Tenant Injury Claim under Defective Premises Act 1972

Maintenance

Dear Advice Team,

I have received a claim from a former tenant over an alleged trip injury (on a stair carpet) during the most recent lockdown at the beginning of this year. The claim has been lodged via a no-win no-fee solicitor.

Inspection visits and maintenance work were substantially impeded during lockdown periods, as I'm sure many landlords would attest. Will this constitute a degree of mitigation in the Team's experience?

Also - a propos RLA's standard AST Agreement (Section A1) - are carpets classified as fixtures or fittings or household goods?

What consequences will arise for me as landlord if this claim is upheld?

I would be most interested to hear directly from any landlords who have themselves had experience of dealing with this type of claim.

Thank you in advance.