exchange
  • Tenancy sustainment
  • Local Authority (e.g. environmental health issue)

Not only does this approach support their proactive approach to repairs and maintenance, but it has resulted in:

  • Reduction in disrepair claims
  • Identification of trends/common issues that could signify a broader systemic issue
  • Identification of safeguarding issues
  • Validation of stock condition
  • Consolidation of repairs
  • More effective customer engagement
  • Identification of customers requiring further support
  • Identification of potential HHSRS issues

The Homes MOT was also cited as one of the key reasons that Eastlight recently achieved a successful defence of a disrepair claim.

Next up, Dot Delegates Dorota Pawlowski, Managing Associate at Trowers and Hamlins LLP provides legal insight into how to defend claims against property conditions…..