Disrepair/Expert Witness Specialist

To provide expert technical assessments, reports, and testimony in cases involving housing disrepair, building defects, damp and mould, landlord/tenant disputes, and associated legal matters. The postholder will act impartially and in accordance with Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) Part 35, delivering clear, defensible expertise for solicitors, insurers, landlords, and courts.

Key Responsibilities

1. Technical Inspection & Assessment

Conduct detailed property inspections relating to disrepair, building pathology, damp, mould, structural movement, leaks, heating and ventilation issues, and general property condition.

Use specialist diagnostic tools (e.g., moisture meters, borescopes, thermal imaging, hygrometers) to identify root causes of defects.

Assess compliance with relevant legislation, standards, and codes of practice, including the Landlord and Tenant Act, Homes (Fitness for Human Habitation) Act, Decent Homes Standard, HHSRS, and building regulations.

2. Expert Reporting

Produce high-quality CPR-compliant expert witness reports, Scott Schedules, joint statements, condition surveys, and costed remedial schedules.

Provide clear, evidence-based conclusions on liability, causation, quantum, and remedial recommendations.

Ensure reports withstand judicial scrutiny and adhere to professional standards.

3. Court & Tribunal Support

Attend court hearings, mediation, or tribunals to give oral expert evidence when required.

Participate in expert meetings and produce joint statements in compliance with CPR 35.

Maintain impartiality at all times, acting independently of instructing parties.

4. Client Engagement & Case Management

Liaise with instructing solicitors, insurers, landlords, housing associations, and residents.

Provide updates on case progress and meet deadlines for report submission.

Review and respond to questions, Part 35 enquiries, or challenges to expert opinions.

5. Professional Standards & Compliance

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of building pathology, legislation, case law, and sector best practice.

Adhere to relevant professional body codes of conduct (e.g., RICS, CIOB, CIH).

Ensure all documentation is accurate, impartial, and fully evidence-based.

Required Skills & Experience

Essential:

Proven experience in housing disrepair investigation, building surveying, construction pathology, or related technical field.

Strong expertise in diagnosing damp, mould, condensation, leaks, building defects, and structural issues.

Demonstrable experience producing technical or expert reports.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to explain complex technical issues clearly to non-technical audiences.

Strong understanding of legal frameworks relevant to housing and disrepair.

High attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Desirable:

Previous CPR Part 35 Expert Witness experience.

Membership or accreditation with RICS, CIOB, CABE, or similar professional bodies.

Experience giving oral evidence in court or tribunal settings.

Knowledge of cost estimation for repairs and remedial works.

Training or certification in damp and mould investigation (e.g., PCA, IICRC).

Qualifications

Degree/HND in Building Surveying, Construction, Building Pathology, Property Maintenance, or equivalent experience.

Expert Witness or CPR 35 training (or willingness to undertake).

CSCS card or relevant safety certification (if site-based).

Personal Attributes

Professional, impartial, and ethical conduct.

Strong analytical and investigative mindset.

Confident communicator with resilience under cross-examination.

Empathy and sensitivity when dealing with vulnerable residents.

Ability to manage workload and meet strict deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Quality and accuracy of expert reports.

Adherence to deadlines and legal protocols.

Client satisfaction and repeat instruction rate.

Compliance with CPR 35 and professional standards.

Successful contribution to resolution of cases.