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Mould is one of the most common causes of a housing disrepair issue and can be a very difficult thing for a tenant to live with. There are many different types of mould, such as penetrating mould and rising damp, and probably the most common way to develop mould in a rented property is through condensation. If left to get worse, mould can have a damaging effect on the structure of the property and can be very difficult to live [...]

As a tenant in a council property, it can be distressing when a repair issue arises. This can cause discomfort for you and your family and you can spend considerable time and money trying to rectify the issue. Some minor repair issues can be dealt with easily, but bigger problems, such as cracks in walls and ceilings, are much more significant in terms of the impact on you as a tenant and also in terms of getting the issue rectified. [...]

For many people spring is their favourite season of the year, because it comes with a huge sense of positivity. The weather starts to change and we can begin opening the doors and windows a little more and uncovering our garden furniture ready for the summer months and enjoying our outdoor space. But as we do this we should also assess our rented property to establish what damage the harsh winter weather has caused.  When the cold, dark nights seem [...]

After being introduced to parliament in July 2023, Awaab’s Law will finally come into force in October 2025, and will bring vast change to the social renting sector in terms of providing better protection for tenants facing issues with damp and mould.   Awaab Ishak died in December 2020 just after his second birthday. His death was the result of a severe respiratory condition caused by prolonged exposure to damp and mould in the home he shared with his parents [...]

In most cases the relationship between a tenant and a landlord is a pleasant and functional one, but it can become complicated when issues arise, such as payment arrears and disrepair problems. There are many laws and regulations surrounding the landlord and tenant relationship and these largely dictate who is responsible for certain elements of the tenancy, and which will be detailed in your tenancy agreement. It is important that you refer to this agreement, but also that you understand [...]

In order to make a valid claim for housing disrepair the tenant must be renting property from a local authority, social housing or through a housing association. These types of affordable housing are often home to a number of tenants who could be described as ‘vulnerable’. The impact of housing disrepair issues on vulnerable tenants can be worse, because these tenants are already in need of additional support in many cases, and are therefore more affected by issues which impact [...]

Water can be the cause of huge damage in the home, and in a rented property you need to be extremely vigilant for problems it may be causing or about to cause. Water leaks can be slow and persistent and are not always visible or noticeable, while others are more obvious and immediate. Sometimes it is the smaller ones which can develop over time and cause a major issue before you are able to take any action. But one of [...]

As a tenant, although it may seem unfair that you are still paying rent when a landlord hasn’t resolved a housing disrepair issue, you still have a duty, according to your tenancy agreement, to continue paying rent and it is extremely risky if you choose to stop paying rent at any point. The law regarding housing disrepair, rent arrears and grounds for eviction is extremely complex, and at all times it is important that the tenant keeps their nose clean [...]