How to value fair compensation claim from Housing Association

recruiter1974

I was on a rent to buy scheme with a housing association. In November 2020 i raised a major structural issue with the property I was contracted to purchase. Eventually after many complaints I was offered an alternative property on a shared ownership mortgage.  I have just moved into that property.  Its taken 3 years to get to this stage.  During that time the stress and anxiety lead to a peptic ulcer brought on by stress and I was off work for 18 weeks recovering, I am now on medication for stress, anxiety and depression as a direct result of the battle with the housing association not to mention the financial impact and time I have had to put into to building a case to resolve the issue.  The housing association are not acknowledging the impact and i feel that I should be asking for compensation. 

The problem is how do I put a value on what is fair for financial, medical and emotional distress caused by the failure of the housing association not to have dealt with the matter after first reporting the issues on the original property.  I am not entitled to legal aid, and cant afford a solicitor following getting to a resolution as I have used all my savings just to resolve the matter. 

I am looking on advice on a fair and reasonable compensation value so I can write to the housing association asking them to consider my claim.  After which i then need to take to the ombudsman or court.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

MultiFuelBurner

Did you have legal cover on your home insurance, the house which had the issues and did you contact them regarding this. If so you could ask your question of your insurers of what you may be able to legally claim for.

user1977

Has somebody suggested that you have a claim?

recruiter1974

user1977 said:

Has somebody suggested that you have a claim?

No - I believe i have a claim that's worth pursuing until someone can tell me i don't.

lincroft1710

Pursuing such a claim could cause more stress, anxiety and depression

user1977

recruiter1974 said:

user1977 said:

Has somebody suggested that you have a claim?

No - I believe i have a claim that's worth pursuing until someone can tell me i don't.

I think we'd need to see what you originally signed up to (I'm not sure what rent to buy documentation normally says about completion dates etc), but delays in completion don't normally result in any such liability.

Even where somebody breaches a contract with a fixed completion date, the compensation is generally just for direct monetary expenses, not for stress etc.

jimbog

recruiter1974 said:

I was on a rent to buy scheme with a housing association. In November 2020 i raised a major structural issue with the property I was contracted to purchase. 

Did you have a survey carried out before signing the contract?

recruiter1974 said:

user1977 said:

Has somebody suggested that you have a claim?

No - I believe i have a claim that's worth pursuing until someone can tell me i don't.

It would be less stressful financially and emotionally if you only pursue a claim if legal advice says you have a chance first

jonnydeppiwish!

lincroft1710 said:

Pursuing such a claim could cause more stress, anxiety and depression

Absolutely second this - you’ve moved, new home. Just forget about it and get on with life.

sheramber

How much do you want?