Environmental Health Complaints and the Ombudsman in Arun
Quick answer: To report unsafe or unhealthy housing conditions in Arun - such as damp, mould, vermin, broken heating or poor sanitation - contact the environmental health team at your local council. You can find the right council and its reporting route through GOV.UK: find your local council. Environmental health officers can inspect your home under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) and, where a serious (Category 1) hazard is found, require your landlord to put it right under the Housing Act 2004.
Tenants and landlords in Arun are covered by the same statutory framework as the rest of England. This guide addresses environmental health complaints under national laws and regulations, specifically focusing on how tenants can address housing conditions that pose a risk to their well-being. In 2026, these issues remain critical due to ongoing challenges with substandard living conditions and inadequate landlord responses.
The introduction of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 has brought about significant changes aimed at improving tenant protections and addressing unfair practices in the private rented sector. These new measures have expanded the scope for tenants to report environmental health concerns directly to local authorities, such as Arun's environmental health team, ensuring that residents have a reliable channel for seeking redress.
What the Law Says
The primary legislation governing environmental health complaints is outlined in the Housing Act 2004 (Part 1) and the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Section 6 of the Housing Act 2004 establishes the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS). Which identifies potential risks to tenants' health and safety within their homes. The HHSRS is designed to assess housing conditions based on a full set of criteria. Ensuring that properties meet minimum standards for habitability.
The Environmental Protection Act 1990 also plays a important role by providing local authorities with the power to take action against properties deemed unfit or hazardous. This act allows councils like Arun's to enforce measures such as improvement notices and prohibition orders when necessary.
How the Renters' Rights Act 2025 Changes This
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced a new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, providing an additional layer of support for tenants who face unresolved issues with their landlords. Under this act, tenants may escalate complaints to the ombudsman if local council interventions fail to resolve environmental health concerns adequately.
The act also mandates that private landlords must comply with specific maintenance and safety standards, enforced through regular inspections and reporting mechanisms. This ensures that tenants have a clear pathway for addressing issues like mould, damp, or other hazards that impact their living conditions adversely.
What this Means for Tenants in Arun
For tenants in Arun facing environmental health concerns, understanding the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is important. Category 1 hazards under HHSRS are serious risks to a tenant's health or safety. These include issues such as severe dampness, gas leaks, electrical faults, and structural defects that could cause injury.
To report a Category 1 hazard, tenants should contact Arun's environmental health team directly. Providing detailed information about the issue, including photographic evidence if possible, will strengthen your case. The council may then issue an improvement notice or other enforcement action to address the problem promptly.
Your Next Steps If You Need Help in Arun
If you need assistance with an environmental health complaint in Arun, start by contacting the local environmental health team. They can guide you on how to proceed and what evidence is needed for your case. Additionally, gathering photographic evidence of any issues within your property will be beneficial.
Free advice services such as Citizens Advice or Shelter offer valuable support without cost. The Arun council's housing team also provides guidance and may intervene if necessary. Ensure that you document all communications with the landlord and council to maintain a clear record of your complaints and efforts to resolve them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Tenants often make the mistake of not reporting issues promptly, leading to worsening conditions over time. Another common error is failing to gather sufficient evidence, such as photographs or witness statements, which can weaken your case. Landlords may also overlook their duty to maintain properties safely and address reported hazards swiftly.
Avoid these pitfalls by acting early, documenting all aspects of the issue thoroughly, and following up regularly with the landlord and local authorities until the problem is resolved satisfactorily.
When to Get Professional Advice
If initial steps don't resolve your environmental health concerns or if you face eviction threats as a result of your complaint, it may be wise to seek professional legal advice. A regulated solicitor can provide tailored guidance on your rights under the Housing Act 2004 and other relevant legislation.
However, for many cases, free services like Citizens Advice or Shelter offer sufficient support without the need for costly legal assistance. Always check with a solicitor or local council to understand your specific situation better and determine the most appropriate course of action.
