Structural defects at The Guinness Partnership
If you rent from The Guinness Partnership and your structural defects problem has been left unfixed, the law sets clear deadlines for getting it put right, and you may have a claim. Here is what The Guinness Partnership must do and how to act.
Why this matters
Guinness's older stock has well-known issues with retrofit damp following insulation works carried out 2010-2018. If your home was retrofitted in that window and you've had damp problems since, that's a specific evidential angle worth exploring in your claim. Specifically for structural defects, Collapse risk, life-threatening in extreme cases is a recognised health risk under Section 11(1)(a), Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Defective Premises Act 1972, and The Guinness Partnership have a legal duty to act.
The legal anchor
Section 11(1)(a), Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Defective Premises Act 1972 gives you the right to repairs in a reasonable time. Under Awaab's Law (in force October 2025), The Guinness Partnership have a significant-hazard duty under Awaab's Law: 10 working days to investigate, then 5 working days from the end of that investigation to complete the safety work from the moment you reported the problem.
What to gather
- Photograph cracks with a ruler or coin for scale
- Photograph the same crack 2 weeks apart to show movement
- Get a structural engineer's letter if you can, costs ~£200, often recoverable
Contact: The Guinness Partnership complaints team (visit their website for the current address)
FAQs
Can I claim against The Guinness Partnership for structural defects?
Yes. The Guinness Partnership have a legal duty under Section 11(1)(a), Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 + Defective Premises Act 1972. If you've reported the problem and they've ignored you, you can claim compensation and force the repair. How much you could get depends on how long it went on, how serious it was, and any effect on your health.
How long do The Guinness Partnership have to fix structural defects?
Under Awaab's Law, The Guinness Partnership must act within a significant-hazard duty under Awaab's Law: 10 working days to investigate, then 5 working days from the end of that investigation to complete the safety work. If the problem is dangerous (24-hour emergency category), they must act immediately.
What if The Guinness Partnership have already inspected but done nothing?
An inspection alone doesn't satisfy Awaab's Law. The clock keeps ticking until the repair is done. Keep records of every inspection date and outcome.
Do I need a solicitor to claim against The Guinness Partnership?
You don't have to use one. You can pursue a complaint yourself. We offer a no-win-no-fee panel of SRA-regulated solicitors. National HA, 152 LA areas, 64,500 homes. C1 consumer grade, one of the first G15 to achieve it.
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Closing thought
National HA, 152 LA areas, 64,500 homes. C1 consumer grade, one of the first G15 to achieve it. Being a large landlord does not excuse ignoring Awaab's Law. If your home is making you sick, we can help. Call 0800 030 4669 or start your claim online.
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