About Us Our background Lawrence Environmental Health Consultants & Surveyors specialise in all matters relating to housing and health. The company was established in 2002 and the principal consultant and director, Stephen Lawrence, has worked as an expert witness in environmental health since 1992.
Since 1992 we have provided thousands of expert reports and therefore we have a great deal of experience of housing disrepair disputes and litigation. Our clients include local authorities and housing associations, solicitors and advice agencies representing both landlords and tenants, and private individuals. Hundreds of our reports have been used in court cases where our impartiality and expertise has been tested and our experience is that the integrity and judgement of our reports has repeatedly been endorsed during such court actions.
We are fully versed in our obligations as experts under the civil justice procedures and in particular on the role and responsibilities of the Single Joint Expert. The style and content of our reports conforms to current guidance. We estimate we are appointed as a Single Joint Expert in approximately 30% of our housing disrepair instructions.
With a background in Environmental Health our expertise covers not only the theory and practice of building construction, building maintenance, disrepair, dilapidations and design defects. We also offer expertise on the health and safety aspects of dampness, disrepair, infestations, noise, unsafe design and hazardous materials (e.g. asbestos). As a profession Environmental Health Officers (EHO's) have worked to remedy unhealthy housing conditions since the mid-19th century and for many years EHO's have been recognised by the courts as the appropriate experts in statutory nuisance matters, in determining fitness for human habitation and since 2006 in the Housing Health & Safety Rating System.
Our Objectives We aim to provide an impartial and objective report without favour. As a wider aim we seek to promote reasonable standards of housing for everyone. We believe the prevention of injury and the chronic health conditions which can result from poor housing will benefit both individuals and society as a whole.
Our Services
We provide a range of reports which can be tailored to meet your requirements. Our survey reports will detail the age and character of the property and any defects or disrepair noted. We can provide an outline of any necessary remedial works or a detailed specification of works, an estimate of repair costs and our standard reports will always include photographs and guidance on legal liabilities. After providing a survey report we can undertake any necessary follow up work required (e.g. giving advice, attending court, preparing specifications of work, supervising works). We look forward to working with you.