London Borough of Hounslow (202345175)

Background

1. The landlord carried out works to the roof in 2022. On 14 June 2022 the resident made a claim against the landlord to the county court. The claim was for its failure to carry out repairs to the roof which damaged his flooring. On 7 June 2023 the resident told the court he wished to withdraw his claim due to ill health. During June 2023 the resident rejected the landlord’s offer of compensation for damage to his flooring. On 2 July 2023 the resident emailed the landlord to say he intended to start a new court claim which he thought would be a continuation on the grounds of ill health. A general form of judgement or order was issued by the court on 28 July 2023 confirming the case was dismissed. There was no order as to costs.

What the complaint is about

2. The complaint is about the landlord’s response to the resident’s reports of ongoing roof leaks.

Our decision (determination)

We have not investigated the resident’s complaint because it is outside our jurisdiction.

Reasons

3. We may not investigate complaints that we think are more suited for resolution through the courts, other tribunal or procedure.
4. We acknowledge that the resident asked to withdraw his claim because he was unwell. However, we feel this complaint is better suited to the court process. In making this decision we have considered that:
   1. The resident previously made a claim against the landlord about the subject matter of the complaint.
   2. We may not consider complaints where the resident had the opportunity to raise the subject matter of the complaint as part of legal proceedings.