Are Social Housing Landlords failing tenants over dan...

Housing associations are urged to urgently check building specifications for the use of Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete or RAAC.

RAAC is the condition that has led to the closure of over 100 schools and numerous other public sector buildings.

If RAAC is found in housing association homes the. immediate structural surveys should be commissioned, says social housing lawyers Winckworth Sherwood.

Greg Carter, a legal director and construction and insurance law specialist at Winckworth Sherwood comments: “RAAC was widely used in the construction of social housing between the 1950s and 1990s and, just as in school buildings and other structures, presents a serious risk for housing associations and their residents.

“Where social housing providers have not already done so, they should urgently check as-built drawings and specifications and if RAAC is found to have been used commission structural surveys to verify its condition and any remedial works.

“Unlike schools, no nationwide survey of social housing has been conducted and the extent of the problem is unknown. Thorough checks of housing stock will be the only way to fully understand the size and scale of any problems.

“Where RAAC is discovered and is defective, social housing providers may be able to claim the cost of remedial work on building or other insurance policies. The success of any claim will vary depending on the wording of those policies.

“However, depending on the scale of the problem, and as seen following the Grenfell tragedy, insurers may opt to exclude RAAC claims. That would be disappointing and frustrating for housing providers and tenants.

“But social housing providers should not need reminding that they have a legal responsibility to manage their buildings, to meet repair and maintenance obligations and meet relevant health and safety regulations. Inaction is not an option.”

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Robert Brown
04 September 2023 13:54 PM

I agree.

Any local authority houses built until the mid 50's are excellent but the quality plummeted after then and many built after then have already been demolished but probably not replaced by better properties.

If the PRS was an essential source of rental properties last week, it's now a VITAL source, but no rabble rousers or politicians want to hear that and take steps to protect and nurture it.

I reckon those who dig in for the next few years will reap the benefits longer term but tenants are in for a very rough ride, especially families wanting a long term home which landlords don't want to provide without suitable safeguards.